Will lime/lemon juice help reduce belly fat?
Dear Donovan,
I am gaining weight, especially in my belly, and I want to lose this weight as quickly as possible. I am 22 and my weight is 57kg (125lb). I have heard that drinking lemon juice helps in weight loss. Will this help to reduce belly fat?
It is not wise to think that any one food or drink taken on its own will make you lose weight and get rid of belly fat. However, lime or lemon water combined with a healthy reduced calorie diet along with exercise could give you good results.
Lime (which is more readily available locally) is rich in citric acid, which acts as a natural digestive acid. This citric acid can interact with the stomach acids and enzymes and promote good digestion. In addition, lime water can also help in detoxing and speeding up the metabolic rate. Detoxing of the bowels can result in reduced belly size.
Lime water can make you feel full, therefore reducing the appetite. Lime water can also be taken as a meal which is low in calories and high in minerals and vitamins. The high vitamin C content of limes can boost the immune system and also help the body to break down fat during exercise, thus promoting weight loss. The vitamin C will promote the absorption of calcium from the fat cells and will also help in weight loss. Because of the high acidic content, lime water can also help to reduce the absorption of sugar from our gut.
It is very important to find out why you are putting on weight. What is your diet like? Are you exercising? Are you stressed? The only sure way to lose weight and keep it off is to adopt a lifestyle programme which includes eating healthy and doing exercise. It should be noted that once you lose weight you will lose weight all over, including in your gut. However, in order to speed up weight loss in the stomach you could also do a detox programme.
Losing weight requires taking in fewer calories than you were taking before. However, it is also important that you eat foods which are healthy. These could include fruits, vegetables, vegetable juices, whole grains, beans, etc. In addition, it is better to have several small meals instead of one or two large meals.
Exercise could also be helpful in your weight loss programme. Doing at least 30 minutes of cardio three to four times per week can help greatly.
Start your programme ASAP.
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight, or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
