It doesn't have to be complicated, but you have to eat well, and right to lose weight and especially to lose belly fat, which can be really tough.

Eat Every 2-3 Hours

It sounds like a lot, but here are the facts. You are not cooking and eating a 3 course meal every 2 or 3 hours.

These are supposed to be small meals. The point of eating so often is to give your body continual energy to use, and not store.

Eating the right things frequently will keep your metabolism up and running, which is great, but it will also keep your blood sugar on an even keel which is very important when trying to lose weight.

Eat Protein

I'm not talking about going off the deep end, only eat protein, but eat protein at every meal.

Protein is what your body uses to build muscle. It is an essential nutrient when losing weight, and staying healthy.

If you fail to eat protein, you may lose weight, but what you will be losing is muscle. You may be lighter on the scale but your body will probably not look healthy. The point of losing weight is to look good, and be healthy, protein is a big part of that.

Eat Produce

Yes, I'm talking about fruits and vegetables. The fresher the better. Fruits and vegetables provide our body with vitamins and minerals and are a very important part of losing weight.

Any diet plan that tells you to exclude fruits and vegetables forever is a plan that does not take your health very seriously.

Eat Complex Carbohydrates

If you haven't heard it yet, I'm going to tell you now. White bread, and other "white" foods are terrible for you.

They are filled with chemicals and preservatives, they have little if any nutritional value at all. These foods are the reason America is getting so obese.

Carbohydrates are not the bad guy. It's eating processed carbs that makes you fat. Carbohydrates are what gives your body energy to get through the day, and life.

Carbohydrates are important to eat, and eating the right carbs, like whole grains and brown rice will give you energy and the nutrients like fiber you need.

That's it, those are the 4 must haves in a diet where you are trying to lose weight. You must eat small meals often, make sure you include lean protein, fruits or veggies, and some complex carbohydrates at each meal.

If you find this difficult to remember, just remember the simple saying "protein and produce". If you have those two elements in each meal you will be well on your way.