Causes of Belly Fat

There are three main reasons that cause us to put on and retain belly fat.  Individuals with higher levels of belly fat have been linked to some serious diseases including heart attack, and stroke.  Also it is known that 1 lb of belly fat is known to put over 10 lbs of pressure on your lower back.

1. Trans Fats:  Trans Fat foods are typically found in commercially processed foods such as cookies, pies, potato chips, hot pockets, and even protein bars.  These condensed foods are typically much higher in calories than meals prepared at home.
2. Saturated Fats:  Foods that contain high saturated fats are typically found in animal meats such as pork, beef, lamb, veal, and poultry.  There are many diary items that are high in saturated fat, some of these include whole milk, butter, ranch dressing, and even cheese.  If you consume large amounts of these foods, most likely you are toting around a spare tire of fat. 
3. Refined Sugars:  Refined sugar items such as table sugar, pop, sports drinks, sugary cereal, and candy if not used for energy will turn to fat.  Also known as simple carbohydrates these items tend to be high in calories and low in vitamin content. 

Some nutritionists say to avoid these items all together, I think minimal amounts are fine as long as combine them with an active lifestyle.