It's time to get your flat tummy game plan on.

Bathing suit season is here... Are you ready?

Most people want to slim down before baring it all, so I'm here to warn you of the five flat tummy myths that could waste your time.

Myth #1: Do extra crunches to flatten your abs

Excessive crunches aren't the answer for tight abs. In order to achieve a toned look, you'll have to focus on burning off the layer of fat that is covering up your tummy.

o Tip: Don't obsess about crunches -- focus on fat burning instead.

Myth #2: Take diet pills to speed results

I know it's so tempting! The advertisements make compelling claims about the power of popping a pill -- but don't fall for it. There is no "magic pill". Diet pills are more likely to burn through your pocketbook than slim you down.

o Tip: Don't pop a pill, instead burn calories with intense exercise.

Myth #3: Turn to packaged diet products to boost results

Don't fall for the foods that are packaged as "diet" or "weight loss" aids. Quite often, these products are packed with refined sugar and other artificial ingredients that your body doesn't need, and certainly won't help you attain that tight tummy.

o Tip: Don't eat packaged diet foods, instead stick with nutritious whole foods.

Myth #4: Avoid all carbohydrates in order to achieve tight abs

Carbohydrates have been given a bad rap, which is unfortunate because you can (and should) eat carbs while slimming down. The key is to stick with whole grains, oatmeal and brown rice while avoiding processed and refined flours and sugars.

o Tip: Don't give up all carbohydrates, instead stick with wholesome carbs.

Myth #5: Starve the chub away

Trying to lose weight by starving yourself is not only ineffective, it can also be dangerous. It may seem that severe calorie restriction would deliver the quickest weight loss, but your body is complex, and by doing so you'll disrupt your metabolism and slow your results.

o Tip: Don't starve yourself -- instead eat small wholesome meals throughout the day.

Now that you know what not to do in order to achieve tight abs, it's time to go over your flat tummy game plan. Here's what you need to know in three simple steps:

Step one: No more junk
The best way to do this is by purging your kitchen. Throw out the sugary, processed and fat-filled foods. Once the junk has been cleared out, don't buy any more of it. Remember that your beach-ready abs depend on what you eat. Don't eat junk!

Step two: Eat whole foods
Replace the junk food in your life with plenty of the following: cooked and raw vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, moderate amounts of seeds and nuts, lean meats and low fat dairy. Clean eating really is that simple.

Step three: Train with me
This is the most obvious step. You're ready to get into great shape and I can make that happen for you. Call or email to get started on an exercise plan that will get you those amazing abs.

o Jimmy Mackey, founder of Macfit360, is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified master trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, certified weight loss specialist and corrective exercise specialist. He also has TRX STC/GSTC and Training For Warriors levels one and two certifications. He can be contacted at info@macfit360.com or telephone 698-2119.

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