We all have certain areas of our bodies that have a higher tendency to store fat, like the lower back, love handles, butt, hips, stomach, and thighs. And man, those areas seem to cling on to fat for dear life, no matter what you do.

So if you’ve done the weight-loss work but those last couple of centimetres simply won’t shift – it might be time for a different approach.

Avoid weight fluctuations

Don’t fall into the crash diet trap of losing fat too quickly, and then gaining it all back again. It’s harder to lose fat the second (or third, or fourth) time around. The more your weight goes up and down, the more stubborn fat you might gain.

Follow a steady exercise routine

A comprehensive diet and exercise routine is your most powerful weapon against stubborn fat. Exercising boosts the body’s metabolic rate, reduces stress-related symptoms and accelerates the diet’s effects. However, don’t overdo the training. Chronically overstressing your body may cause the opposite effect and slow down your metabolic rate.

Eat less non-organic foods

Non-organic foods are often treated with hormones and chemically based fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides – all of which make it harder for your body to get rid of toxins and fat. This doesn’t only apply to fresh produce, but also meats, poultry, dairy and eggs.

Control your insulin and regulate carbs

Control your insulin by regulating the amount of carbohydrates you eat. Try making carbs the last component of your meal.  Supplements containing essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can also help in stabilising insulin levels.

Avoid water in plastic bottles

Sure it’s convenient, but avoid drinking too much water from soft plastic bottles. And if you have to buy water, don’t reuse the bottles as they leak chemicals with repeated use. Rather drink filtered tap water and fill up glass bottles to take with you.

Avoid excessive or constant, daily alcohol

You might love your wine, but so does stubborn fat. Too much alcohol may keep your liver from breaking down and getting rid of estrogenic derivatives, which could cause symptoms like bloating, water retention and stubborn fat gain.

Check for food sensitivities or allergies

You might not be allergic to a certain food like wheat, dairy or soy, but you might be sensitive to it. This could cause an inflammation reaction in your body, which would make it harder to get rid of fat. If you’re unsure, get yourself checked for food sensitivities.