How to Flatten the Tummy Fast

Get a flat stomach through diet and exercise.

If you strive to lose tummy fat and flatten your stomach, you are not alone. Many people see a flat stomach as a sign of health, beauty and youth. Quickly dropping weight from the stomach is possible; however, there is no one secret to a flat tummy. In order to lose tummy fat you must revise your diet and follow an exercise routine suited to your needs.

Instructions

1. Consult with your physician about your weight-loss goals. Ask your physician to calculate your body's required daily caloric intake. Once you have this number, revise your diet so that you consume only this amount of calories daily. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is helpful as they are filling and have a relatively low calorie count. Also, tell your physician which cardiovascular and targeted exercises you plan to incorporate into your daily exercise routine. Based upon your physical fitness level, he might revise it slightly to suit your needs.

2. Begin a cardiovascular exercise such as jogging or cycling. Both of these exercises can be done either conventionally or on a piece of exercise equipment such as a treadmill or stationary bike. Cardiovascular exercise not only increases heart health but also raises metabolism for up to 10 hours after the exercise session. Raising the metabolism increases the rate at which your body burns calories, helping to burn excess body fat. Do at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day 3 to 5 days a week.

3. Perform crunches to tone the abdominal muscles and burn stomach fat directly. To perform a proper crunch, lie flat on your back on a soft surface with your knees slightly bent. Cross your arms across your chest, touching the shoulders. Raise your head and shoulders 2 to 3 inches off the ground and hold the contraction for 2 seconds. Release and slowly lower your body back to the ground. Repeat this exercise 15 to 20 times a day 3 to 5 days a week to burn abdominal fat.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a DVD with an exercise routine specifically targeting the abdominal muscles is a good way to stay focused.

• Never push your body to the point of pain; when your muscles begin to hurt your body is sending a signal that you are at risk of injuring yourself.

References

• "The Complete Book of Abs: Revised and Expanded Edition"; Kurt Brungardt and Brett Brungardt; 1998
• "Solid to the Core: Simple Exercises to Increase Core Strength and Flexibility"; Janique Farand-Taylor and Ian Finkelstein, M.D.; 2006
• "The Complete Book of Core Training"; Kurt, Brett, & Mike Brungardt; 2006