Post by : Saif Rahman

Fitness creator Sunaina has opened up about the routine she used to tackle stubborn belly fat linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal issue that often makes weight loss more challenging. Early in her journey she assumed long, intense cardio sessions were the key, but learned that excessive cardio can raise physiological stress and the hormone cortisol, which in turn can encourage abdominal fat, persistent hunger and fatigue.

Rather than resorting to extended running sessions or extreme calorie restriction, she adopted a series of small, consistent habits. Central to her plan was lifting weights three to four times a week, and replacing daily hard cardio with gentle cardio just twice weekly.

She prioritised steady daily movement by aiming for 8,000 to 10,000 steps rather than occasional intense workouts. Sleep became non-negotiable too — she consistently sought seven to eight hours a night so her body could recover and support fat loss.

On the nutrition front, Sunaina emphasised getting adequate protein every day to preserve and build muscle and to boost metabolic rate. She incorporated healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, ghee and avocado to help curb cravings and promote hormonal stability.

Reducing stress was another focus because stress elevates cortisol. She limited processed foods and refined sugars, which can spike insulin and impede fat loss, and made a point of drinking around three litres of water daily. Alcohol and sugary beverages were cut back because they slow metabolic progress.

She didn’t eliminate carbohydrates but chose whole, nutrient-dense sources like rice, oats, potatoes and fruit. To improve digestion and reduce bloating she added fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, chia and flax seeds.

Sunaina also paid careful attention to exercise technique and posture so that movements engaged the intended muscles more effectively.

Additionally, she developed a habit of walking for 10 to 15 minutes after meals, which aided digestion and helped moderate blood sugar spikes.

Her takeaway is that managing PCOS-related belly fat is less about punishing the body with extreme workouts or strict deprivation and more about smart training, balanced eating, adequate sleep, stress management and consistent habits. These changes, she says, not only helped her lose weight but also improved her energy and overall wellbeing.

#Wellness #Health,