Hello fitness friends! Are you still going strong? I am. It seems like pushing a car uphill, yet I keep going! 

My latest focus has been abs. I keep reading abs are made in the kitchen. It’s all about the diet. 

What are you eating? 

I have been eating fairly clean. Yet I wasn’t seeing speedy results in the ab department. 

I ran across an article that peaked my interest on the liver. When the liver is overloaded with toxins it is challenging to lose belly fat. 

I would not think my liver needed detoxing. I am not a drinker. Yet months of eating less than clean food choices left me with a mini belly I could not beat. 

When the liver becomes clogged with excess fat and toxins from a poor diet, it begins to store fat within itself — contributing to a continuing downward spiral of inefficiency. Extra pounds then begin to appear around the abdomen. Sugar and refined carbohydrates are the main culprits, although excessive alcohol consumption can play a part in fatty liver disease as well.

Learn more: Cleanse the Liver; Loose Belly Fat

The liver can be cleansed with diet modifications. 

7 Foods that Cleanse the Liver

There are also supplements that help cleanse the liver. Please talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. 

Antioxidant vitamins such as C, E, and beta-carotene; minerals such as zinc and selenium; B-vitamins that aid alcohol metabolism; and herbs said to “cleanse” the liver such as milk thistle, dandelion root, and schizandra, might help protect liver cells while ridding our body of poisons.

Source: WebMD

I have upped my antioxidants, cut out daily bread consumption, cut back on sugar-except fruit. I increased water intake and starting taking Milk Thistle. 

The results: in a week of detoxing my liver I’ve lost about 2 inches of fat off my stomach. I believe it’s more because there was no measurement of the upper abs. I have not changed my exercise regimen. 

I’ve lost 10 inches all over since starting this challenge. Most of the changes can be seen in my lower body. I will be working on my upper body more this next round which starts tomorrow! 

I cannot recommend detox enough. If you’re struggling to lose fat and you are eating healthy/exercising, think about detoxing. The best way is through diet. 

Eliminate alcohol, sugar, caffeine, fried foods, processed foods, bread, carbs that are not fruits and vegetables, drink lots of water and green tea. Please consult your doctor for diet changes since I am not a licensed physician. 😄👍🏼

Here are some recipes for detox waters: Detox waters recipes

Also make sure you’re getting enough rest. Sleep is vital to overall health. 😴😴😴

Here’s to another 21 days. Are you ready? I hope so. 

  

Erin 

Photos pulled from Pinterest.