One of the most envied body parts is a tummy that is flatter than a board. After all, there is something sexy and confident about someone that has a midsection that is tight and toned. And, if you’re like most people, you’ve even envisioned yourself with bikini worthy abs, strutting around the beach for the entire world to see.

Sadly, if you’re like most people, you’ve also given up the hopes of ever seeing that trim midsection become a reality. However, you can have a thinner tummy and we’ve got some ways to help you get it. Here are three things you can do that will help you create abs that others envy:

Lower Your Body Fat Percentage

It doesn’t matter how tone your muscles are in your core area, you’re not going to be able to see them if they are hidden under a layer of fat. Therefore, you’ll want to decrease your overall body fat so that your finely tuned abdominal muscles will be able to shine through.

To do this, you’ll want to increase your physical activity. Burn extra calories by increasing your intensity or length of your cardio workouts so that your body gets rid of the extra fat you carry. Also, if you don’t already lift weights then you may want to consider adding this to your workout routine as strength training increases your metabolism and gives you a physique you can be proud of.

Control Your Stress

When you are chronically tense and anxious, your body produces a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is associated not only with holding onto fat in general, but it specifically forces retention of belly fat. Therefore, controlling your stress level is essential to getting your body to work with you versus against you when trying to trim your tummy.

Find stress reduction activities that you enjoy. If you’re an outdoors kind of person, for instance, go outside and take a walk to clear your mind. If adventure is what you treasure, go rock climbing or take some pole dancing lessons. Learning something new is a wonderful way to get your mind off of the things that are bothering you – and making you hold onto your fat.

Limit Salt and Carbonation

Although these two substances don’t necessarily cause retention of belly fat, they do both cause you to bloat which isn’t conducive to a thin belly. It’s okay to use a little salt while cooking, but keep the shaker off the table when you are eating. In regard to carbonation, the more soft drinks or carbonated alcoholic drinks you consume, the more bloated you will be.

This includes diet drinks as well, so you’re better off choosing beverages that are carbonation free (like water, tea and a glass of wine). The chemicals in diet drinks inhibit fat burning - rid them from your life and you'll see a HUGE difference.

Try these three tips and you’ll be on your way to a thin and trim belly that you’ll be proud of. Your dreams of a whittled waistline will finally become a reality!