If you really want to lose your belly fat, then you have to make changes. Period. There' no escaping that fact that bad food choices and a lack of exercise have contributed to the weight gain.

Hence in order to make positive changes - it will take time and commitment. Below are 4 simple ways you can make that step -

1. Plan to eat more fresh produce like fruits, leafy vegetables, lean red meat, fish and skinless poultry - or organic products. As well, skip the white bread and pasta and replace it with brown rice and whole meal. Although you may find this difficult initially with fresh cooked foods - overtime this will be a blessing for your body. So do your waistline a justice, and eat better, quality foods.

So as part of your lifetime healthy plan, make it a point to eat more quality meals every week, and progressively increase the amount of good foods into your meals over time.

Let's face it - healthy habits cannot happen overtime, it will take MONTHS before you get into that lifestyle. It's like trying to quit smoking, the cold turkey way - this is a sure fire way to failure. But if you make it a point to eat more good foods daily or weekly, you will see the results.

Bottom line - eat smart!

2. Have that junk food - if you are consistent with your good foods, that you should reward yourself with a treat or 2. Life is not abut cutting yourself off from the world, it's about being able to enjoy the pleasures of life - but at a moderation. However, you could opt for a low fat version - if you wish.

3. Drink more water and less sugary drinks like energy drinks, soda and booze!

4. Exercise, exercise - you don't have to exercise everyday, but if you can get in 3 days a week, and build muscle at the same time, you will go a long way to reducing the inches from your waistline!

So make it a point to give yourself a treat once or twice a week. Although there's no rule set in stone on the amount here - just make sure you enjoy it but in portion controls.