Want to flatten your abs?

If your stomach isn't as flat as you'd like it to be,then you have come to the right place.

Exercise alone will not get you a toned stomach - diet is a huge part of the equation.

Below I have compiled 5 very easy tips to change your eating habits that will dramatically flatten your abs:

Tip #1: Don't eat after 7pm
This is such a simple and effective way to lose fat. Late night eating is the most damaging to your waistline, so cut it out completely.

• Brush your teeth immediately following dinner. Once your teeth are brushed, you've put a period on the end of your consumption for the day.
Change your evening routine. If you've always ended your day watching your favorite shows with your hand in the snack bowl, then now is the time to change things up. Find activities that don't revolve around food and stick with those.
Make it a habit. The first few weeks will be the hardest, but soon your new no-food-after-7pm routine will feel normal.

Tip #2: Cut back on carbs
Notice I didn't say to cut out all carbs, but rather to cut back on carbs. These tips are meant as lifestyle changes that you stick with long term. Cutting back on carbs is a realistic and very effective way to lose weight.

• Always choose whole grain bread and pasta over white. Whole grains are less likely to be stored as fat than processed grains.
• Eat half of the carbs you normally do. Eat your sandwich open-faced and reduce the size of your pasta serving.
• Avoid carb-filled snacks between meals. Instead of crackers or chips, have fresh fruit and veggies.

Tip #3: Eat more fiber
Most people simply do not get enough fiber in their diets. Fiber is essential when it comes to getting lean, since it is low calorie while filling you up.

• Instead of seeing salad just as a side item, make salads into meals. Add protein to a large pile of greens for a guiltless meal.  
• Make veggies a part of every meal. The benefits of eating more vegetables are too numerous to list, just know that your body will become healthier and leaner with each fibrous bite.
• Fruits are a delicious source of fiber. Incorporate fresh, seasonal fruits into your daily diet.

Tip #4: Drink lots of water
Drinking plenty of water is another extremely simple way to promote weight loss. Chronic dehydration leads to false hunger signals and unnecessary calorie consumption.

Drink a large glass of water before each meal. This will prevent overeating.
Choose water instead of sugar-filled sodas and juices. Sugar-filled drinks are a huge weight-gain trap.
• Carry a water bottle with you throughout your day. Keep water in the car and at your desk for constant hydration. I have noticed that since I switched to a bottle with a straw it is easy to drink a lot. 

Tip #5: Enjoy natural sweets
Traditional sugar-filled sweets will quickly add up around your waistline. Instead of going for sugary sweets, enjoy natural sweets.

• Fruit is nature's candy. Reach for sweet, seasonal fruit for dessert.
• Avoid foods that contain white sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Consider these items 'anti-flat-abs'.
• Use wholesome sweeteners such as pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup or dates in your recipes instead of white sugar. Eliminate white sugar from your kitchen.

Eating right, coupled with challenging exercise, is the formula for a toned, lean body - so guarantee your results by teaming up with me.

Together we will come up with a fitness plan that is uniquely yours, one that fits your lifestyle and brings you promptly to your goals.

So if you are not already working with me, call or email me today to get started.

One last thing: Remember, it is OK to cheat! 

Does the thought of eating healthy every day make your head spin?

Establish a weekly "Cheat Day" where you allow yourself a taste of all your favorite indulgences.

It's OK to cheat once a week - just indulge with control, and stick with your clean eating habits on all other days. Make sure not to pick a food that may trigger you to go overboard.

Remember, we are all human and deserve to eat something we love!