You hear it everywhere, especially in the gym, the latest magic method to get ripped abs. They come in a variety such as diets, training regimens, and personal trainer secrets. Some of these methods are precise ways to get 6-pack ads, others are sheer hype. However, if you’re really going to get ripped abs, you have to learn to separate the wheat from the irritation, so to speak, or you’ll never achieve your goal.
Let’s separate the truth from fiction and exaggeration. The bottom line is that your diet is a crucial component to getting those ripped abs. One of the truest mantras in the fitness business is that ‘abs are made in the kitchen’. If you’re not eating ‘ab food’ your belly won’t lie!
So, you ask, what should I be cooking in my abdominal kitchen?
Well, for starters, it should be no secret that protein is king. Protein not only provides the main building tools you need to build muscle, but it will satisfy those hunger pangs much better than feasting on carbs. Protein King is more expensive than any additional macronutrient which, broken down, simply means the body will burn more calories by eliminating protein rather than carbs and fat.
Our next point is that you don’t have to avoid dietary fats that are derived primarily from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, fish oil, or a variety of nuts, natural peanut butter (preferably the kind you make in a health food store straight from peanuts) or my favorite; avocado. It’s a true statement that consuming fat will rack up calories quickly, but if you keep it to 20-30%, it can also be one of the best paths to achieving 6-pack abs fast. It’s key that dietary fat helps keep insulin at a stable point, because if it’s too high, it can cause the addition of fat on its own.
It’s important to note that dietary fat keeps you feeling full and hungry for a longer period of time than protein and carbohydrates. Interestingly, some high fat diets will result in six pack abs quickly as your body, being the good student that it is, will learn to metabolize fat for energy. You need to watch it, but be sure to include some fat in your diet. Always keep in mind that when it comes to eating carbohydrates and getting those ripped abs, you’ll definitely want to eat them after your workouts. The reason is simply that this is when your body really needs carbohydrates intensely and will therefore absorb them faster into your muscle tissue. This is the time when carbohydrates are least likely to break down into body fat.
When you eat carbohydrates after your workouts, it will aid in the repair and recovery of your muscle tissue, which means you can get back in the gym much faster.
Since we know you want those six pack abs as fast as possible, be sure to include a cup or two of fresh, raw vegetables with each meal to help control insulin levels, speed up protein absorption and infuse your body with vitamins, important minerals, natural fibers and critical antioxidants.
The bottom line here, guys and gals, is that if your main goal is to achieve ripped abs in the coming months, you need to pay close attention to your diet. This is the magic potion that you cannot ignore if you are going to succeed in your quest!