Belly fat is all about concentrated source of pro-inflammatory cytokines, insulin resistance hormones and cortisol stimulating enzymes. Various factors are responsible for increasing fat in the belly or stomach area. High carbohydrate diets, as well as stress hormones, increase the level of insulin, which lead to fat storage in our body. Belly fat is, arguably, the main reason people exercise and try to burn fat.

Losing belly fat is not something that can be achieved overnight by doing loads of abdominal exercises. One must work hard, in a disciplined manner, to lose weight and burn off fat. To lose belly fat quickly, not only will you need to start exercising, you will need to maintain a healthy diet.

One of the best diets for reducing the fat storage around the stomach region is a high protein and low carbohydrate diet. Check out the following tips that will help you to lose belly fat fast.

• Avoid foods rich in carbohydrates such as rice, bread and potatoes to get rid of belly fat fast. These kinds of foods increase the level of insulin, which stores fat straight to the stomach. Other foods that increase insulin levels are fried and processed foods.

• Always maintain a high protein and low carb diet. Research suggests that Atkins' diet is one of the best diets to get rid of belly fat. According to Dr. Atkins a diet comprised of low carbohydrates and high protein will turn your body into a fat-burning machine.

• The two main causes of belly fat are unhealthy diet and lack of physical exercise. You can exercise hard or run a mile every day, but it won't make much difference if you're eating junk food every day. Add fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat proteins like, fish or chicken into your diet.

• Control your food cravings. Try eating five to six small meals instead of two or three large meals. Eating small portions will help you keep your insulin levels down and lose belly fat.

• Go jogging or running every day. Cardiovascular exercise is important when it comes to losing belly fat. Swimming is a great cardiovascular exercise, which works out on your entire body, improves fitness levels and tightens your abdominal muscles.

• Try doing both aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Weight training is important for losing weight, especially in the belly region. The more muscle a person gains, the more fat his body burns off.

• Make sure you get proper sleep and relaxation. Avoid stress, which results in the release of cortisol that increases fat in the stomach area. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water every day.

The best way to lose belly fat is to start by losing fat all over the body. Loads of abdominal exercises including crunches and sit-ups is not going to help you, unless you adjust your eating habits and do proper cardio and strength training exercise.