Probably one of your New Year’s resolutions was to get in shape. Unfortunately, there are no magic tricks for it. Behind every rockin' body you envy, there's a healthy lifestyle, resoluteness, and more important, persisting mind.

Having a flat belly is not just about looking hot -it's also a matter of health. A healthy lifestyle improves your life's quality, no matter how old you are.

To reduce loose inches around your waist, you must adopt two habits: a balanced diet and a regular workout program. Either of them will work by themselves, you must commit to improve your lifestyle and center on the goals you want to achieve. 

These are some health and beauty tips you should follow to reach your New Year's resolution goals:

A flat stomach starts in the kitchen

A temporary strict diet that helps you obtain your desired weight quickly is unhealthy, and it won’t do much for your figure in the long term. So the first step is to change your eating habits, avoiding weight regain.

Prefer fruits, vegetables and wholegrain cereals to increase fiber ingestion. A low-fiber diet is the reason for abdominal distension and accumulation of fat around your belly.

Some of the foods you should include in your new diet are:

1. Salmon, tuna and lean meat: These are low-fat, high-protein foods, which can help you burn up to 80-100 more calories per day.
   
   
2. Green vegetables: Add more vegetables such as lettuce, spinach and arugula. These will increase your meal's volume without adding more calories, and they’re high-fiber as well.
   
   
3. Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower: These vegetables, called cruciferous, are high in proteins and fiber. They’re also low-fat, which is perfect for you to lose weight.

Eating 5 or 6 times a day will help you keep your metabolism working and reduce your appetite. Avoid at all costs high-carb and high-sugar foods such as bread, cookies, chips, chocolates and other desserts.

Keep yourself hydrated drinking at least eight 8-oz water glasses per day. Avoid sodas, juices or any other sugary drinks. Drinking enough water will prevent any gastrointestinal issue, such as constipation. Plus it will also help you detox.

Workout for a flat tummy

Having a healthy diet won’t be enough if you want a flat belly. It’ll be better if you add some cardio and strength training to your new eating habits.

Walking, running and biking for at least 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week will be great to burn belly fat.

Along with this kind of workout, you should include some exercises to strengthen and tone your abdomen. Try these:

1. Crunches: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your torso, keeping your spine straight and without moving your neck. Do three series of 10 to 20 reps.
   
   
2. Planks: Lie face down and place your forearms on the ground with your elbows aligned below your shoulders. Hold for 30 seconds. Do 5 reps.
   
   
3. Leg raise: Lie flat on your back with your legs stretch out in front of you. Keep your hands down flat on the ground near your with your palms facing down. Lift your legs without bending your knees, in a 90° angle. Feel your tummy's contraction, and then slowly put them down. Do three series of 10.

To achieve better results you should workout at least 3 times a week. Remember, every body is different and some people start noticing changes in their bodies after 15 days, while others notice changes after a month or so.

Perseverance is key. Remember that your goal is to change your lifestyle and be healthier. Sooner or later you'll notice the difference and you'll cross this off from your New Year's resolutions list.