Getting a flat stomach seems like a challenge. Surveys reveal that it’s the body part people most often say they would like to change. But crunches aren’t the only path to a flat tummy.

According to Doctors “many lifestyles factors, including diet and stress, affect how much belly fat you have and how often you experience bloating.”

A lot of people believe that it stems from improper eating or lack of exercise. While this may be the most common case, there can also be other reasons:

Stress: Chronic tension can cause you to store more fat around the middle. Set aside 100 20 minutes everyday to do something relaxing, like meditating, reading or just chatting with a friend. Exercise can also relieve stress.

Poor posture: Sitting or standing with your shoulders forward and your back rounded makes your stomach look like it’s sticking out. You should stand or sit with you shoulders back, chest out and abdominal muscle tight. It might seem awkward at first, but over time you’ll do it naturally.

Too much fiber Increasing your fiber intake is a good thing, but your digestive system can’t go from 0 to 60. The American Dietetic Association recommends gradually increasing your intake to 5 to 30 grams over 2 to 3 weeks. For a fiber boost, try bran flake cereal, broccoli and chickpeas. Make sure you dink plenty of water; this will help reduce bloating.

Antibiotics kill the bad bacteria, but they can also get rid of the beneficial bacteria in your small intestine, which can lead to bloating and gas. To maintain healthy bacteria, eat yogurt with active cultures (check the label) or try probiotic supplement.

Chewing gum. When you chew gum or suck on candy, you create more saliva and swallow more often, which causes gas and bloating. Soda causes a similar problem because of the carbonation.

High fat meals. Fat in the small intestine inhibits your stomach from emptying. As a result, your digestive system slows down, leaving you with a stomach bulge. Don’t overload on fat at any one meal and limit your daily intake to one third of your total calories. If you consume 1,800 calories daily, that would be about 60 grams of fat.

Steps

Eat healthier and cut down on junk food, such as replacing crisps and chocolate with fruit. You'll see a world of difference.

Watch how many soft drinks you consume. Consider flavored water as an alternative if you must.

Do aerobic exercise daily at a 30 minute minimum and include 1-2 day(s) rest break each week. Anything that brings your heart rate up. Try dancing, running, power-walking, tae-bo, etc

Eat lots of lean protein (like turkey and skinless chicken)fruits and dark vegetables, and whole wheat breads and grains. They keep you fuller longer than white breads like in cakes, cookies, and sweets.

To better work the entire abdominal region, vary your exercises: crunches work the upper abdomen; leg raises work the lower abdomen; side bends work the obliques or also known as love handles.

It is better to aim at burning fat altogether since it is impossible to spot train. And sure, you can do 100 daily crunches. But if you've got a layer of fat covering up your ab work, than what's the point? You need to burn the stomach fat to see the changes.

Consider some form of an aerobic exercise, as well. Some simple resistance training, or light weight lifting, will not only help you burn fat more efficiently, but tone up the rest of your body as well.

Tips

*Get someone to workout with you so you'll inspire each other. If you can't find anyone, try imagining you are with someone you know, a celebrity, or an athlete with abs you admire (this usually works better than actually working out with said athlete). Pretend they're there with you as you workout.

*Music will also do wonders to get a workout moving along.

*While crunches are good for your abdominal muscles, make sure that you have a well rounded weight loss program. Millions of crunches won't help if you eat buckets of ice cream everyday!

*Be patient! A flat stomach is harder to attain for some people than others, depending on your base level of fitness.

*Doing crunches on an exercise ball will specifically target your abdominal muscles, while doing them on the floor strengthens mostly hip muscle. Just the act of balancing on the ball alone will help tone abdominal muscles.

I am very skeptical person when it comes to my money (and I'm sure you are too), so I always do research on whatever interests me by reading countless reviews and borrowing materials from the library before finally deciding to actually purchase anything.

Below you'll find some of the tools I've purchased that deal with proper ab diet and exercise. Remember that in order to achieve a goal you first have to commit to it in order to succeed. Sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. I will be posting more every once in a while, but these are the one I’ve used to get me started in the right track.

The Truth About Abs
If you're serious about getting a six pack, you need this book. The author is very realistic about what it takes to tone your middle, and offers very specific exercise tips and techniques.

The Killer Ab Workout System
Learn how to tap into your body's natural fat burning abilities to help you get a firmer, flatter stomach in 90 days or less.

Firm And Flatten Your Abs
This is a very unique strengthening, conditioning and muscle-developing core program.

Build Amazing Abs Fast
Martial Arts Secrets To Get Amazing Abs, Fast.

Instant 6 Pack
This system is based on a set of easy to execute drills.

12 Weeks To Super Abs
A 12 Week Progressive Abs Workout Program that helps you develop flat and sexy abs.