Q. I am 49 years old and I work out 6 days a week; 4 days of intense boot camp style workouts with strength training and 2 days of cardio. I am so frustrated that after all of this work I am still unable to get rid of my belly fat. Am I eating the wrong things? HELP!

A. Hormonal and metabolic changes that occur with aging may contribute to the increase in abdominal fat that generally occurs during middle age. Getting regular, moderate-intensity cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise at least 45 minutes, 5-7 days a week is vital in reducing overall body fat without compromising muscle. Increasing your cardio workouts and reducing your intense (anaerobic) boot camp workouts may be very effective in tapping into and utilizing fat stores. Nutritionally, a diet high in simple carbohydrates, sugars, processed foods and alcohol will increase the body’s insulin response which is directly associated with fat deposition. This occurs because high insulin levels inhibit the use of body fat for energy. Instead, eat more high fiber foods such as whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables, beans, and nuts/seeds. Add fish, poultry, lean meats and vegetable protein sources (soy/whey) to your meals to maintain muscle mass.