Belly fat can be incredibly stubborn, and most people go after it the wrong way...more cardio, eating less, and ending up even more frustrated.
But if I wanted to lose 10 pounds of belly fat?
These are the 3 things I'd focus on, and why research suggests they actually work
Imagine I woke up tomorrow, caught my reflection, and thought...
"I'd really like to lose about 10 pounds (5kg) of belly fat before the end of summer."
Nothing dramatic.
Just those extra pounds around my waist that make my clothes feel a little tighter and leave me feeling less like myself.
Here’s what I wouldn’t do: I wouldn't start doing long cardio sessions every day
I definitely wouldn't ban carbs, desserts, or every food I enjoy
Because this is where so many people go wrong...
The first thing they do is add more cardio 
The thinking goes something like this:
"If I want to lose fat, I just need to burn more calories."
So they jump on the treadmill.
They spend an hour walking.
Or they push themselves through intense spin classes several times a week.
Don't get me wrong.
Moving your body is fantastic.
I'm a big fan of it.
But if your goal is to lose belly fat and actually keep it off...
Cardio by itself won't get you there.
So here’s what I’d do instead
Build every meal around protein and veggies
If I could follow just one rule, this would be it.
Protein helps you stay full, supports stable blood sugar, and makes cravings much easier to manage.
Veggies bring fiber, volume, and plenty of nutrients, all while being naturally low in calories.
Research has found that people eating a higher protein diet naturally consumed over 400 fewer calories a day, not because they were forcing themselves to eat less, but because they felt fuller and snacked less.
More protein = fewer cravings between meals.
More veggies = better digestion, more fullness, and steadier energy.

Do HIIT workouts 2 to 3 times per week
If you're short on time, especially during summer, HIIT is hard to beat.
A good HIIT workout can be done in just 15 minutes, making it much easier to stay consistent than spending an hour on traditional cardio.
The best part?
Your body keeps burning extra calories even after the workout is over thanks to something called the afterburn effect (EPOC), where your body uses additional energy as it recovers.
HIIT also helps preserve and build muscle while improving your cardiovascular fitness, giving you the benefits of both strength and cardio in one efficient workout.
So instead of spending hours on the treadmill...
I'd rather do a few challenging HIIT sessions each week and let my body keep working long after I've finished.

Walk every day
Walking may not feel like a "real workout," but don't underestimate it.
A brisk 30 minute walk helps you burn extra calories, supports healthy blood sugar, and can lower stress levels, all of which make fat loss easier.
Even better if you can do it outside.
A walk in nature is a great way to clear your mind, boost your mood, and get your body moving without adding more stress.
And with the longer days and warmer weather, summer is the perfect time to make walking part of your daily routine.

It's the combination that makes the difference
No single habit is the magic solution.
Real results come from combining these three habits and sticking with them consistently.
They complement each other.
They reinforce one another.
And together, they create momentum that's much easier to maintain.
So if you're tired of stubborn belly fat and feeling like nothing is working...
Don't try to change everything overnight.
Just pick one of these habits and start this week.
Once it feels natural, add the next one.
Small, consistent steps are what lead to lasting results.
Have a wonderful day
Idan
