Six reasons why your belly-fat won't leave you alone! - Slideshow

Losing weight isn't an easy task and it can take years to reach your desired goal. For some, it's even tougher, especially when you do everything in your power, but the kilos don't seem to budge.

Slow metabolism is definitely a possibility, however, there are other things that are in your control and you're probably not doing it in the right way.

These 'practices' don't just include eating the right kind of food. They comprise certain everyday lifestyle elements as well, that you need to change.

Below, we have compiled a list of six things that you might be doing wrong, which are making it difficult for you to get rid of that stubborn fat.

You're probably not eating enough fat. Now, that's a strange thing to say to someone who is trying their hardest to lose weight – this is what you must be thinking, right? We were equally nonplussed when we came across this suggestion, but as it turns out, it is important to consume more of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), since they are considered good fats. A handful of nuts, a tablespoon of olive oil, or a quarter of an avocado can be included in every meal.

If you've been feeling down and out and/or have depressive symptoms, that's probably the culprit that's been making the kilos stick to you. Depression has been linked to reduced physical activity and poor eating habits in the past and recent studies have shown similar results. What you need to do in this situation is exercise! Sweating it out will rid you of your blues as well as your weight. It's a two-in-one solution that can never go wrong.

Magnesium is known as a miracle mineral and the fact that it reduces blood sugar and insulin levels, certainly helps matters. Magnesium-rich foods include the likes of dark leafy greens, bananas, soya beans, etc.

If you're hooked on to diet sodas, this is the worst thing you could do to yourself. Studies have found that diet soda drinkers are more likely to have a high percentage of fat in their bellies. If you find that hard to do, cut down on your calorie intake. One of them definitely has to go.

This means that you need to add colour to your meals. Too much of beige diet like crisps, sandwiches, crepes, canapes, biscuits, coffee, etc., will get you nowhere. Brightly colored fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamin C, which reduces cortisol, so top your fish with mango salsa, or throw in a diced red pepper into your turkey meatballs and try to make more colourful meals.

Are you sweating enough? If not, you need to go in for some intense workout sessions. Power training can work wonders for weight loss. High-intensity interval training, or HIIT – bursts of vigorous activity followed by short periods of gentle activity or rest – have known to carry belly-shrinking benefits.

-- By Udita Madan