Through the use of 12 “power foods,” the Abs Diet is a 6-week program that promises decreased body fat, especially in the stomach area, and increased self-esteem, sex-appeal, metabolism, muscle, and health.
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.
What You’ll Be Eating
If you decide the Abs Diet is for you, you’ll basically be making meals and having snacks from 12 main food groups. The Abs Diet explains in detail the benefits of these foods and even describes why they are “powerful” – for example, weight loss, muscle building, or energy. Your meals are comprised of a few of the twelve “power foods,” which include the following:
1) Almonds and other nuts. High in protein and the “good fat,” the Abs Diet suggests eating a serving of almonds a day as a snack or as part of a meal. Almonds and other nuts are filling and can also be sprinkled on salads and other dishes.
2) Beans and other legumes. These include kidney beans, soybeans, and navy beans. They are high in fiber and iron. Refried beans and baked beans, high in fat and sugar, are not included in the Abs Diet.
3) Spinach and other leafy green vegetables. These leafy green vegetables are rich in vitamins and a staple in the Abs Diet.
4) Dairy products. Dairy such as skim or low-fat milk, cottage cheese, and nonfat yogurt are part of the Abs Diet. Whole milk and ice cream is avoided.
5) Instant Oatmeal. Instant oatmeal should be plain and unsweetened. The Abs Diet recommends flavoring it with peanut butter or berries.
6) Eggs. Can also include Egg Beaters, eggs are high in protein, which helps build the muscle the Abs Diet promises.
7) Turkey and other lean meats. Lean steak, chicken, fish and turkey are all part of the Abs Diet. Sausage, bacon, cured meats, ham, and fatty cuts of steak should be avoided while on the diet.
8) Peanut Butter. Peanut butter used while on the Abs Diet should be free of added sugars and trans fats.
9) Olive Oil. When cooking on the Abs Diet, olive oil (rather than vegetable oils) should be used.
10) Whole grains. Whole grain bread, cereals, and rice are consumed while on the Abs Diet. Refined sugars and flour, such as those is doughnuts and pastries as well as white bread, are to be avoided.
11) Extra protein (whey) powder. Protein powder is used for mixing into smoothies on the Abs Diet.
12) Raspberries and other berries. These are encouraged on the diet because of high vitamin C levels. Jellies and jams are to be avoided as they are high in sugar.
The Abs Diet is a smart weight-loss approach as it centers around a healthy, balanced diet while at the same time not depriving the dieter of anything.