Living in Wyoming for about a year, I am amazed by the power of American food to make you gain weight.

When I first came here, I thought the clear air, high skies, fewer people, and less stress would improve my health.

But after a few months, the fat around my belly is no joke when I look in the mirror.

The land here is vast, yet I don't understand why my pants are getting tight so quickly.

Then I start to wonder, "Am I managing my belly fat right now?"

Wyoming is a region in the U.S. known for its strong meat-centered food culture.

Beef, bison, steak, hamburgers, bacon, sausage. The menu is primarily meat, accompanied by fries and bread.

Vegetables are served like a garnish. The problem is that these meals are delicious and filling.

For a day or two, it's fine. But when this becomes a routine, my belly is the first to react.

As of 2026, processed foods and restaurant menus in the U.S. still have high levels of sugar and sodium.

When I go to the grocery store, even products labeled "Healthy" or "Organic" have astonishing amounts of Added Sugars and Sodium on the ingredient list.

So nowadays, the first thing I check when shopping is the nutrition label. Just choosing products with low added sugars and sodium makes a difference in managing belly fat.

The advantage of Wyoming is the quality of local ingredients. Fresh beef and bison meat are excellent sources of protein.

The problem lies in the cooking methods. Frying, slathering with sauce, and wrapping in bread lead straight to belly fat.

These days, I cook meat on the grill at home. Just using salt and pepper is enough to make it tasty.

The scariest part of American restaurants is the portion sizes. When you order, the amount is enough for two people.

In the past, I felt it was a waste to leave food, so I ate everything, which was the start of my belly fat.

Now, I immediately ask the server to pack half of it in a To-go box.

At first, it felt a bit awkward, but now I know it's the smartest choice.

Also, Wyoming is an environment conducive to movement. If you only drive around, this vast nature is of no use.

Walking the trails near Yellowstone and Grand Teton every weekend means I don't even need to go to the gym.

Today, I'm grilling steak but pairing it with salad instead of bread, and I'll save half for dinner.

And after eating, I make sure to go outside and walk for at least 20 minutes. I think that if I endure like this, my belly fat will decrease.