Dieting Information, Weight Loss Programs and Diet Pills

Abs Diet

This is one of the few weight loss plans for men, and there’s little to criticize about this diet.

If you've been on a quest for flat abs, the male-centric Abs Diet may be the solution. This diet promises to flatten your stomach in six weeks, allowing you to lose 20 pounds of fat on average. While having an enviable midsection is the most obvious pay-off, creator and editor-in-chief of Men's Health David Zinczenko says that by reducing your waist circumference, you'll also decrease your risk of heart disease and diabetes, boost your longevity and improve your sex life.

To help you achieve these goals, you're required to follow six guidelines: Eat six meals a day (three meals and three snacks), make 12 "powerfoods" the focus of your diet, drink smoothies regularly, stop counting calories, watch what you drink and best yet, forget all of these guidelines for one meal a week.

So what are these 12 foods? They include almonds and other nuts; beans and legumes; spinach and other green vegetables; dairy (like fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese); instant oatmeal; eggs; turkey and other lean meats; peanut butter; olive oil; whole-grain breads and cereals; extra protein (whey) powder; and raspberries and other berries.

Exercise is also a crucial part of this program, and although one interval workout and two optional cardiovascular workouts are recommended, the focus is on strength training. Zinczenko's philosophy, after all, is that you should minimize your exercise time while maximizing your results, and in his opinion, strength training gives you the most bang for your buck.

The Abs Diet is one of the few weight loss plans for men, and there's little to criticize about this diet, for it's packed with usable information about living healthier and eating better. Plus, it provides an entertaining read. Not only is the language edgy, but the recipes also have male-oriented names like the Mas Macho Meatballs, Tortilla de Godzilla and Bodacious Brazilian Chicken.

The 12 foods that make up the backbone of the diet are indeed some of the most nutrient-packed. They also include a mix of your favorites, like lean steak and peanut butter, so you won't feel deprived. And if you're curious about how these foods became part of the 12, Zinczenko even provides information about the benefits of each of them, citing studies where appropriate.

Like any effective weight loss plan, the Abs Diet also recommends a well-planned exercise program that doesn't require long hours in the gym. In fact, on some days, you might need only 20 minutes to exercise.

Perhaps the only fault with this diet concerns the liberties Zinczenko takes with his claims. For instance, he says that better abs will improve your sex life by increasing your endurance in bed and improving your erections. Although this might be stretching the truth, if those claims entice you to follow the program, then so be it -- as long as you don't start this program with the sole hope of becoming a babe magnet.

Is the diet healthy?

Yes. The diet offers an appropriate balance of carbohydrates (50 percent), protein (20 percent) and fat (30 percent), and the 12 powerfoods are high-quality, nutritious choices that should be part of any healthy eating plan.

What do the experts say?

"This is a reasonable plan that focuses on high-quality foods," says Roberta Anding, M.S., R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and the dietitian for the Houston Texans. Just note, though: In a day's time, you'll be eating roughly 1,700 calories, which could be too low if you're extremely tall or follow a more active workout schedule than the diet recommends. Her only other qualm with the diet? "I don't agree with all of [David Zinczenko's] science -- like his claims that you'll improve your sex life or prevent aches and pains -- but if you overlook these claims, I'd have no problem with any man following this diet." Although Zinczenko says this program can work for women, Adding notes that women may need to cut portions slightly, depending on their physical activity levels.

Who should consider the diet?

Men who want to lose weight, get healthier and eat better with a program that's geared specifically toward them.

Bottom line

If you're a man seeking an effective weight loss solution (or you're just fed up with diet books geared toward women), give this one a shot. Regardless of how much weight you lose, the high-fiber, moderate-fat nutrition plan will guarantee that you're at least eating healthier.

Checklist

Abs Diet Books
The Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Stomach and Keep You Lean for Life	The Abs Diet 6-Minute Meals for 6-Pack Abs: More Than 150 Great-Tasting Recipes to Melt Away Fat!	The Abs Diet Eat Right Every Time Guide