Stomach fat and food

Question
Hi Joseph,
First off, I'm 5'6 and 138 pounds and I'm a size 6. I work out a lot - I'm at the gym 6-7 times a week.  I do two total-body workouts twice a week through a  bodybar class offered at my gym.  I run between 20-25 miles a week and do other cardio, and walk 1.5 miles to work each way.  To me, it seems like I'm getting enough exercise. Although, I've been doing this for years so I'm worried I may be at a plateau.  
Food - I eat pretty healthy, but I think I may be eating the wrong food to achieve my goals.  For breakfast I have a protein bar - 7 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat (220).  Throughout the rest of the day, I eat lean meat, whole grain bread, lots of vegies and fruit. (try to eat every three hourse).I drink two diet sodas a day and 8-10 glasses of water. My total caloric intake on average if about 1500 calories. I drink alcohol one to two times a week and indulge in a flavored coffee drink once or twice a week as well.

Ok - I do have a question, but wanted to give you some background.  I seriously have an excess of fat around my stomach area and CANNOT get rid of it (3-5 pounds lost would be great) Can you help me?  I don't know what I'm doing wrong and get so frustrated. Thanks so much.  

Answer
Hi Anne
Lack of exercise certainly isn't a problem for you.

I suspect the problem is the fact you are eating every 3 hours. By doing that you are keeping the blood sugar levels constant. In order to lose weight the blood sugar levels have to drop low enough that your body uses the fat reserves as fuel. This typically takes place at about 4 hours. So spread the meals out to 5 hours appart.

Also aim for food that has a low glycemic index http://www.glycemicindex.com/

Hope this helps

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