ok I've tried and tried. just doesn't seem to be working. I've tried all those things. Anyway - I'll keep trying but - as for what I've done - I've eaten really clean!
50% protein 30% carbs 20% fat.
Protein sources: chicken breast, egg whites, fish, top serloin, whey protein
carbs: sweet potoatoes, potatoes, brown rice, brown bread
fat: fish, olive oil, peanut butter, flax or udo's oil
fruits & veges are free!! lots of deep green veges though: broccoli, spinach and asparagus.
I allow 1 cheat day or 2 cheat treats a week. Lots of water! I'm eating a ton of protein about 1.5 to 1.8 grams per pound of body weight! Last check my bf was 18% (all of it on my butt though). My abs look the best (it is a six pack now) , but I still have my trouble spots.
As for ab exercise: Cathe's tapes of course!!! But I also do work at the gym - roman chair - exercises on the bosu & stability ball at the same time, weighted ab exercises and medicine ball exercises! that's that and when I figure out how to paste the pix here - You'll see the results.