Are you holding most your weight in your belly?

Studies show that excess weight around the middle can lead to heart disease and diabetes, not to mention how unattractive a bulging belly can be. Keep reading to find out how you can shed unwanted belly fat.

1) Switching to whole grains.

We all know that whole grains are essential to good nutrition, but did you know that that whole grains may be one of the key factors to shrinking your waistline by three inches? Whole grains are absorbed slowly so they produce smaller, well controlled changes in your blood sugar. You will also prevent blood sugar surges that trigger hunger pangs and good cravings.

2) Find a friend.

Dieting with a friend can help you lose weight and keep it off permanently. Studies show that 66% of those who diet with a buddy are more likely to succeed than the 24% who diet alone. Starting a blog and finding a weight loss community can be an easy way to stay on track and remain accountable. Also, when you have someone to talk to, your stress goes down, lowering cortisol in your body. Cortisol is a stress induced hormone that has been linked to excess belly fat.

3) I see seafood.

Shrimp, fish, crab, or salmon are filled with omega-3 fatty acids. These fats have been proven to help you shed fat in your belly area much more quickly. Studies have shown the women who eat fish twice a week can lose a pound of fat week, without making any other changes to their diet and lifestyle.

4) Olive oil.

Low fat diets are a long gone fad, new modern studies show that there are good fats that will actually keep you slimmer. Studies have shown that women who consume extra-virgin olive oil burn more abdominal fat than when they didn't cook with any at all. The benefit of this oil can last for up to five hours! Unique properties called polyphenols, found in olive oil are what cause this phenomenon.

5) Get active.

Regular exercise is obviously more slimming, but it also raises your blood flow and circulation. Regular exercise and ab specific toning moves can help you trim your waist line much faster if combined with a healthier diet program.