The Top 5 Flat Stomach Rules

1. Eat a lot of lean proteins and green veggies.

Remember that not all calories are created equal. Your body burns more calories breaking down and utilizing protein than it does with carbohydrates (especially simple carbs).

2. Lift weights to build lean muscle!

Research shows that for every pound of muscle you add, you burn an extra 35-50 calories per day while at rest. If that reason isn't good enough to motivate you, let me tell you that your metabolism also goes into hyper drive for HOURS after your workout. This means that you burn tons of calories and fat after the work is already done. This makes your task of losing stomach fat so much easier. If you want to flatten your stomach, building lean muscle should be priority number one!

3. If at all possible, do H.I.I.T (high intensity interval training) upon waking.

If you can't swing early mornings get your cardio in AFTER your weight training session. Your body is forced to break down fat cells if your glycogen stores are low. Weight training makes your glycogen stores low. It's that simple.

4. Drink plenty of water!

Your individualized recommendation will vary, but I can tell you that I drink about 1 1/2 gallons daily. This flushes toxins and can actually help your body flush fat from your system!

5. Hold your stomach the way you want it to look.

A great exercise to practice this with is called "Abs while driving" (don't worry, it's much safer than texting and driving). Simply relax your shoulders and focus on pulling your belly in towards your spine, hold it for 10 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, and repeat.

Bonus tip:

Your core consists of your hips, pelvis, lower back, abdominals, obliques, and lower back. If you have a weak core you are more than likely subject to lower back pain, hip imbalances, and countless other problems. The best measure for correcting these issues is to take preemptive action! Seek out a fitness professional or do your own research and begin training your core. Once you start flattening your stomach you will feel invigorated. Soon enough, you will look in the mirror one day and just smile. I may be a little biased but there are only a few things in life that are more satisfying than changing the shape of your body for the better.