Achieving that coveted six pack in virtually no time at all sounds like a good deal, right? Well, I will bust the first myth right here. You cannot get a flat belly "fast," but you can get a flat, fit belly over time and sustain it. Everyone wants a washboard stomach -- in fact, this is easily the most exercised area of the body because people work on what they can see in the mirror when they jump out of the shower. Nothing says health -- or for some, a "hot body" -- like a waist smaller than your hips. In fact, the waist to hip ratio is a very good indication of your risk for heart disease and your overall health.

Not only are the abs the most talked about muscle group, but they also suffer from the most misconceptions. Here is the truth behind some of the most common ab myths, and some facts to help you get you best abs ever.

Myth: Crunches and sit-ups will remove your "Buddha belly"

Fact: You cannot spot-reduce fat on your belly (unless, of course, you want to have it sucked out of you via liposuction!)

Ab exercises will tone your abdominal region, but this does not equate to fat loss in that exact area. More muscle overall increases your metabolic rate, thereby helping you burn calories at rest. But it is an impossibility to expect that exercising one particular area of the body will mean less fat. The most effective way to lose that belly fat is cardiovascular AND weight training and of course, a whole-foods-based diet, free of refined and processed foods. There are many gimmicky products out there on late-night infomercials, all promising you a washboard stomach in a few days. It may seem like a great quick fix, but the truth is that a flat stomach requires a holistic approach that encompasses all three aspects I just mentioned.

Myth: Cutting out carbs completely will make your belly flat

Fact: Cutting out carbs will send your appetite-controlling hormonal signals into a frenzy, likely causing you to eat MORE and choose the wrong foods. Short-term solutions simply do not work

Carbs get more abuse than any other macronutrient. It's high time we gave carbs the love and respect they deserve. In fact, we need to eat carbs to get fibre and have a healthy bowel movement. Did you know that Dr. Bernard Jensen once said the average person has 7-25lbs of impacted fecal matter in their gut? Gross! If you want a flat tummy, having good bowel movements is a step in the right direction. Cut out the carbs and you invite constipation in that very day. Carbs are also the primary fuel source for your brain. Have you ever noticed how those low-carb diets make you feel foggy-headed? Now you know why! You simply cannot fuel your brain power on protein alone.

Myth: Strong abs will give me better balance and a stronger "core"

Fact: This is only a half-truth

While strong abs help you achieve balance and a stronger core, they are not the only muscle group to think about. A strong core means strong back muscles, too. If you only ever work out your abs, you are going to create a muscular imbalance. In fact, many experts advise that most lower back problems stem from weak back muscles. This comes down to common sense -- your back muscles are stabilizers -- just like your abdominals -- and are equally important. A strong back is also important for good posture, which can help to increase your confidence. (Nothing says sexy like the posture of a ballerina!)

As mentioned in the first busted myth, a flat belly is totally achievable when you take an all-encompassing approach to health. All the exercise in the world will only take you so far if you are not eating the right foods for your body type. Diet is absolutely critical for achieving and maintaining a healthy body, so be sure to focus on both areas in your day-to-day life.

Joy McCarthy, owner of Joyous Health, is a certified holistic nutritionist and health coach with a passion for inspiring people to eat well, live well and feel more joyous on a daily basis. Joy welcomes your questions or comments and although you may not receive a response, your submission will certainly be read and may be selected as a topic for a future column.