Don’t cut calories!

A recent study discovered that cutting calories increased the production of cortisol, a stress hormone, which is linked to belly fat. Cortisol is a sign to your body that you are under stress. When your body is stressed, it will kick into survival mode, which is to hold onto as much weight and calories as possible. The key to long-term weight loss is to increase your metabolism, so you burn more calories and fat.

Today’s tip: How do you increase your metabolism? Eat more often. Every time you eat, you turn your metabolism up a notch. Shoot for 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. In fact, anytime your body gets “heated up” you raise your metabolism, so exercise will also raise your calorie burn.