To think there must be a way to shift lower belly in your 40s?

[obser]

So historically I’m a size 8 to 10 with minimal effort on my part. I don’t drink and am not that into sugary things like cake but I have generally been able to eat what I want without putting on weight.

Here I am in my mid forties and I’m still not overweight according to the scales. But I have a wodge of abdominal fat, more lower than mid that is distorting in terms of clothes and that’s the main reason I want to shift it. For example I tried on trousers the other day where the smaller size fits everywhere except the waistband and on the larger size the waistband closes but they’re huge everywhere else. This happens ALL the time and I’m down to about two pairs of trousers that fit. I have no issue getting any other clothes to fit just this constant waistband issue.

AIBU to think there must be a way to target this? Do I need to go on an actual diet? Some kind of abdominal exercises? Has anyone managed this?

Pilates and yoga. I’m 49, very peri menopausal, and absolutely hate dieting.
Pilates has given me my figure back. No belly overhang from pregnancies and very strong stomach muscles. Yoga has toned everywhere else.

Eat clean, low carb, high fat. Low belly crunches.

Yes, to low carbing/low sugar. I don't think there's any need to be overly restrictive, but just try to avoid multiple carbs in one meal or aim for just one carb meal a day and be aware of portion sizes. Avoid refined carbs and sugar as much as possible. I've found as I've got older I don't need any where near the recommended carb allowance per day as I'm not an extremely active person.

I've also found rowing gets fast results in toning bum and tum. For petite ladies I recommend the Homcom budget rower for around £80, I'm 5ft 5 and it's the perfect size. A 20 minute beginner session three times a week should be enough to see results.

@Neurodiversitydoctor

Planks, I do 3 mins straight arm every morning before my shower also a Pilates pose called the hundred for a minute. I don't drink in term time and try to run a marathon a month.

This is a great idea, I'm going to start, thank you!

I have arm weights in the bathroom and try to do some little and often...when waiting for DD to come and have her teeth brushed...little pockets of time.

Will try the plank tonight.

Did anyone follow a particular intermittent fasting plan that they found good. Dont mind paying a little bit for an app if it's helpful.