1. Oats

Whole grains, like oats, are one of the first foods to eat for defined abs! Whole grains are high in fiber which helps remove bulk and waste from your body. Not only that, but since whole grains are digested much slower than processed grains, whole grains help regulate your appetite, preventing you from overeating throughout the day. Try starting your day with a cup of oats and slowly start to see those abs come through!

2. Salmon

Salmon is a great fit body food because of its high protein content. Since protein is stored in our muscles, adequate protein consumption will help you repair and build those strong abs in the gym. Protein is much harder to digest than both carbohydrates and fat, therefore, our body uses more energy to breakdown foods like salmon. Salmon is also very high in omega-3s which help fight inflammation which is often associated with high intensity exercise. Try a salmon salad with a side of whole grains for defined abs soon!

3. Unsalted Mixed Nuts

Unsalted mixed nuts are a great ab friendly food to snack on since only a little bit go a long way! Nuts are very high in fiber, healthy fats and protein and digest very slowly in your body, keeping you full for hours on end. They are great to help keep your blood sugar stable, preventing you from overeating throughout the day! Reach for only about a fourth of a cup because even though they are great for you, they still are high in calories!

4. Kale

One of my favorite six pack foods is kale! While you might not think of kale as a food to help those defined abs show through, kale is high in vitamins and minerals and very low in calories and carbohydrates. Put it this way, it packs a mean nutritional punch! Kale, and all other leafy greens, are what I like to consider free foods since they are such a nutrient powerhouse and very low in calories!

5. Lentils

Lentils are another food that are great for a lean body! Lentils are very high in protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates which will help fuel your active lifestyle. The protein will help repair your muscles while the carbohydrates will help them grow, which after all, in order for abs to show through they have to be there in the first place!

6. Oranges

Oranges do more for your body than help fight off a cold; they are great for a tight bod too! Oranges are high in fiber which helps trap and remove anything that might be sitting in your digestive system, really helping those abs show through! Oranges are also a great snack to reach for because they have a high water content which will help you feel full and hydrated all day long.

7. Green Tea

Green tea is the perfect beverage to sip on if you are looking for a well toned stomach. Green tea will not only help keep you hydrated, but it also contains a small dose of metabolism-boosting caffeine, helping you burn slightly more calories throughout the day. The catechins in green tea can also help your body use its fat stores for energy to increase your body's core temperature. More fat burned = more abs showing through!

As you see, you can crunch all day long and still not have a six pack. Abs certainly are made in the kitchen and not in the gym. While the gym will help build the abdominal muscles, it's the foods that you choose to eat each day that will help trim the fat and let those muscular abs show through! Have you ever tried to crunch your way to a six pack without cleaning up your diet?