4 Secrets to Burning Belly Fat While You Sleep

It seems too good to be true, but you can actually burn belly fat while you sleep. Max Posternak, a fitness trainer and influencer who founded Gravity Transformation, regularly shares tips and tricks on how to blast fat and get into shape efficiently and effectively. In a recent viral video, he discusses a few things you can do to accelerate weight loss, even when you are resting. “Here are three extremely effective tips to burn more fat while sleeping,” he says at the start of the clip. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in on his tips.

Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin D

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First, you want to “optimize your thyroid function mostly by making sure that you're getting enough iodine, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D,” says Posternak. “Make sure you're having iodine, salt for iodine, oysters for zinc, seafood for selenium and sunlight exposure, or a supplement for vitamin D.” How does this help? “Optimizing your thyroid function can increase your metabolism by up to a thousand calories a day.”

Build More Muscle

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Next tip? Build more muscle. “Not only does muscle mass require a lot of calories to maintain even while you sleep, but it also increases insulin sensitivity and depletes glycogen stores, which will help recycle carbohydrates rather than storing them as fat,” he says.

RELATED: 13 Strategies to Burn Body Fat Faster Than Ever Before, From a Champion Bodybuilder

Eat More Protein

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“And the third thing is to eat more protein, at least 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight,” says Posternak. “This is because protein has a high thermic effect. This means that the amount of energy it takes for your body to digest, process, and store protein is much higher when compared to other nutrients. Some studies estimate that between 15 to 30 percent of the calories taken in from protein are used right back up during the digestion process.”

Body Network’s Resident RDN Weighs In

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Collingwood agrees that thyroid function is important when it comes to burning fat. However, “eating more of these nutrients isn’t going to necessarily make your thyroid work ‘better’ or burn more calories,” she says. A deficiency in the nutrients he mentions could affect thyroid function, but there are plenty of foods you can eat for these nutrients if you don’t enjoy oysters and seafood,” she adds.

Or, if you don’t like any foods with these nutrients, you can always take a multivitamin just as a catch-all to ensure daily intake. She completely agrees with his muscle-building suggestion. “The more muscle you have on your body, the more calories you burn 24 hours a day, even while you sleep! You also burn more working, exercising, and relaxing,” she notes. And, yes,” protein burns calories while digesting, keeps you full longer, and helps you preserve muscle while trying to lose weight,” she says.

RELATED: 5 Best Cardiovascular Exercises to Lose Body Fat

One More Tip: Move All Day

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Collingwood offers another tip. “Increase your metabolism for the entire day by staying moving as much as possible,” she encourages. “Sitting all day long, which most of us do, significantly reduces metabolism. Try to go for a 3 to 5-minute walk every 60 to 90 minutes throughout your work day to keep that metabolism up!”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to burn more fat while sleeping amp up protein and build muscle while you are awake.

Losing belly fat is a top goal for many, but keeping it off is often the real challenge. Thankfully, recent research has pinpointed effective methods that can help you shed belly fat quickly and, even better, keep it from coming back. These science-backed strategies focus on boosting metabolism, managing stress, and improving muscle tone—all of which contribute to lasting belly fat loss. Incorporating these methods into your routine can accelerate fat burning and lead to a leaner, more defined midsection that lasts. Here’s what researchers say is the fastest way to melt belly fat and keep it off for good.

Prioritize High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Burns Fat in Less Time

HIIT workouts are known for their efficiency in burning fat, especially around the belly. By alternating between short bursts of intense activity and brief rest periods, HIIT increases calorie burn both during and after your workout. Studies show that HIIT is one of the most effective exercises for targeting belly fat, making it ideal for those looking to shed weight fast.

Eat Protein at Every Meal to Boost Metabolism

Supports Fat-Burning and Muscle Preservation

Protein-rich foods help increase the thermic effect of food, meaning your body burns more calories during digestion. Eating protein at every meal also helps maintain muscle mass, which is essential for a higher metabolism. This increase in metabolic rate aids in keeping belly fat off, even when you’re not working out.

Incorporate Strength Training for Lasting Fat Loss

Build Muscle to Burn More Calories

Strength training, like lifting weights or resistance exercises, builds muscle, which naturally burns more calories at rest. This long-term increase in calorie burn is key to keeping belly fat off. Adding strength training to your weekly routine not only sculpts your body but also ensures that any lost fat stays gone.

Reduce Refined Carbs to Prevent Fat Storage

Control Blood Sugar and Insulin Spikes

Refined carbs, such as white bread and sugary snacks, can cause blood sugar spikes that lead to insulin release—a hormone that promotes fat storage, particularly in the belly area. Opting for whole grains instead helps keep blood sugar stable, which is essential for both losing belly fat and keeping it off.

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Practice Mindful Eating to Avoid Overeating

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Stay Aware of Hunger and Fullness Cues

Mindful eating involves paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues, which can prevent overeating and help manage calorie intake. Research shows that people who practice mindful eating are more likely to maintain weight loss, as it helps them avoid unnecessary snacking and portion control issues that contribute to belly fat.

Get 7–8 Hours of Quality Sleep Each Night

Improves Fat-Burning Hormones

Sleep is essential for regulating the hormones that control hunger and fat storage, like leptin and cortisol. Studies show that a lack of sleep can lead to increased cravings and belly fat storage. Prioritizing sleep supports hormone balance, making it easier to lose and maintain a flat stomach.

Drink Green Tea Daily to Boost Metabolism

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Catechins in Green Tea Enhance Fat Burning

Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins that stimulate fat burning, especially in the belly area. Drinking green tea regularly can increase your metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories and specifically target stubborn fat stores. A cup or two a day is a simple habit that can lead to lasting results.

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Manage Stress Levels to Reduce Cortisol

Lower Cortisol to Prevent Belly Fat Accumulation

Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which are associated with increased belly fat. Practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or even daily walks, can help lower cortisol and prevent stress-related weight gain in the midsection. Following these research-backed methods can help you achieve a leaner waistline and prevent the return of belly fat. Each of these strategies is designed to maximize fat burning and support metabolic health, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight and toned midsection over time. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

You might think that the secret to losing belly fat is doing endless crunches a day. However, according to fitness experts, this is just a myth. Soraya (@project.s.lifestyle) is a certified macro nutrition and fat loss coach and TikTok influencer. Her goal is to help people get their “dream body” without “ditching” their favorite foods and bust myths surrounding weight loss. In one of her viral videos she reveals the three things that will help you lose stubborn belly fat.

1. You Don’t Have to Go to Extremes to Lose Belly Fat

“Here's how you lose that stubborn lower belly fat that just hangs there when you pull your pants down,” she says in the clip. “Number one 60 sets a day right before bed. Number two, cut out all white carbs, white potatoes, white bread, pasta, things like that. Number three, one hour of cardio every single day,” she continues. “Now, these are things I see a lot of people doing to lose belly fat and lose fat in general, but it's not the most efficient and sustainable way to lose it.”

2. But, It Takes More Than Lots of Ab Work

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She continues to tell her followers what will actually help you blast belly fat. “Weight loss essentially comes from being in a calorie deficit. So you can do all the crunches, all the ab workouts you want to do, but if your nutrition is not on point, you'll not see any results in your stomach at all,” she says.

Related: I Lost 54 Pounds in 47 Days By Following These 10 Rules

3. 1. Be in a Calorie Deficit

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The first thing you need to do to lose lower belly fat “is to be in a healthy calorie deficit, unique to you,” she says. Chris McMahon, a nutrition and fitness coach agrees that the “best way to actually shrink your stomach” would be to be in a consistent calorie deficit. “There's no way around it. People say that diets don't work. That's not true,” he adds.

4. 2. Strength Training

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Her second recommendation? “Focus on strength training,” she says. Several studies have found a link between resistance training and reduced weight circumference, aka, belly fat. Some good weight training exercises to tone your midsection include bicep curls, squats, lunges, and tricep kickbacks.

5. 3. 30 Minutes of Walking Per Day

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And finally, she recommends “30 minutes of walking per day,” instead of 60. “Light movement doesn't have to be anything crazy,” she adds. If you don’t have time for a 30-minute walk, McMahon suggests taking 10 minute walks throughout the day. “A 10 minute walk is equal to a thousand steps. So if you think of it that way, it's like, “Oh, okay, I can take short little walk breaks.”

Related: I Lost Weight Without Trying by Stopping These 7 Things

6. Finally, Have Patience

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“Now, if you do this, you will see results, but for a lot of women, their stomach is the slower thing to go,” she says. “So you just have to be patient and trust the process.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Contrary to popular belief, you can’t flatten your abs by doing a lot of crunches. In order to lose belly fat, you have to be in a caloric deficit.

Are you struggling to get rid of body fat after 50? Gary Walker is an over 50 “muscle building expert” and one of the founders of Live Anabolic. In one of his viral videos, he reveals five easy ways, or “foundations,” for men over 50 to blast belly fat. “These foundations are your key to unlocking the body you've been striving for,” he says in the clip. “I'm going to give you five foundations that always work and are necessary if you wanna reach your target so fast enough because we're diving headfirst into the five essential secrets that will finally help you conquer your weight loss goals.:

There’s a Lot of “Confusion” About How to Lose Belly Fat After 50

“Ever find yourself staring at the mirror wondering where that stubborn belly fat came from after hitting the big 5-0? Well, you're not alone,” he says at the start of the clip. “There's a lot of confusion about what to do to lose belly fat after 50.”

1. Have a Structured Meal Plan

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The first “crucial” foundation is having a structured meal plan. “Having a plan in place is like having a roadmap for your weight loss journey,” he says. “Now, why is this important? Well, think about it this way. If you don't have a clear plan, it's like navigating through a maze with a blindfold. You're just guessing your way through it. But with a meal plan, you're taking control of your nutrition and ensuring you're on the right track.”

Here’s How to Divide Your Plate

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“Imagine your plate as a pie chart. Half of that plate should be dedicated to protein. That's your lean meats, poultry, fish, or other lean protein sources. Then, one-quarter of your plate is reserved for carbs like whole grains. Let's think of brown rice or quinoa to give you that sustained energy. And the other quarter is for veggies. They're packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that your body craves,” he says.

Consistency Is Key

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“But here's a golden nugget” Consistency. Sticking to your plan day in and day out is what truly makes the difference. Your body thrives on routine, so roll up your sleeves, get your meal plan in order, and watch those excess inches vanish. Your body will thank you for it down the road,” he says.

2. Sleep

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“The second foundation is your sleep,” he continues. “Now, sleep and weight loss are more connected than you think. Quality sleep doesn't just rest your body. It's a powerhouse for weight loss.”

Sleep Keeps Your Body Functioning “Like a Well-Oiled Machine”

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“When you consistently get good sleep, your body functions like a well-oiled machine, but skimping on sleep is like trying to drive a car with a flat tire. When you don't get enough quality sleep, your body's hormonal balance goes haywire. You start losing muscle instead of fat. Your metabolism takes a nosedive, and your body becomes resistant to insulin, which is the hormone that regulates blood sugar,” he says.

Get More Restorative Sleep

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“We do have a remedy for that, and that's anabolic reload pm,” he says. “Now, anabolic reload PM is a nighttime sleep support supplement crafted to help you fall into a deep restorative sleep. Now, why does that matter? Because that's when your body repairs, rebuilds, and revitalizes. It's like hitting the reset button on your body's systems. You'll notice improved energy levels, sharper mental focus, and yes, a smoother path to shedding that stubborn belly fat,” he says.

3. Incorporate Daily Activity

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The third foundation is to “incorporate daily activity,” he says. “Now, modern life has a sneaky way of locking us into sedentary patterns while it's either at the office or lounging at home. But here's a wake-up call. Your body is designed to move, and it craves that movement. Think about it. Our ancestors didn't have comfy office chairs, but they had strong, active bodies. So, it's time to incorporate daily activities into your routines. Think of it as a reset button for your metabolism,” he explains.

Set Aside 30 Minutes for Extra Activity

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“I'm not suggesting becoming a gym rat, but setting aside just 30 minutes for extra activity beyond your regular workouts can make a world of difference,” he recommends. “It's like giving your metabolism a boost and revving up your fat-burning engine. So what can you do in those 30 minutes? The possibilities are endless. You can go for a brisk walk in the morning, swim a few laps in the afternoon, or hop on your bike and explore your neighborhood. The key is to find something you enjoy so that staying active becomes second nature to you.:

4. Resistance Training

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“This leads me to the fourth foundation: You need to implement resistance training weekly,” he continues. “Now, I know the idea of lifting weights might sound intimidating, but trust me, it's your ticket to a leaner, stronger you. Resistance training isn't just about bulging biceps and a chiseled chest.”

It Helps Build Muscle and Burn Fat

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“It's your secret weapon for building muscle and torching fat simultaneously. You see muscles burn calories even when you're just lounging on your couch. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism and the more efficiently you shed that unwanted belly fat,” he says.

Just Do Simple Moves

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“But don't worry, you don't need to be a bodybuilder to reap the rewards. Simple moves like goblet squats, pushups, or back rows can work wonders for you,” he says.

5. Increase Water intake

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“The fifth and final foundation is a simple yet incredibly powerful one, and that's increasing your water intake,” He says. “Think of water as the elixir of life, especially when it comes to shedding that stubborn belly fat. Now, let's break it down. Replacing those sugary calorie-laden drinks with good water is like giving your body a much-needed detox.”

Aim for Half a Gallon Per Day

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“Not only will you be cutting down on empty calories, but you'll also be quenching your body's thirst in the healthiest way possible. Now, aim to drink at least half a gallon of water every day. That might sound like a lot, but trust me, your body is going to thank you for it,” he promises.

Water Helps the Fat-Burning Process

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“Hydration is the unsung hero of weight loss. When your body is well hydrated, all the fat-burning processes run like a well-oiled machine. And the best part is that it doesn't just help you lose weight; it supports your overall health and vitality,” he explains.

RELATED: This Is How Much Protein You Should Eat Every Day to Lose 10 Pounds in 30 Days

Here’s the Recep

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“There you have it, the five unshakeable foundations that will catapult you towards your goal of losing that stubborn belly fat,” he says, offering a recap. “First, design your plate like a pro with the right proportions of protein, carbs, and veggies. Stick to your plan and let consistency be your guiding light. Embrace deep, restorative sleep. Break free from the sedentary trap. Just 30 minutes of extra activity can be a game-changer. Build muscles, stoke that metabolism, and torch fat through resistance training. Swap sugary drinks for water and hydrate like a champ. You'll support efficient fat burning and give your body the TLC it craves.”

Implement the Strategies, and You Will Lose Weight

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“Now the ball is in your court. These foundations are your key to unlocking the body you've been striving for. So let's get to work. Implement these strategies with dedication, and you'll be well on your way to waving goodbye to that belly fat for good,” he says.

Fat Loss “Requires Doing More Than One Thing

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“Fat loss is one of the hardest things to accomplish on a fitness journey, especially when it comes to belly fat. The main reason is that fat loss requires doing more than just one thing. You need to focus on your nutrition, cardio, resistance training, sleep, recovery, etc. It may seem overwhelming,” he adds in the caption.

Set Your Goals and Work Toward Them

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“No more staring in the mirror, wondering where all the stubborn belly fat has come from. It is time for you to set your goal and work towards losing fat after 50. These tips will be helpful, but not necessarily easy,” he adds.

RELATED: I Lost 66 Pounds Without Leaving My House with These Fitness Tips

No Excuses!

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“It takes commitment, focus, and even someone to help keep you accountable on your fitness journey. It is time to lose fat; no more excuses!” he concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.