The cause and solutions for extremely stubborn belly fat

The biggest complaint of most of my clients as well my peers in fitness is that little stubborn lump of fat just above the waistline.  I think we’re all too familiar with that little roll of fat that settles just above the pant line and prevents you from wearing those pants or two piece swimsuit you love.

To help them achieve the flat, toned stomach of their dreams, I would give them a strict nutritional plan to follow along with a piece of advice popular among my fellow trainers: “Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym.”

However, the level of success was low for two reasons - clients either had trouble sticking with the diet (cheating on it really hurt results), or, for some reason - the diet didn’t provide results the way it should.  

As I got older, I too, started to struggle with this issue: as my schedule got busier with work and children, I couldn’t always maintain a regular gym schedule and my dietary choices were less than perfect. Even though I had all the knowledge and expertise I needed to shed those unwanted inches - living it became more of a struggle.

This prompted me to start looking for a way to make it easier for both me and my clients to shrink our waistlines and achieve our fitness goals.

Chronic Inflammation - A Major Contributor of Belly Fat?

My research led me to Dr. Hennen, one of the most respected and forward-thinking chemists in the supplement industry. He knew that the best way to target Belly Fat is to target the number one contributor - Chronic Inflammation. Inflammation is our bodies way of signaling to the Immune System that there is an infection or injury that needs to be taken care of. When the source of inflammation is severe enough, it causes our bodies to go into “survival mode” because it believes that if we are injured or sick, we are unable to go out and capture/gather food while we are laid up. Our metabolism slows down and switches from a “burn” setting to a “store” setting. The body also produces chemicals designed to make the person feel tired and sleepy - encouraging rest to help with the healing. The additional fatigue saps us of energy and the motivation needed to exercise regularly and prepare proper meals. It turns out that this state of inflammation was the reason my clients still had trouble losing weight despite all their hard work - their body was actively working against their efforts to lose weight.

What Causes Chronic Inflammation?

The most common (and most overlooked) source of inflammation we suffer is within the digestive system, generally referred to as the “Gut”. The Gut is our body’s first line of defense against infections, viruses, and toxins that are trying to enter into our system on a daily basis. The most important key to a properly functioning digestive system is a healthy gut lining. If the gut lining becomes weakened or porous, several issues can start to arise:

• Slowed Metabolism
• Fatigue
• Weight gain, or excess fat, around the waist and thighs
• Accelerated Tissue and Organ Damage
• Overstressed, Weakened Immune System
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Potential Food Allergies or Sensitivites
• Auto Immune Diseases

When our gut lining is intact, things like bacteria, viruses, and toxins can’t make it into our bloodstream and they pass harmlessly out of our system via the digestive process. If the gut lining is compromised, the viruses, bacteria and toxins can bypass our gut’s defense and enter the bloodstream. Once they are in the bloodstream, the body sends out an alert to the immune system and the inflammation process is started (triggering the body to enter “survival”, or fat storage, mode. To further complicate matters, if the gut lining is broken down, undigested food particles can also pass into the bloodstream.

This can cause several problems: the immune system will tag these food particles as foreign invaders that need to be attacked (potentially causing future food allergies or sensitivities), the white blood cells that gather in response to the immune system’s call to action, unable to attack the food particles, can potentially start to attack nearby healthy tissue and organs (eventually contributing to Auto Immune Disease), and we are deprived of nutrition that we would have received from that food had it been properly broken down (resulting in potential nutritional deficiencies). 

The additional stress placed on the immune system as a result of the break down in the gut lining will cause it to lose more battles (resulting in more bouts of illness) and the resulting inflammation and fatigue will start to become a constant daily presence as the body then enters into a state of Chronic Inflammation -- because the Immune System does not have the energy or resources to catch up.

Potential Triggers of Leaky Gut Syndrome:

So how do you reduce the inflammation and protect and repair the gut?

Healing the gut is the first and most important step towards fighting chronic inflammation and restoring our health and body.  A body must first become healthy to become fit, so if you want to lose that stubborn belly fat, you need to take steps to calm inflammation, repair the gut, and protect it from future damage.

One way to do this is through a gut-healing, anti-inflammatory diet. However, these were even more restrictive and demanding than the previous healthy meal plans I was giving to my clients. If my clients struggled to follow those, I knew that it was an even bigger stretch to ask them to try one of these. This was when I found and approach Dr. Hennen, to see if he could help design something my clients could use to improve their results.

He proposed creating a supplement with a combination of prebiotics (more effective at supporting beneficial bacteria in the gut than probiotics), Cissus Quadrangularis to help restore the gut lining, anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce inflammation, as well as appetite suppressants to help curve cravings and encourage healthier food choices. This became the basis of our formulation for IGNITE.

However, Dr. Hennen advised that if we wanted to create a truly effective supplement to help burn belly fat, we needed to address other issues that also contribute to inflammation, slowed metabolism, and weight gain.

The Role of Stress

Cortisol, often known as the stress hormone, is not just secreted during times of stress, but is regularly secreted throughout the day by our adrenal glands. Normally, cortisol levels are highest in the early morning and lowest around midnight. It is important for helping regulate blood pressure and energy levels, stimulating the release of insulin as well as the conversion of fats and carbs into quick energy. This is why the release of cortisol can often result in an increased appetite.

Our bodies are designed for survival and part of survival is the ability to act fast when in danger. In times of stress, our bodies release the hormones adrenaline and cortisol - providing us with instant energy for 5-10 minutes. However, the body can’t tell the difference between life-threatening stress and daily, irritating stress such as traffic jams and deadlines. The release of cortisol can cause an increased appetite and cravings for fat, carbs and sugar - quick sources of energy. Of course, if this stress isn’t actually from a physical threat where we will be sprinting away from danger for 10 minutes, it leaves our body with excess calories it won’t use and it ends up getting stored - often in our midsection, close to the liver, where it can be quickly converted into energy again. This is why stress is the most common cause of belly fat.

This isn’t the end of the problem, unfortunately. When this psychological stress happens for extended periods of time (chronic stress), it interferes with cortisol’s ability to regulate the inflammatory process - leading to increased inflammation. The additional inflammation adds further stress on our immune system and encourages a slower metabolism and increased fat storage.

Dr. Hennen suggested adding mood, energy, and concentration boosting ingredients to our formulation to improve how my clients deal with stress. After all, stress isn’t the problem he said, but it’s how we react to stress that is the problem. When we view it negatively or with worry, it causes health problems. If we let it roll off our back or shrug it off - it has little to no effect on our health at all! This prompted us to add Sinetrol Citrus Extract, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin D, Vitamins B3, B6, B9, and B12, Quercitin, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea and Acetyl L-Carnitine to our list of important ingredients to add. Green Tea, which was in our formula for its anti-Candida benefits, also had the bonus of being extremely effective for boosting energy and focus.

INSERT INFOGRAPHIC HERE: INGREDIENTS THAT HELP MANAGE STRESS: Green Tea Extract, Vitamin D, B Vitamins, Quercitin, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, Acetyl L-Carnitine.

The Link Between Sugar, Insulin and Fat

Another major contributor to inflammation, a slowed metabolism, and the resulting weight gain is blood sugar levels. When our blood is faced with a sudden increase of glucose (energy that has been converted from carbs and/or sugar), it responds by increasing insulin levels (which allows the glucose to be move into cells for storage). The higher the levels of blood sugar, the more insulin that gets released. The higher the insulin levels - the more glucose that gets stored as fat. The secret to preventing fat storage triggered by high insulin levels is to keep blood sugar levels steady - a spike will encourage insulin release, and low levels (caused by skipped meals) will increase cravings for carbs and sugar (which are fast sources of energy, but also the most likely to rapidly spike blood sugar levels). Sodas, sugary drinks, and juices are the worst culprits and should be avoided. Foods that are high in fiber and slow to digest such as vegetables, whole grains, protein, and fat supply the body with a gradual, steady supply of energy that keeps one feeling full longer and prevents too much energy from entering the bloodstream at once (which will spike insulin levels).

The latest clinical research is showing that inflammation can cause insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition where the cells do not respond properly to insulin by pulling sugar out of the bloodstream and storing it. This leaves blood sugar levels high and the body responds by producing more insulin. Remember - higher insulins levels are proven to cause weight gain. Chronic stress has also been linked to insulin resistance. This is just another way inflammation and stress contribute to weight gain and belly fat.

Dr. Hennen stressed that managing our blood sugar levels, in addition to helping us lose weight, can be one of the most important things we can do for our health. Obviously, our diet plays a key factor in this, but Dr. Hennen did know of a few supplements that can help maintain steadier blood sugar levels to carry us through our weaker moments when we cheat or during holidays or celebrations when our diets tend to suffer. This solution was perfect for my clients who struggled with less-than-perfect eating habits! Berberine, Brown Kelp, Manganese, Resveratrol, and Cissus Quadrangularis (which also was on our list for its gut-healing benefits) were all shown to be clinically effective at maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

INSERT INFOGRAPHIC HERE: INGREDIENTS THAT HELP BALANCE BLOOD SUGAR: Berberine, Brown Kelp, Manganese, Resveratrol, Cissus Quadrangularis

 

Belly Fat Makes You Fatter

A small amount of body fat is necessary and important for health. However, excess belly fat - also known as visceral fat (not the pinchable layer of fat, but the fat that surrounds the inner organs in the abdomen), steadily releases inflammatory proteins into the body. This contributes not only to chronic inflammation (which is linked to weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and health problems), but also insulin resistance (which contributes to weight gain and diabetes). In other words, belly fat not only looks unattractive, it is dangerous to our health - contributing to inflammation as well as additional weight gain.

This kind of fat is notoriously stubborn to lose, so Dr. Hennen suggested I add some proven fat-burners to encourage the cells to release stored fat to be burned for energy. The faster we lose our belly, the better our results. This led us to add Bitter Orange Extract, Black Pepper Extract, Sinetrol Citrus Extract, and Irvingia Gabonesis to the mix.

In addition, our energy boosting ingredients: Acetyl L-Carnitine, Green Tea Extract, Rhodiola Rosea and Vitamin B Complex noticeably boost energy levels and motivation - so you move more, get more done, and get more out of workouts - causing us to burn even more fat.

INSERT INFOGRAPHIC HERE: Fat Burning Ingredients: Bitter Orange Extract, Sinetrol Citrus Extract, Black Pepper Extract, and Irvingia Gabonesis

Insert infographic here - Top Causes of Weight Gain

• Chronic Inflammation
• Leaky Gut
• Stress
• High Insulin Levels
• Belly Fat

The Most Effective Way To Burn Belly Fat and Lose Weight  

Our goal was to create a product that could bring your body back to its ideal metabolic state - the state where it is burning fat for energy rather than storing it. Each of those causes of weight gain listed above contribute to slowing down and interfering with the metabolism. If you restore your body to a state where it feels healthy rather than threatened - the metabolism is then free to run like a well oiled machine. This is why, when we were devising the final formulations for our Juniper Life products, we decided to add ingredients designed to support the immune system, remove unwanted toxins, and fight free radical damage. After all - the faster our body can fight off infections, dump toxins, and quench tissue damage caused by free radicals, the faster it can return to normal, metabolic function. And that means more healing, more energy, better memory and focus, fewer aches and pains, and, of course, more fat-burning.

Add Infographic here: Ingredients that Support the Immune System & Provide Detox &  Support: Zinc, Reishi Mushroom, Cordyceps Sinensis, Yeast Beta- Glucans and Transfer Factor.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Ingredients
Berberine, Quercetin, Cissus Quadrangularis, Black Pepper Extract, Sinetrol Citrus Extract, Green Tea Extract, Manganese, Brown Kelp, Curcumin, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Resveratrol, Co-Q10, Manganese, Selenium, and Olive Leaf Extract

The Results

The Juniper Life Transformation Program is specifically formulated to help:

• Boost metabolism (Burn more fat)
• Decrease causes of Inflammation in the gut
• Heal and protect the body
• Suppress appetite / Reduce cravings
• Significantly improve energy and motivation
• Strengthen the immune system
• Block sugar absorption to help avoid blood sugar spikes

After only a few short weeks of use by my clients, friends, and family, we knew we were on to something special.  Clients dropped a quick 5-10 lbs within weeks and those that were on it 60-90 days saw a steady decrease in weight from then on and a trimming of 2-4” off their waist, and many other areas they usually stored pockets of fat!

They also experienced increased energy levels, more restful sleep, better mood, improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels, fewer stomach issues, decreased aches and pains, and better concentration and memory.

Add an infographic with testimonials here:

“...I am 66 year old, a little heavier than I want to be and I have been worried about my gut health. I have felt great using JuniperLife. I feel happy, a better attitude, my digestive system seems to be great, I have less joint pain and as a bonus today March 6, 2017 I am a healthier 208 pounds down from 224 on December 13, 2016. I have recommended this to many friends and my wife is now using JuniperLife.”

“LOVE THIS!!!! This is my second round with this amazing product. I have been involved with fitness, sports and coaching most of my life and I have tried numerous supplements over the years. Some have had great benefits and some have just been expensive wastes. Over the last two years I became less active less energetic. I had gained 60 lbs and was probably at my lowest. I was having issues with my stomach, digestion and overall well being. I was ready to get my life on track and I was introduced to Juniper Life. After the first month I was amazed at how well this product put balance into my body. It helped me stay regular and corrected any of the problems I was having on the onside. I also started seeing the effects that it had on my energy and urge to snack (on bad things). I am more active and going to the gym on a regular basis. I have currently lost 20 lbs in just over a month and I am feeling better every day!!! Juniper Life has been by far the best supplement I have ever taken and I am recommending it to everyone not only from a get fit stand point but a way to put your body in balance so that it may function properly which will improve overall health!! I will definitely take this over anything I have ever tried in my years of using different supplements!!!”

“This is a great product that has produced a lot of results. I have energy throughout the day and I feel more focused and less hungry. I recommend this to anyone looking to lose some weight and increase their energy”

“Once I turned 40, losing weight was extremely difficult, even with regular exercise and a low-carb diet. JuniperLife is the first supplement program that I have ever taken and it has made a HUGE difference. I don't feel hungry all of the time and I have noticed an increase in my endurance during workouts, without feeling jittery. I have also seen results on the scale and in how my clothes fit. Taking the Transformation Program has been just what I needed to get the results I've been wanting in my exercise regimen.”

Since launching in early 2017, the results and reviews have been amazing to say the least.  We’ve almost sold out of the entire first lot, which is way faster than we ever expected.  The best feedback we could ever receive is for someone to order our product again - and the order reorder rates have been much higher than we ever could have hoped!

We know that many of you suffer from the problems we have discussed. You may even be the person that exercises like crazy and doesn't see change... or the guy or girl who eats clean and can't lose weight... you may have low energy and gut issues... or you may just feel unhealthy overall.

The good news is you don't need to keep struggling with these things. We have developed 3 products into a very simple set called the Transformation Program that includes all the ingredients above resulting in amazing results for our customers!