The Abs Diet tempts dieters with the possibility of earning a lean, taut belly if they follow a customized workout regimen and specific meal plans. What makes this diet different than other fad diets? And, most importantly, does the Abs Diet work at shedding the pounds and keeping them off?
The Premise
Although the name may sound like another catchy title for a quick-fix weight loss plan, The Abs Diet is based on a metabolic human function. Though fat does not turn into muscle, increasing muscle mass in the body can help you to burn fat easier. More muscle means more calories are being burned and extra pounds are lost.
The abdominal area of the body is the center of attention with this diet because of its direct effect on health. According to Harvard Health Publications, more fat around the middle has been shown to increase the risk of several diseases.
For example, abdominal fat produces elevated levels of free fatty acids, which in turn impairs insulin break down. Elevated levels of insulin can result in diabetic conditions.
Also, excess weight around the heart puts undesirable pressure on the pumping mechanism that can lead to weakened heart function, according to Harvard Health Publications.
How It Works
The Abs Diet promotes the consumption of nutritious foods and a comprehensive fitness routine. Promising a simple, quick, flexible, attainable and researched program, the diet focuses on the following principles:
- Consuming six meals per day, spread throughout the day, with a snack two hours before each larger meal
- Choosing at least two foods from the "Powerfood" list. (See list in next section)
- Basing meals on protein, fiber, calcium and unsaturated fats
- Limiting refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, including trans-fat
- Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than two to three drinks per week
- Incorporating smoothie drinks into daily intake for their protein, calcium, fiber and effect on satiety
- Eating any foods you wish at one meal each week
- Exercising for 20 minutes at least 3 days a week
- Beginning two strength training workouts with a series of abdominal exercises
The 12 Powerfoods
The recommended foods were chosen for their ability to fill you up due to their fiber and protein content. The Abs Diet food list consists of:
- Almonds (and other nuts)
- Beans and legumes
- Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
- Low fat or non-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese
- Unsweetened, unflavored oatmeal
- Eggs
- Lean meat such as turkey and chicken breast
- Peanut butter
- Olive oil
- Whole grain breads and cereals
- Whey protein powder
- Berries
Abs Diet Books
If you're interested in starting the weight loss plan, you can find a few titles that can help you begin.
- The original book, The Abs Diet, features the original six-week weight loss plan.
- The New Abs Diet is an updated version of the original.
- The Abs Diet for Women is especially designed for female dieters looking to lose belly fat.
- The Abs Diet Ultimate Nutrition Handbook is a reference guide that can help you choose healthy foods.
Helpful Cookbooks
In addition to the importance of eating the recommended foods, you can find several great cookbooks on Amazon that offer delicious recipes suitable for the Abs Diet. Some of the most popular include the following:
- The New Abs Diet Cookbook - This cookbook features more than 200 recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
- The Abs Diet: 6 Minute Meals for 6-Pack Abs - This cookbook offers 101 quick and easy meals for those who follow the Abs Diet.
Does It Work?
Throughout the book, there are testimonials confirming the positive results of following the plan. However, it is not much different from other weight loss plans. It requires motivation, persistence and discipline. Unfortunately, behaviors around food are not changed overnight. Indeed, acquiring lean muscle mass to your body frame will afford any person with a higher rate of calorie burn and a healthier body weight. The Abs Diet does not contain any magical dust in its pages for weight loss. Only with dedication and determination will the guidelines work.
Is It Safe?
Overall, the program is healthy and outlines a safe way to live in terms of food consumption and physical activity. Physical injuries are always a concern for any person who has not been active and is overweight. Starting each exercise slowly and within your limits is critical to prevent injuries from occurring. Seek the advice of your physician before beginning any weight loss program.
