Standing up straight and tucking in your stomach is a good way to have flat abs, but no one wants to have to always worry about sucking it in. While good posture is always a positive notion, there are other ways you can get a firmer abdomen that aren't so temporary. It's all about exercise, food, drinks and keeping the stress under control.
Work Multiple Muscles
According to "Good Housekeeping" magazine, abdominal muscles will appear firmer and longer after working out on large round ball, known as an exercise or stability ball. Doing the same crunches you would normally do on the floor will target more muscles on the ball by also using your back for stability. Pilates is also an excellent way to flatten your stomach as all Pilates exercises are centered around the core and use a variety of muscles in each movement.
Adjust Your Diet
Flat abs take more than dieting, they depend on what you eat. A study at the Tufts University Human Nutrition Research Center concluded that a low-fat diet can still make your stomach bloat if it is high in salt, sugar or preservatives. This was not the case for those who followed a low-fat diet that was high in fiber like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The fiber rich diet also makes you feel fuller so fewer calories are consumed.
Drink Plenty of Water
Bloating is caused by fluid retention. The best way to get rid of that excess water, according to nutrition researcher Jeff Hampl, Ph.D,. is to drink lots of water to flush out the extra sodium in the body. Try to aim for eight glasses a day of water to help you get flat abs. Other liquids are alright to substitute, but stay away from caffeine, sodium filled soups and carbonated beverages as they may just increase bloat.
Avoid Stress
Stress doesn't just make your stomach bigger by causing you to eat more, it can actually cause more fat to form around your abdomen. Stress can trigger cortisol, a hormone that increases the appetite and causes fat to form around the organs in your middle. The author of "Fight Fat After Forty," Dr. Pamela Peeke, also believes this weight is "toxic" because larger stomachs have been linked to heart disease. Keep the stress under control, using relaxing techniques like yoga and meditation.
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