When your body loses fat, it melts off your entire body, not just one area like your arms, stomach or thighs. And everyone's body eliminates body fat differently depending on a whole host of factors including age, genetics, hormones, intensity of exercise, etc. The best approach to beating belly bulge is eliminating some fat while simultaneously adding muscle. According to the exercise experts at Life Fitness, here are a few things you can do to win the battle:

1. Make time for cardiovascular exercise. Aerobic exercise at a moderate intensity trains your body to use fat for fuel more efficiently, and is also good for your heart and overall health.

2. Incorporate MUFA's. Monounsaturated fatty acids found in foods like olive oil, olives, nuts, seeds, avocados and dark chocolate have been linked to reducing belly fat. Try adding a few of these yummy treats -- in moderation -- to your daily diet.

3. Make time for core body toning. While "spot reducing" body fat doesn't work, "spot sculpting" does! Spot sculpting means performing toning exercises focused on a specific muscle group to firm that particular area. Strength training not only makes you look better, but when paired with "spot sculpting," it will also make you feel great by giving you more energy.

4. Get on the treadmill, elliptical cross-trainer or bike and burn off calories with cardio, then perform a few abdominal exercises leg raises or standard crunches after each session. Or, change it up a bit by taking a Pilates class to sculpt your abs.

5. You can do all the sit-ups you want, but if you have a layer of extra fat covering your muscles, you won't be able to reveal the toned and sculpted six-pack that's underneath. The best approach to a flat belly is to combine a schedule of cardio exercise with a consistent strength training program -- while adding a moderate amount of MUFA's to your diet.

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