Which Healthy Foods Are Best for Flat Abs?

We've heard the saying "abs are made in the kitchen," but what does that mean? When it feels like you're working out and not seeing the result you want, could it have something to do with your diet? We went to SHAPE diet doctor Mike Roussell to figure if there are certain foods that can help you on your route to firm, toned abs. Here's what he had to say: The problem is simple: It's very easy to eat a lot of calories, but it's very hard to burn a lot of calories. The popular slogan "abs are made in the kitchen" refers to the fact that what you eat has a far greater impact on weight loss than any form of exercise you do. But despite the popularity of this saying, many people still attempt to uncover their abs with endless crunches and laps around the track.

RELATED: Should I Count Calories or Carbs?

If you're eager to reveal your abs to the world but can't seem to shed that last bit of belly fat, your best strategy is to pay closer attention to your diet. What kinds of foods should you be eating? Regardless of your goal, the foundation of your diet should always be fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources , and a blend of dietary fats. When you're actively trying to lose fat, focus on the type of carbohydrates you're eating-aim for more green, fibrous carbohydrates such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, asparagus, bok choy, and collard greens. These are all cruciferous vegetables and are in the running for the healthiest foods in the world.

It's important to remember that hormones play a big role in weight loss, especially the last five or so pounds that are so hard to lose. Cruciferous vegetables like those mentioned above contain two compounds-indole-3-carbinol and Calcium D-glucarate-that may help optimize estrogen levels, giving you an edge in revealing your abs faster. In addition to these two powerhouses, cruciferous vegetables are low calorie , high fiber, and have a low energy density. This means that you can eat a large quantity of vegetables and feel full and satisfied without consuming a lot of calories--another key for peeling away that final layer of abdominal fat.