Flat abs are one of the toughest goals to acquire when it comes to bodybuilding and all around fitness. The reason is that the abdominals are the main storage section for unused fuel. Any calories and carbs that you eat and don’t use go right to your midsection to sit until needed. Therefore, any diet plan or exercise program that you may wish to partake in must be based on this one basic principle: you have to burn more fuel than you consume. That’s why a good exercise routine is essential in practically any successful weight loss program. Aerobic exercises and other high intensity workouts burn a good amount of fuel during the activity, but they also increase your metabolism so that your body continues to burn calories for several hours after the workout is over.

That Pesky, Persistent Belly Fat

However, even after you reduce the amount of calories you ingest and faithfully hit the gym, there can often remain a persistent amount of belly fat that just won’t seem to go away. This is especially true of the last 5 or so pinchable pounds that are often due to hormones. Estrogen, in particular, can cause problems with women who are trying to obtain flat abs.

You should already be eating a diet filled with assorted fruits and vegetables, dietary fats, and lean proteins. However, for this last stretch in the battle of the bulge, sometimes it’s necessary to bring out the big guns. In this case, the secret weapon is a special type of vegetable, known as the cruciferous vegetable.

Win the Crusade with Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables belong to the mustard family and include the dark green, fibrous types such as cabbage, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli. This type of vegetable contains a couple of very important compounds that assist in optimizing estrogen levels that interfere with fat loss. These elements are calcium D-glucarate and indole 3-carbinol.

Cruciferous vegetables also contain high fiber, low calories, and a low energy density, meaning that you can eat large portions without gaining the calories. This is a very important factor in weight loss, especially when it comes to eliminating those last couple of stubborn inches. If you substitute more of these types of vegetables into your main meals and snack times then you will help your body use up those last few drops of pesky fat fuel.

There can be multiple factors which come into play when reducing abdominal fat. Regular aerobic workouts and weight training sessions along with a nutritious diet that eliminates high calorie and carb foods is a good place to start. However, the sooner you add fibrous, cruciferous vegetables into the mix, the better chance you have to beat belly fat and reach your goal of flattering flat abs.