Q: How do I lose the fat around my stomach 'spare tire' I have high cholesterol so I am on a high carb diet and I don't eat red meat. What do you recommend?

A: The general approach will still be the same for you -- weight training, some cardio, and a balanced diet relatively high in protein as described in my fat loss article.

Although everyone should always consult a doctor before starting any diet or exercise program, that will be doubly important for you. Assuming your doctor OKs you for the program, the main trick will be to create a protein-rich diet for yourself with minimum animal products (I'm assuming you're staying away from all cholesterol-rich foods of which red meat is just one example).

Eating healthy carbs and fats should not be a problem for you. And to get enough protein you will want to identify and include in your diet foods that are high in protein, yet low in cholesterol. Best examples of such foods are egg whites and various beans and lentils. Egg whites are pure protein with no cholesterol while beans are up to 50% protein (depending on variety) also with no cholesterol. Bean-based products such as tofu work just as well.

So my recommendation for your diet would be to start with diet that fitness guide suggests to you and then customize it for yourself by replacing cholesterol-rich foods with low- or zero-cholesterol equivalents. And of course, don't forget about weight training and cardio assuming your doctor OKs them. Good luck!