Nothing worthwhile comes easy, and body-builder-perfect abs are no exception. Perhaps the most obvious sign of peak physical fitness, everybody wants them but few people know how to get ripped abs. Needless to say, the dieter who achieves this coveted reward can give themselves a pat on the back.

Even the briefest web search is bound to overwhelm you with the number of get-fit-quick schemes and secrets of the stars for Hollywood-perfect ripped abs that claim they will change your life. And as with everything else, at least half of these results are scams. An easy way to sort them: you don’t need to pull out your wallet to get those abs you’ve always dreamed of. You also need to be realistic. A lot of material you’ll find on websites for professional body builders are for just that – the professional body builder. And the site’s being paid by its sponsors to promote costly dietary supplements, or even anabolic steroids. Make sure you get all the facts before you hit your nearest drug store.

An easy tip that doesn’t require a visit to the drug store? Eat more protein. Sounds simple, natural, and safe. But even this should be done with caution. Too much protein for your lifestyle could put you at risk for kidney failure or other serious health complications.

The best thing to do before doing anything to your diet in order to sculpt some super abs is to see your doctor. That’s what they’re there for. And they’ll also be able to give you some sound advice about your limitations or any symptoms of potential problems you should watch for.

For dieting in general, it’s always a good idea to refrain from eating within two hours of going to sleep. When you sleep, your metabolism slows down tremendously as your body requires less energy, meaning that turkey club sandwich you ate right before your head hit the pillow will be turned into fat and stored rather than being burned off as energy.

Also, don’t be so quick to scoff at the words, “aerobic exercising.” Cycling, jogging, and swimming are all great weighs to boost your metabolism. An increased metabolism means more energy’s being used, and with the right diet that energy’s going to start coming from stored excess body fat. So to sum up, you don’t need those tubs of protein powder or countless supplement pills with every meal to earn your amazing washboard abs. Just that tried and tested old remedy: balanced diet, exercise, and a healthy dose of weight-training to tone things up!