5 Diet Secrets for Flat Abs

As much as I love exercise, exercise alone will not get you a toned stomach.

Your diet is a huge part of the equation.

Someone could workout all day long, but then eat in a way that promotes major fat storage, and they wouldn't have a toned, beach-ready tummy.

While your diet is probably not terrible, the 5 secrets below will help you improve it even more. And a cleaner diet means flatter and more attractive abs.

Diet Secret #1: Don't eat late

This is the most simple and effective way to flatten your abs. Instead of eating less food late at night, simply don't eat late at all. Try these tips...

* Brush your teeth right after dinner. Once your teeth are clean, you've put an end to your consumption for the day.

* Change things up. If your evening routine revolves around food then find a new routine.

* Let the habit form. The first few weeks will be tough, but soon your new no-food-late routine will feel normal.

Diet Secret #2 Drink more water

Drinking lots of water is another extremely simple way to promote fat loss. Chronic dehydration triggers false hunger signals that causes you to eat extra, empty calories. Try these tips...

* Drink a big glass of water before each meal. This will make you less likely to overeat.

* Replace sugar-filled sodas, coffee drinks and juices with water. This tip alone can make a huge difference in the shape of your body.

* Carry water with you throughout the day.

Diet Secret #3: Load up on fiber

Most of us do not get enough fiber in our diet. This is a problem since fiber is essential when it comes to getting lean. Fiber-filled foods are low in calories and are filling, so you'll be eating less and getting lean. Try these tips...

* Turn salads into meals. Add a serving of lean protein to a large pile of greens for a guiltless meal. *Try the recipe for Sweet & Smokey Chicken below and serve it on a bed of greens.

* Include vegetables in every meal. The benefits to eating more veggies are too many to list, so just know that your body will become healthier and leaner with each fibrous bite.

* Fruits are a tasty source of fiber. Eat fresh, seasonal fruits every day.

Diet Secret #4: Eat fewer carbs

Now I didn't say to cut out all carbs, but rather to eat fewer carbs. These diet secrets are meant as lifestyle changes for you to stick with long term. Eating fewer carbs is a realistic and very effective way to flatten your tummy. Try these tips...

* Choose whole grain bread and pasta instead of white. Whole grains are less likely to be stored as fat. That being said, limit the amount that you eat.

* Eat half of the carbs. Make your sandwich open-faced and cut down the size of your pasta serving.

* Avoid carb-filled snacks. Instead of crackers or chips, have a hard boiled egg, a protein shake, fresh fruit or veggies.

Diet Secret #5: Only wholesome sweets

Refined sugar-filled sweets will quickly add up around your waistline. Learn to enjoy natural sweets. Try these tips...

* Fruit is natural candy. When you stop eating refined sugar you'll find fresh fruit to be more sweet and delicious than ever.

* Do not eat foods that contain white sugar or high fructose corn syrup. These items are the worst for your abs.

* Try wholesome sweeteners, like pure maple syrup, raw honey or dates in your cooking instead of white sugar. Get white sugar out of your kitchen.

Take these diet secrets and run with them. These tips, along with a challenging and consistent exercise program, are the formula for a toned, lean body.