Eating for the Ultimate Abs

In the journey of gaining a great set of abs, it is crucial to follow a diet which allows for the ultimate abs.  Consuming fatty foods loaded with sugar and carbohydrates will not allow for a flat, toned, and defined abdominal section.  Rather, consuming improper foods will not only make your journey hard to accomplish, but it could prevent your from ever having the abs of your life.  Listed in this article is a complete guide on your abdominal muscles and some foods you ought to eat to help increase the amount of time it takes you to get them.

Eating for the Ultimate Abs

Some exercise gimmicks today and in the past have become rich off shapely abdominals and for good reason.  The waistline is increasing in the American culture and many want to avoid this.  Some companies have marketed tools and equipment to help “shrink” the abdominal area by increasing the amount of contractions in the abs.  This is one reason why many individuals are frustrated with endless crunches, sit-ups, and abdominal exercise machines: they do not show the results for which you are searching.  If you want your abs to show and be defined, your diet and food intake is where it begins.  If you have a little around the waist, again your diet needs an adjustment in order to shrink the size. Consider eating the following foods in order to gain ultimate abs and to get the results you want.

• Almonds. This particular nut is a great way to add protein in the diet and it helps reduce food cravings [1].  However, be very cautious with consuming nuts.  They are packed with high amounts of energy since they contain a great deal of healthy fats, so be sure to eat almonds as a small snack to curb appetite.
• Legumes. Fiber is one nutrient humans consume to help cleanse the body and to help increase the “fullness factor” from a meal.  Increasing your level of satiety by consuming more beans and legumes is a great way to curb hunger and to help regulate the digestive system.  Aim to consume at least 25 grams of fiber from beans and legumes every day to help reach your ultimate abs and to help keep the abdominal area of your body lean and trim.
• Green Leafy Vegetables. Consuming green leafy vegetables, also known as lettuce, kale, spinach, or cabbage, is a low-calorie option for improving abdominal definition.  Consider consuming a salad regularly at dinner to help shrink and improve the appearance of the abdominal muscles.  One of the biggest mistakes in abdominal health is to consume a carbohydrate-rich meal an hour or two before bed, only to have it all be stored as fat in the mid-section.  Salads are low in calories and generally pass through the body as waste, which is why green leafy vegetables are perfect for a late dinner.
• Eggs. Consuming eggs from the egg white or from the whole variety is one of the best ways to eliminate the excess around the abdominal section and can help you reach the ultimate abs of your dreams.  Consuming whole or egg whites helps increase protein consumption and can help curb early morning hunger following breakfast.  Some studies have suggested that the protein and good fat in eggs could be the biggest reasons contributing to satiety following breakfast [2].
• Fruit. Consuming fruit as a snack or dessert regularly will help prevent fat from being stored in the body at a quick rate.  Individuals will often turn to cake, cookies, brownies, or other carbohydrate loaded treats late at night and before bed, which only leads to fat storage in the abdominal area.  Rather than consuming these treats, consider eating fruit to curb your late night appetite.  Fruit has fewer calories than from sweets and they are loaded with vitamins and nutrients.
• Greek Yogurt. The Greek strained variety of yogurt is your best source of yogurt protein and it can help control appetite and satiety.  Be careful of Greek yogurt impostures though.  Some brands include fillers and other additives to resemble the real Greek strained variety.  When you purchase your next Greek yogurt, read the ingredient list.  The only ingredients in the yogurt, other than flavor, should be milk (sometimes it will list the bacteria).  If you see milk and bacteria with about 15 grams of protein per serving, you know you have the real stuff.

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