There are tons of diet plans available but most of them don't work in the long-term because they are too complicated or too restrictive to stick with. Belly fat is typically the result of eating too many of the wrong foods. Along with eating the wrong foods there is usually a lack of physical activity as well. Over time, extra weight accumulates around the mid-section.
As we become older, this is referred to as the middle-age spread. Whatever we call it, belly fat can pose serious health risks to include diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Instead of following short-term fad diets for temporary weight loss, it makes more sense and is healthier to make an overall lifestyle change.
Two diets that work well for long-term, permanent weight loss are the "clean eating" diet or the paleo diet. Both work well as you are able to eat good food which leaves you feeling satisfied. Both diets avoid processed foods, however, the paleo diet also avoids grains. Eating clean is a method of eating that many bodybuilders follow. Both methods of eating have their own benefits but why I think they work well is because you begin to eat whole, natural foods rather than junk. These good foods include lean meat, seafood, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, and seeds. Good fats are also consumed such as olive oil, fish oil, avocados, etc.
For the most part, it's best to avoid or significantly reduce simple carbs such as bread, pasta, cereal, rice, refined sugar, baked goods, and beverages such as soda, alcohol, and other sugary drinks. These types of carbs can put on weight easily when eaten in excess. You may not even realize how much of them you eat in a given day. The average person eats these types of food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The foods we eat determine about 80% of our progress in terms of weight loss. That is why it is wiser to make long lasting lifestyle changes with food rather than trying fad diets. Both diets mentioned above are not going to be easy to adjust to. They will take time but you can find plenty of advice from others who also follow them. Search for blogs and forums and discuss your concerns with others.
Any exercise you do is an added bonus. Physical activity is good for our bodies and will help with burning fat.
