..not crunches.

I know I’ve said there are no secrets to getting in shape, and you just have to work hard by exercising and eating right, but in this case, I use the word “secret” not because I discovered it, or it’s some unconventional method I’m going to charge you 4 easy payments of $39.99 for.  I call it a secret because for some reason, no one seems to know about it- or remember.

I hear constantly, “I do crunches and I do cardio and I can’t lose the weight around my middle!”

Sure, we know the dangers of excessive fat around the midsection, but what about just trying to get those 6-pack abs you’ve done thousands of crunches to achieve?  You don’t have a big gut to lose, you just want the definition you’ve been working for.

The secret is….

Food.  Eating right.

Boring, I know.

Your midsection is where all your junk food goes to hang out and get to know each other. It settles around your middle, increasing your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

Cutting out the processed junk and eating foods that will blast any extra fat the is stopping your definition from shopping through and keep your metabolism running in high gear.

Avocados, walnuts, spinach, salmon, whole grains, fat free yogurt and milk and grapefruit are your best friends. Get to know them well.

Diet is key. It always has been and it always will be.

Kelly Turner is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and health and fitness writer from Seattle, WA.  Her writing has appeared in numerous magazines, and she currently blogs for Breathe Magazine, is the Health and Fitness Expert for Twirlit.com and feature fitness writer for FitPeeps.com.  To contact Kelly with any questions, you email her at kellycturner@hotmail.com.