How to Get a Flat Stomach in a Short Time

Focus on diet and exercise to get a flat stomach quickly.

Achieving a flat stomach is often based on genetics, diet and fitness. And it takes more than a thousand crunches to get a flat stomach in a short time. Although abdominal exercises will tone and build your stomach muscles, they won't get rid of the surrounding fat. To get a flat stomach in a short time, you'll combine a healthy diet with regular exercise.

Things You'll Need

• Stability ball (optional)

Instructions

1. Perform abdominal exercises one to three times per week. According to health expert Bill Hartman, overtraining the abdominal muscles won't give faster results. Allow abdominals to have full rest days to get a flat stomach in a short time. Exercises such as reverse crunches and sit-ups on a stability ball are excellent for abdominal training. Sit on the stability ball and lean backward so that you are angled on the ball. Keep your feet flat on the floor, hands behind your head and do the crunches.

2. Increase protein consumption. This will help you get a flat stomach in a short time -- because substituting protein for carbohydrates helps remove belly fat. Protein also tends to be filling which results in eating less food. Good sources of protein include turkey and eggs.

3. Eliminate sugar from your diet. Sugar increases the production of insulin which leads to fat around the middle.

4. Perform 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise four to six times per week. This will help you burn a lot of calories, resulting in a flat stomach in a short time. Excellent cardiovascular exercises include running, swimming and dancing.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink at least 64 oz. of water daily.

• Do not start a fitness or diet plan without obtaining approval from a doctor.

References

• Shape Magazine: How to Get a Flat Stomach Fast
• Women's Health Magazine: The 5 Rules of Flat Abs