Belly fat – we all dread it. For many people, the waist is often the first place excess fat goes. Unfortunately, it is also one of the hardest areas on our bodies to lose weight. Having a “muffin top” is not only unappealing, but it is also unhealthy to have on our bodies. In fact, having excess belly, or abdominal, fat is worse than having excess fat on most other places on our body.

Here are 6 tricks to lose that belly fat:

1. No White Stuff Allowed

Whether you're a lover of white rice or bake with white flour, get rid of it. White foods products indicate they're heavily processed. There are many other tasty and healthy alternatives such as brown rice, quinoa, sprouted grains and other whole grains. 

2. Say Goodbye to Sugar

We know, we know, everyone says it but refined sugars are just plain bad and a feeding ground for belly fat. Sweetened drinks, desserts and foods rich in oil are products that highly contribute to belly fat.

A new study funded by the National Institute on Aging has uncovered a diet plan that can put you on the path to all three — in just four days. In a preliminary study reported in the new issue of Cell Metabolism, researchers found that cutting daily calories in half for just four days every two weeks reduced biomarkers for aging, diabetes, heart disease and cancer with no adverse effects. 

3. Pick your own 4 days: We all have busy lifestyle between parenting, our jobs and everything in between. Try this intermittent fasting trick every other day to reap the benefits. 

4. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water will fill you up and help curb hunger. Your energy levels will increase and it keeps your metabolism from decreasing, even though you're eating less. Some people don't love the idea of drinking plain water. Instead mix it up with adding free pieces of fruit to your water or drink unsweetened tea.

5. Get plenty of sleep: Heading to bed earlier is crucial for regulating hunger and a healthy weight loss pace. 

6. For cravings, eat hunger-busting foods like oats for breakfast in the morning packed with soluble fiber. These help decrease leptin, the hunger hormone, and keep you fuller longer .