Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg

What’s the secret to good abs?
Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym. Everyone has abdominal muscles. You’ve been using them your entire life. The difference lies in whether or not the abs are hiding under a layer of fat. The most important thing is to shed body fat by being in negative energy balance—that is, taking in fewer calories from food and drink than the body burns throughout the day.

It is all about balancing the simple equation of calories in versus calories out. Eat a little less and move a little more. I’d stress, however, that starving yourself is not the answer. Fasting absolutely kills your metabolism, making it more difficult to lose fat over the long haul. You have to fuel your metabolism throughout the day and keep the fire stoked so that calories are burned more effeciently all day long.

Most people who are watching what they eat think diets start at breakfast—they starve themselves all day long only to crescendo at night. The more appropriate thought process is that diets don’t start until dinner time. Fuel yourself throughout the morning and day so that you can cut back on those portion sizes and snacks at night.

What’s the best abs exercise?
Variety is the best thing for your abdominal exercise regimen. You want to make sure you emphasize obliques, upper and lower abs, and lower back. I like to incorporate abdominal movements and contractions while working all other body parts. One idea: Perform a one-arm plank on a bench while the other arm does a cable or dumbbell tricep kickback.