I just have to say, I really love the way you explained carrying it "in spare tire form." ;)
As for workout and diet tips... well, the trick is that science supports neither "cutting/reducing carbs" nor extra sweat in a certain area for fat reduction. Sorry Juicy, but there has been no scientific evidence, and a lot of evidence to the contrary.
It sounds like, since you have recently put the pole back up, you'll be moving around a lot more, which is great! Moving around more, and especially for long periods of time (more than 20 minutes) will encourage your body to burn the fat. Though we do not get to choose where our body burns the fat from, it will get there (where you are hoping) eventually. Fat is burned in the presence of oxygen and heat in the body- specifically, we must ask our cardiovascular system to work harder (which means some huffing and puffing, especially at the beginning) and bring our heart rates up. When we do this, often what happens is we heat up internally (as long as it's not too cold outside!) and our bodies realize we need more energy to keep the amount of activity up.
So, burn fat! Fat is actually an extremely efficient store of energy, much greater than anything we might get from sugary foods, but we need the right chemical reactions in order to burn it.
I realize it can be difficult to get back into things when it's been a while. I've done that enough times ;) You could always try drills, like doing spins on both sides over and over, if you feel you're strong enough for them! I also personally enjoy free-dancing, even if it's fully grounded (which, at this point, it is), and that does encourage your body to need the fat as well.
As for diet, well, I suppose I'm in a bit of a minority as my problems with food are that I do not eat enough of it. I actually have a fitness app that counts calories for me, and I check on it to make sure I'm getting enough! So, when I eat, I always try to tell myself that it's a good thing.
I have found, however, that the more exercise I participate in, the more I want things that are good for me. No longer the chips and pop and candy, but I crave vegetables and fruits and meat (because I need protein!), and so that's what I eat.
Just do your best to eat enough, eat "well," by your own measure (what makes you feel physically good), and keep moving. The spare tire will drop off :)
