Editor's Note: San Diego Gay & Lesbian News is proud to welcome the stunning and rock-hard personality that is Chris Tina Bruce to our list of contributors. On any given day, Chris Tina can be found carving people into shape at her Hillcrest Fitness club or riding around town on her fabulous bicycle. Her "Trans Fit" column will run every Friday afternoon and give you the tips and tools that could help you get on track to looking as good as she does. Stop into her club at 4002 Park Blvd or shout out and wave hello the next time she flies past on her bike.

"Abs are made in the kitchen" - this is a motto ingrained into me back in my competitive bodybuilding days of the 1990's.

A multitude of infomercials, supplement suppliers and well-paid spokespeople try to promote a quick-fix six-pack solution, although there is no such thing as a cutting diet, abs diet, mass-gaining diet, etc.

Bottom line is the "Law of Thermodynamics" -- weight reduction can only take place when there is more energy burned than consumed.

Likewise, weight gain (muscle gain) can only take place when more calories are consumed than burned.

'Abs made in the kitchen' reflects the fact that you CAN diet off a bad workout, but you CANNOT workout a bad diet.

Nutrition is the most important aspect of a lean, rock-solid core. By following a regular, clean eating lifestyle, in addition to a greater, active exercise routine, you will lose weight along with fat.

Almost every person has a "great set of abs" hiding beneath a smooth layer of fat. So let's look at how we can chisel away and reveal those amazing, hidden abs.

These are basic guidelines for a properly structured, clean eating program:

• Carbohydrates -- a healthy target is to have 40 to 45 percent of your total calories come from carbohydrates. Pasta, rice, beans, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals are good sources. The rule of thumb is 1 gram, per pound of body weight.
• Protein -- a healthy target is 25 to 30 percent of your total calories from protein. Good protein sources are lean meats, chicken, shellfish, fish, soy, eggs and low-fat milk products. Rule of thumb is .75 gram, per pound of body weight.
• Fat -- a healthy target is 20 to 25 percent of your total calories from healthy fats. Unsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, nuts, avocados and fish oil, are the healthiest. An emphasis should be placed on obtaining essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold-water fish, leafy greens, walnuts, almonds and flaxseeds. Rule of thumb is .25 gram, per pound of body weight.
• Water -- a healthy target is a daily water intake of 64 to 80 ounces. Water needs increase with higher temperatures and humidity, as well as with the consumption of alcohol, coffee and soda. Rule of thumb is an average of 1/2 oz of water, per pound of body weight.

To be successful, we must "plan our work and work our plan."

Therefore, begin by tracking everything you consume for two days and work out the rations (available on many website calculators) to get a base line and working knowledge of where you are and where you need to be.

Then slowly tackle one macronutrient (carbohydrates, proteins, fats and water) item at a time, beginning with increased water consumption, then carbohydrates, proteins, and finally, fats.

More about Chris Tina Bruce

Chris Tina Bruce is a male-to-female transgender bodybuilder, spokesperson and fitness talent.

She is the founder of Be Bold Be Proud, a grassroots non-profit transgender equality organization. She is also the founder of Discover Health and Fitness, a freelance writer and the proud parent of two amazing children. She obtained her bachelor of science degree from Georgia State University, and is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer.

Chris Tina lives by some very simple rules and affirmations: All of life is a transition; where you are does not have to define who you will be and together we can cultivate change. Be Bold, Be Proud, Be Yourself.

For more information about Chris, her Fitness Fun Camps, private sessions, nutrition programs or next bodybuilding show, check out her website, follow her Hillcrest Fitness Facebook page, or call (972) 989-6076.

You can also follow Be Bold Be Proud on Twitter, or also on Facebook.