The Abs Diet focuses on one thing many Americans are dying to have – 6-pack abs. It lists 12 “power foods” that dieters plan their daily six small meals a day around. By following the diet, which is touted as a “diet for life,” the Abs Diet promises decreased belly fat, which in turn has a variety of positives, including increased sex appeal, better health, and more muscle.
How It Works
In accordance to the Abs Diet, you’ll be eating six meals a day for six weeks. The small meals are designed to keep you from getting hungry throughout the day. In addition, eating smaller meals throughout the day keeps the blood sugar up, resulting in higher energy and an increased metabolism. Once the six weeks are over, you can start another six weeks if you want to lose more weight, or you can go into the maintenance portion of the diet, which includes a “cheat day” once a week instead of the one cheat meal you’re allowed while on the six-week portion of the diet.
Meals are comprised of a few of the twelve “power foods,” which include
Almonds and other nuts
Beans and other legumes
Spinach and other leafy green vegetables
Dairy products
Instant Oatmeal (unsweetened and plain)
Eggs
Turkey and other lean meats
Peanut Butter
Olive Oil
Whole grains
Extra protein (whey) powder
Raspberries and other berries
On the Abs Diet, you don’t count calories. Instead, you choose from a variety of the foods above and make your own meals. As a result, calories are automatically cut as the choices are lean and healthy and naturally lower in calories.
Part of the Abs Diet also includes strength training and abdominal moves found in the book or on the website. The exercises should be done three days a week, with optional aerobic exercise two to three times a week.
The Abs Diet gives a lot of guidance as to what you can and can’t eat and also gives recommendations for popular fast food and sit-down restaurants.
Review
Health – 5. The Abs Diet is a very balanced, healthy diet that incorporates all the necessary nutrients.
Cost – 3. Most of the items on the Abs Diet are everyday items you will shop for anyway. There are a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, which can be costly.In addition, the protein powder the diet recommends can be expensive.
Ease of Implementation – 3. If you don’t already eat healthy, you’ll have to make a total overhaul of your cupboards to add whole grains and get rid of sweets.
Ease of Adherence – 5. With its cheat days and balanced diet, the Abs Dietis easy to follow because it doesn’t limit any foods.
Speed – 4. If followed closely, the Abs Diet promises up to 12 pounds lost in the first 6 weeks.
Long-term potential – 5. In order for the diet to be truly effective, it should be seen as a lifestyle change. However, because it is balanced and does not ban any foods, the long-term potential is very good.
Busy lifestyle rating – 2. Preparing the meals for the Abs Diet can be time consuming.
Family Friendly – 4. Except for the protein smoothies, which may not be necessary for children, everything on the Abs Diet can be consumed by the whole family. There is no need to make separate meals.
Overall, the Abs Diet is a sound diet choice for weight loss and optimal health.