1. Get your mind right - There are no miracle cures or quick fixes to losing weight. Fact is, it does require effort on your part. You need to become determined and motivated. And you need to know where you're going to. One great way to increase your motivation is to visualize the rewards that comes with being healthier will bring you. Just imagine the improved energy levels, increased confidence and self respect. Focus on the pride you will have when you reach your goals, and staying at a healthy weight. If you need more of an incentive - do not forget how you feel right now - the pain and lack of self esteem that being overweight is causing. Think about those embarrassing experiences you've had. Use the pain and pleasure to drive you to reach your goals, and get fit. The fact is that once you have a powerful drive, it is only a matter of time before you find a specific fat loss plan that works for you. Learn from the past, but stay in the present and conquer every day that comes.

2. Snack Smart - Keep plenty of crunchy, healthy foods around. Raw veggies, almonds, or fat-free popcorn can really help in a pinch where you must eat something! Or better still, substitute an activity for eating. Call a friend, go for a bike ride or take a walk. Anything but eating when you should not! Planning ahead is the key to combating possible cravings or avoiding vulnerable situations - that way you won't wreck the effort you've put in to losing the weight.

3. Control your meal - better yet stick to the 1 plate rule only. No second serves. However, there are quite a few of us that have been taught to eat everything on our plate. Unfortunately, this habit is hard to break. But you can improve on that by using smaller plates or bowls. This will literally trick your eye into thinking you have more food. Another way to get the right portions is to use your plate as a guide. Fill half of your plate with vegetables, one-quarter for whole grains, and one-quarter for protein. This makes eating healthier a snap. It may be difficult at first, but overtime your body will adapt to the smaller portions, and you feel better for it. And this is where having six healthy mini meals a day helps - that is eat more often but in controlled portions to curb the cravings!

4. Watch what you eat - Start a journal and record what you eat and drink, when and how much you eat over a period of 2 weeks. This is important because you need to see where your weak areas are. Most likely you will see a pattern emerging. Once you've reviewed your journal, decrease your intake by cutting out or reducing all unnecessary unhealthy calories. You will be amazed how much you really can cut out. Most likely, you will have to reduce the snacks, take outs and sugary drinks like soda drinks - remember, diet soda includes sodium, which is not healthy. If you can't eliminate soda, decrease the amount you drink and replace those fluids with water or green tea. Water will help to cleanse your system which is very important. And find some low fat treats that will help with the times you need them!

5. You need to exercise at least three to four times a week just to maintain your fitness levels, so if you are really serious about shedding those pounds, exercise. But Don't over do it, your body needs rest and adjustment time. Start gradually with a walk of 20 - 30 minute sessions. Don't start jogging, or you will most certainly encounter shin splints. Once your legs and body are adapts to the extra physical activity, begin jogging a little at first and then gradually increase the time and distance. After the first couple of weeks of soreness, you will be amazed at how your body adapts. Once your fitness and health permits, look at interval training and strength training - this is the best way to shape up fast and tone your body.

These are just some of the ways to lose belly fat quick - however, give yourself time and just stick with it. It will take time to take in the new lifestyle, but overtime you can lose the weight and possibly more than you ever thought possible.