Lean Protein

• Eating smart means cutting out all the junk food from your diet and starting from scratch with a select group of healthy foods. Lean protein is key for trimming down your waistline and fueling your body with amino acids to preserve muscle mass as you tone up. Protein also keeps you feel fuller longer, so you are less tempted to cheat with unhealthy snacks each day. Have two hard-boiled eggs for breakfast each morning. Drink a protein shake as a mid-morning snack. Eat a turkey or chicken breast as a part of your lunch. Snack on a single serving of cashews or almonds in the afternoon for an added protein boost. Fish is an excellent choice for dinner. Try cod, tuna or salmon.
  
  

Complex Carbohydrates

• Simple carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta and chips are fattening. Complex carbohydrates keep you slim while providing long-lasting energy. Whole grains are an excellent choice to keep your body feeling full while still burning fat around your abs. Eat a whole grain English muffin with your eggs for breakfast, or prepare whole grain oatmeal. Choose whole grain crackers or bread for lunch. Cook brown rice or whole grain pasta for dinner as a side for your fish or poultry. Restrict yourself to a single serving of complex carbohydrates at each meal throughout the day to maximize results.
  
  

Fruits and Vegetables

• Any healthy diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables. The dietary fiber in fruits and vegetables helps you digest food and process nutrients more efficiently. Fruits and vegetables are also low in fat and calories but rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Eat a serving of fresh fruit for breakfast. Snack on fruit between meals throughout the day for an energy boost and to keep your metabolism pumping. Eat your fill of leafy greens, onions, tomatoes, peppers and carrots and celery. You can also steam broccoli, beans and cauliflower as a nutritious addition to lunch or dinner.
  
  

Beverages

• If you are serious about getting a six pack, watch what you drink as well as what you eat. Stick to water as much as possible. Drink at least 64 fluid oz. of water per day to stay hydrated. Avoid juice, soda, specialty coffees and alcohol. The sugar in such beverages is quickly converted into fat deposits in the body.