Change your eating habits to increase your metabolic rate. An increased metabolic rate helps break down more of the food you ingest to provide energy rather than storing extra calories as fat. Although it seems counter-intuitive, the best way to jump-start your metabolic rate is to start eating more meals.

Eat a small meal or a large snack every two to three hours, for a total of six to eight small meals each day. This will keep your metabolism working throughout the day and prevent you from feeling hungry, which often leads to overeating.

Check labels on everything you consume. Avoid foods that contain saturated fat, trans fat and a lot of sugar. Look for food that is low in calories and contains lots of vitamins and minerals.

Reduce the number of unhealthy meals that you eat to make it easier for your body to break down the food you take in. Healthy food options include fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, fat-free dairy products, unsalted nuts, whole grains, oatmeal and egg whites.

Perform cardiovascular training three to four times a week and light resistance training two to times a week. Diet is the fundamental key to weight loss, but to lose belly fat you need to engage in fat-burning, muscle-building exercise.