Ask the expert: how can I burn belly fat?

I’m 29 and have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). I am thin overall, except for around my stomach. Are there any particular foods I can eat to burn belly fat?

Let’s get this straight – no diet can burn fat from one specific area alone. A lot of women with PCOD struggle with excess weight, especially around their mid sections.

A craving for carbs, especially due to your metabolic condition, could be making it hard for you to lose those stubborn extra kilos. Here are my top five tips for women with this condition – these will help you shed some inches.

1. Start the day with a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil; it helps balance your hormone levels.

2. Say no to fake foods. Eat foods close to their natural original form and avoid the processed ones. For instance, chicken is OK, but not sausages; and potatoes are better than processed crisps. Artificial sweeteners and trans fats contribute to abdominal fat.

3. Make sure at least 35 per cent of your daily calories come from good fats such as nuts, avocado, and flaxseeds. Many women with PCOD have an excess of insulin, which can lead to weight gain. These foods can help maintain the right insulin levels.

4. Have at least a litre of water in the day (apart from your regular quota) with some freshly squeezed lemon to help speed up your metabolic rate.

5. Start doing resistance training three times a week. This will help you gain muscle mass, which accelerates fat loss.