Where Does Fat Go When You Lose Weight?

People often ask me, "Where does fat go when we lose weight?"  It's definitely  a question worth pondering!  Would you believe that most of our toxins and by-products are released through our breath?  70% to be exact.  

Let me explain.  First we need to understand fat.  Seems like such an ugly word, doesn't it?!  Fat is actually an energy source!  Energy that is stored and used for vital processes in our body.  Our bodies convert fat to usable energy for building and repairing muscles, tissue, helping organs to function and metabolism.  When our bodies heat up, from, let's say, EXERCISE, this speeds up our metabolic process.  This aids in excreting waste (pee, poop, sweat and breathing). 

Let's face it, belly fat is the most stubborn fat to get rid of, and it is also a real health hazard. Extra abdominal fat increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

So, what can we do about it? Obviously, making better food choices helps - drinking plenty of water, reducing added sugars, eating whole foods, etc. - but focusing on movement and purposeful breathing are two key ways to improve this process! I cover movement ideas in the above video.

Deep breathing improves your digestion and metabolism. It increases your oxygen supply and that extra oxygen helps burn fat that is deposited in our body. By doing deep breathing exercises, you can improve blood circulation, reduce stress and improve abdominal muscle tone.

Here are 4 ways to really focus on breathing:

1. Diaphragm Breathing: Lie flat on the floor, take a deep, slow breath from your belly, and silently count to 4 as you breathe in. Hold your breath, and silently count to 7. Breathe out completely as you silently count to 8. Try to get all the air out of your lungs by the time you count to 8. 
2. Shining the Skull Breathing: Sit in a comfortable position. Inhale deeply and hold you abdominal muscles in tight while exhaling. Do this 10 times. Return to normal breathing for 5 seconds.
3. Belly Breathing: I like to do this one in the Child's Pose but you can also do this in a seated position. Calm your mind, close you eyes and place your hand across your stomach with your thumb near your belly button. Inhale deeply, expanding your belly - your chest should rise minimally during this exercise - then exhale. 
4. Mouth Breathing: Inhale and exhale with only your mouth. Your exhale should be twice as long as your inhale (inhale 4 counts, exhale 8 counts). 

Try setting aside 10 minutes a day to do one or more of these breathing exercises.

After adding these deep breathing techniques to your daily routine for a week, take note of how you feel.

Enjoy!