Everyone wants a toned and flat belly, but not everyone understands what it takes to get there. Many people believe that endless crunches and ab exercises will be enough, but the truth is that there is much more to it than that.

If you want to achieve a flatter belly for good, consider these six easy techniques:.

1. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

The more often you eat, the faster your metabolism will work. Instead of eating three large meals each day, consider eating five or six smaller meals. This will keep your metabolism burning calories throughout the day, which can help reduce belly fat.

Be sure to choose healthy foods for each meal, such as lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

2. Switch to Water

Soda, juice, and other sugary drinks can add significant calories to your diet, which can lead to belly fat. Switching to water is one of the easiest and most effective changes you can make to your diet.

Water helps flush toxins from your body and can help reduce bloating. If you don’t like the taste of water, consider adding a slice of lemon or lime for flavor.

3. Add Cardiovascular Exercise to Your Routine

Exercise is essential for reducing belly fat. While ab exercises can help tone your muscles, they won’t do much to reduce the fat surrounding them. Cardiovascular exercise, on the other hand, burns calories and can help reduce belly fat.

Consider adding 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise to your routine each day. This could be anything from brisk walking to running, biking, or swimming.

4. Avoid Foods that Cause Bloating

Bloating can make your belly appear larger than it is. Avoid foods that cause bloating, such as beans, cabbage, and broccoli. Instead, opt for foods that are easy to digest, such as lean protein and whole grains.

You may also want to consider taking a probiotic supplement to help promote healthy digestion.

5. Get Plenty of Sleep

Studies have shown that lack of sleep can contribute to weight gain, including belly fat. Make sure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep each night to promote a healthy metabolism.

Avoid caffeine and electronics before bedtime, and try to establish a relaxing bedtime routine to help you fall asleep more easily.

6. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can cause your body to retain water, leading to bloating and an enlarged belly. Make sure you’re getting enough water each day to help flush out toxins and reduce bloating.

Experts recommend drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but you may need more if you’re exercising heavily or spending time in hot weather.

By following these six easy techniques, you can achieve a flatter belly for good. Remember to be patient and consistent, and you’ll see results in no time.