5 Flat-Belly Trick

Don't even think about sucking it in so you'll fit into those cute, fitted white jeans: There are less-painful and longer-lasting ways to get the amazing middle you crave

Eat at this magic hour
You must eat a snack that contains protein between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Go for a protein bar, a piece of low-fat cheese, or some almonds with an organic apple.

Chew on this
Chewing is the No. 1 tip I give to prevent bloating. Chew food until it is like applesauce in your mouth. Digestion begins in the mouth, and without proper chewing, food is not well-digested. Better-digested food means less gas and bloating.

Shake on the sea salt
The culprit making your tummy bloat? It could be the salt in your diet. Use natural sea salt or kosher salt, which is lower in sodium teaspoon for teaspoon than traditional table salts. And stay away from soy sauce. Instead, flavor your food with a little fresh tomato salsa or a hint of cayenne pepper, which has an added benefit of boosting metabolism.

Size matters
Eating portion-controlled meals that include whole-grain foods and monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) throughout the day is the best way to eat for a flat belly: People who eat whole grains lose more abdominal fat. And making most of the fats you eat MUFAs reduces ab flab, research says.

The ultimate flat-belly menu
Best breakfast: A slice of whole-wheat bread with natural peanut butter and 1 cup of your favorite berries.

Best lunch: Spinach salad with sliced avocado, grilled firm tofu, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

Best dinner: Grilled salmon, a roasted sweet potato, and sautéed asparagus with olive oil and garlic.

Best snack: A cup of fat-free yogurt with 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds.