Green Tea
If you want to tone up and build muscle, you have to exercise, but if you want to lose weight, you have to watch what you eat. Pictured: Japanese green tea cup during the annual Baikasai, Plum Blossom Festival at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Getty Images/Buddhika Weerasinghe

When you gain weight, one of the most noticeable signs is the bulge in your belly area. It is also one of the hardest to get rid of.

While there are plenty of resources offering different diet plans, weight loss products and exercise routines that will help lose stubborn belly fat, you can actually get started from the comfort of home. Here are some tried and tested home solutions to lose belly fat, most of which you can find in the regular American kitchen.

1. Lemon and honey

Each of these has its own set of benefits, but when combined they are a potent product to combat obesity. In addition, they can also help burn excess fat and cleanse the system. Lemon is vital to fat oxidation while honey lowers cholesterol levels.

2. Garlic

Garlic is high in allicin, which has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps control the formation of visceral fat. The effects of garlic as a weight loss supplement is best if it’s taken raw on an empty stomach, or you may consume it with honey to mask its sharp taste.

3. Curry leaves

Curry is known to help boost digestion and reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, it aids in ridding the body of abnormal fats and harmful toxins, which is why it is commonly consumed to treat an upset stomach. You may grind the leaves and combine it with buttermilk, or simply consume it raw on an empty tummy.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has multiple health benefits, one of which is to combat obesity and reduce belly fat. It is also scientifically proven to have antiparasitic and antimicrobial properties. You can mix it into warm water to consume as tea or add some lemon for added taste and fat burning.

5. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is composed of MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which are easy to digest and is quickly converted into energy rather than be stored as fat. By stimulating your body’s metabolic processes, it aids in getting rid of belly fat faster. You may consume it raw or add to drinks.

6. Green tea

The catechins in green tea give it its perfect detox property, which is essential to losing belly fat. Catechins ramp up one’s metabolism. If you are an avid coffee drinker, you might want to swap it out with green tea. This drink is best taken fresh brewed. Try to steer clear from those store-bought green tea beverages as they typically contain added sugars.

Perhaps the most important (and accessible) home remedy to lose belly fat is plain water. Drinking at least eight glasses daily will help boost your metabolism, reduce bloating and aid the digestive process. Say “no” to sugary drinks to decrease your calorie intake and always have some on hand so you can easily drink up whenever you feel thirsty or feel some cravings coming on. Best of all, it is absolutely free.