the Abs Diet was originally targeted and designed for men. It was created by editor-in-chief of Men's Health magazine, David Zinczenko. The plan focuses on increasing exercise and eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains; an emphasis on increased sex appeal also serves as a motivator for weight loss. The meal plan boasts that participants will achieve noticeable, defined abs in six weeks. Following the success of "The Abs Diet" book, Zinczenko released "The Abs Diet for Women: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Belly and Firm Up Your Body for Life" in 2007.
The Basics
The Abs Diet is built around six meals a day and the consumption of 12 power foods. Each of the three main meals should include two power foods while snacks have one or two. While there isn't much guidance about portion size or calorie counting, the book claims that eating from the power-food lists automatically reduces calories since choices are light and lean. The exercise part of the plan includes strength training three times per week, abs exercises on two days and optional aerobic exercise two to three days a week.
The 12 Power Foods
The core to revealing a six pack is the 12 Power Foods, according to the diet. Almonds and other nuts, beans, legumes, spinach and other green vegetables, dairy, instant oatmeal, eggs, turkey and other lean meats, peanut butter, olive oil, whole-grain, breads and cereals, extra-protein powder and raspberries and other berries make up the list. Each of the foods on the list was selected because for benefits such as being rich in disease preventing antioxidants and having a high protein content.
Benefits
Abdominal obesity contributes to cardiovascular disease as well as other conditions such as organ dysfunction, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. The diet's emphasis on promoting and maintaining a lean mid-section may be beneficial in preventing and combating such risks. The Abs diet also promotes increased muscle mass, which increases metabolism so that the body burns more calories per day for every pound of muscle.
Helpful tools
In addition to "The Abs Diet" books, users can create and follow customized nutrition and exercise plans online. As with any diet or exercise program, users results vary due to a number of factors. Consistency with any plan is key. If for any reason you have medical issues that may cause concern, always consult a physician prior to the start of any regimen.
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