Dieting Tips to Achieve Six-Pack Abs This Summer
Build a stronger, more defined core
You can spend countless hours lifting weights, running and performing other exercises without seeing any noticeable change in your abs. You may lose weight, but this doesn't always translate into chiseled, rock-hard abs. This is because six-pack abs are achieved in the kitchen, not the gym. By following these dieting tips, you'll build a stronger, more defined core while reducing your risk of disease in the process.
Watch the Carbs
Although they provide you with energy, carbs can hinder your ability to achieve six-pack abs by promoting belly fat. However, there are different types of carbs, not all of which are bad. Bad carbs consist of starches and processed sugars that are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream whereas good carbs consist of whole grains, fruits and vegetables that are absorbed more slowly. Focus your diet on the latter type to achieve a slimmer waistline.
Snack on Nuts
Whether you prefer peanuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans or cashews, nuts are an excellent snack that will help you achieve six-pack abs. Some people assume that nuts have the opposite effect by increasing belly fat. After all, 1 cup of peanuts contains up to 80 calories, so it's not exactly a low-calorie food. Even with a high caloric content, though, nuts can help you achieve six-pack abs this summer. A study cited by Mirror Online found that people who consumed nuts on a regular basis lost 1.4 pounds. Researchers cite high protein and unsaturated fats as being the driving force behind their weight loss benefits.
Eat More Protein
How many grams of protein do you eat in a typical day? If you're not consuming enough of this nutrient, your body won't be able to build or repair muscle tissue. This is important because muscle tissue burns more calories than fat. Therefore, consuming more protein in your diet will help you burn more calories and achieve your designed summer physique.
Drink Green Tea
With origins dating back more than a thousand years, green tea is one of the oldest beverages on the planet. While some people drink it for the flavor, others drink it for its health benefits. Green tea has been shown to promote weight loss, for instance. A report published by Healthline cites several studies linking this traditional Chinese beverage to weight loss. It's unknown how green tea helps individuals lose weight, but some experts believe it's the antioxidants. Green tea contains natural plant-based antioxidants that reduce inflammation and burn fat. So, if you're looking to achieve six-pack abs, make this beverage a part of your daily diet.
Cut Calories
Cutting calories is an effective, time-tested dieting strategy. This involves consuming fewer calories than what you currently consume. If you normally eat and drink 3,000 calories worth of food and beverages, reducing your daily intake to 2,500 calories encourages your body to burn fat. When combined with exercise, cutting calories is a great way to slim down.
What Next?
Achieving six-pack abs is the easy part. The hard part is maintaining it. As summer comes to a close, you may find yourself falling back into your old ways. When the holiday season rolls around, for example, many people begin unhealthy meals and snacks. Don't let the holidays sabotage your six-pack abs. Rather than sitting around the house eating, stay active by doing yard work or try supplements like Le-Vel Thrive to help maintain your weight.
You can't expect to get six-pack abs overnight. Even if you follow these dieting tips, it may take several months before you see clearly defined lines around your midsection. As long as you stay with your diet, however, you'll eventually develop a six-pack.
About the Creator
Paisley Hansen
Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty, and fashion. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.
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