The Abs Diet, popularized by the David Zinczenko book bearing the same name and by Men's Health magazine, for which Zinczenko is editor in chief, claims to be a system by which "you'll effortlessly strip away fat from your body and change your body shape forever." The six-week diet plan highlights 12 so-called power foods, selected for their fat-fighting properties.
The Power Foods
The diet uses the acronym ABS DIET POWER to help the ab-seeker recall the 12 power foods. Each letter of the acronym represents a specific food group: almonds and other nuts; beans and legumes; spinach and other green vegetables; dairy, which consists of fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese; instant oatmeal; eggs; turkey and other lean meats; peanut butter; olive oil; whole-grain breads and cereals; extra-protein whey powder; raspberries and other berries.
Meals and Snacks
The 12 power foods provide the basis for all meals and snacks. At least two are incorporated into each of three daily meals, and at least one is present in each of three daily snacks. To maximize the effect that the metabolism can have on burning fat, the Abs Diet emphasizes spacing meals evenly throughout the day, with a snack placed approximately two hours before mealtime.
Smoothies
One unusual aspect of the Abs Diet is the prominent role smoothies play in the daily menu. In fact, a blender tops the list of things to buy in the diet's start-up kit. The diet emphasizes smoothies because of their convenience and versatility. Abs dieters are encouraged to come up with their own concoctions, using multiple high-nutrient power foods.
Cheat Meal
Zinczenko says "a successful diet plan is about how you eat most of the time." For this reason, the Abs Diet allows a planned cheat meal once per week that it calls a meal of gluttony. Dieters are encouraged to abandon the diet's principles for two reasons: "The way to control your cravings is to give in to them every once in a while," and "a high-calorie day of eating can rev up your metabolism."
Exercise
In addition to the nutrition plan, the diet provides a systematic workout program that's centered on weightlifting using compound exercises and circuit training. However, dieters who are not in the habit of exercising regularly are encouraged to use the first two weeks of the six-week workout plan to focus on implementing the nutritional changes into their lifestyles before beginning the suggested exercise routine.
Expert Insight
Juliette Kellow, a registered dietitian, says at weightlossresources.co.uk that the Abs Diet is "really achievable and will certainly help you shift those pounds and tone up." She says that "dieting will help you lose fat from all over," not just from "one specific area like your stomach."
Warning
Due to the risk of illness or injury, always consult your primary care physician before embarking on any new diet or exercise plan.
References
- "The Abs Diet"; David Zinczenko; 2004
- WeightLossResources: Abs Diet Review
Member Comments