livingdeadgirl-

Stop with the protein bars and any other granola bars. No more cereals either! This helped me.. I also "carb cycled". Doing that now to lost my last few pounds and its working.

I agree with everyone here and here are a few more tips: Muscle burns fat as we know. Overall cardio/HIIT will definitely help, but also targeting abs will increase muscle thereby reducing some belly fat. Cut out all sugar, refined starches, and eat smaller meals more frequently.

A lot of times belly fat is caused by stress. And we are all under stress in our everyday lives. Increased cortisol levels (released by the adrenal glands in time if stress) cause your body to prepare for the next "crisis" by increasing blood sugar levels, the increased blood sugar then stresses the pancreas to release more insulin ("the fat hormone", causing hunger, and storing fat (primarily in the abdomen/hip area). A vicious cycle it is.

But healthy and regular eating, exercise (reduces cortisol levels and increases endorphins), sleep, and deep breathing exercises will help to reduce the frustrating abdominal fat.