Eat More to Lose Belly Fat

Hi, I'm Doctor Miller with a smart tip to help you lose weight. Eat. It seems counter intuitive but it's true. Research shows that dieting too intensely or tracking every bite too closely may actually add belly fat. In one study, female dieters who followed a strict low calorie diet plan of 1200 calories a day, had a significant rise in levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

That can mean trouble for your waistline. Cortisol tells your body to store more calories in your midsection right where you don't want them. On top of that, the added stress can derail your motivation to follow through with a weight loss plan. Of course, it's important to think about what you're eating, but don't obsess about it.

Watch your portion sizes, choose healthy foods and track your snack habit. That's it. For more ways to watch your weight and stay healthy, check out all our smart tips, right here.