Abs Diet

The Abs Diet is a nutritional diet created by "Men's Health Magazine" editor David Zinczenko. It is designed to be implemented as a life-style change.

The diet emphasizes the so-called "Twelve Power Foods". The diet recommends six small meals spread throughout the day. Each major meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) should contain at least three of the "Power Foods". The snacks should contain at least one "Power Food". The name "Abs Diet" does not imply a focus on the abdominal muscles, but is an acronym representing the twelve power foods ("A" for Almonds, etc.). However, Zinczenko says that following this diet, the reader's abdominal muscles will become more visible.

Unlike most other nutritional diets, the Abs Diet gives the reader one "free meal" a week, where they are allowed to eat as much of and anything they like, whether it be of the recommended foods or not.

Twelve power foods

*Almonds and other nuts
*Beans and legumes
*Spinach and other green vegetables
*Dairy: fat-free/low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese
*Instant oatmeal (unsweetened, unflavored)
*Eggs
*Turkey/lean meat (lean steak, chicken and fish)
*Peanut butter (all-natural, and limit to 3 tablespoons per day)
*Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
*Whole grain bread/cereal
*Extra protein (whey) powder
*Raspberries and other berries

Eat often foods

*Apple sauces
*Asparagus
*Avocados
*Bananas
*Brown rice
*Canadian Bacon
*Canola oil
*Citrus fruit and juices
*Fruit juice (sugar-free)
*Lean game (ostrich, etc.)
*Garlic
*Lentils
*Mushrooms
*Melons
*Peaches
*Peanut oil
*Peas
*Peppers
*Popcorn (fat-free)
*Shellfish (bivalves)
*Soup (broth-based)
*Sunflower seeds
*Sweet potatoes
*Dark Chocolate

Eat occasionally

*Baked potatoes
*Beer (light)
*Butter (light)
*Chocolate
*Coffee
*Lamb
*Lasagna
*Lunchmeat
*Macaroni
*Margarine
*Pudding
*French fries (only if not cooked in vegetable oil)
*Graham crackers
*Granola (low fat)
*Ham
*Honey
*Ice cream (low fat)
*Jam and marmalade
*Pork tenderloin
*Rice
*Sauerkraut
*Sorbet
*Sherbet
*Veal
*White wine
*Frozen yogurt

Foods to avoid

* Vegetable oil (especially hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils)
* Butter
* Soda
* Foods with high fructose corn syrup
* Finger foods, such as: pizza, hamburgers, french fries, chicken wings, etc.,
* Greasy foods
* High sugar foods and beverages
* High sodium foods

Obesity risks (according to the Abs Diet)

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts analyzed the eating habits of 500 men and women and found connections between the way people eat and the risk of becoming overweight. Below are some of the habits that can increase or decrease the risk of becoming obese.

The diet also includes an exercise program.

Books

* "The Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Stomach and Keep You Lean for Life" by David Zinczenko and Ted Spiker. Hardcover (ISBN 1-57954-998-5) 2004, Softcover (ISBN 1-59486-216-8) 2005.
* "The Abs Diet Get Fit Stay Fit Plan: The Exercise Program to Flatten Your Belly, Reshape Your Body, and Give You Abs for Life!" by David Zinczenko and Ted Spiker. Hardcover (ISBN 1-59486-409-8) 2005.
* "The Abs Diet Eat Right Every Time Guide" by David Zinczenko and Ted Spiker. Paperback - Jan 5, 2005)
* "The Abs Diet 6-Minute Meals for 6-Pack Abs: More Than 150 Great-Tasting Recipes to Melt Away Fat!" by David Zinczenko and Ted Spiker. Hardcover (ISBN 1-59486-546-9) 2006.
* "The ABS Diet: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Stomach and Keep You Lean for Life: For Women" by David Zinczenko. Hardcover (ISBN 1-59486-309-1) 2007.

There is also a workout DVD and some book titles are available as audio books.

External links

* [http://www.absdiet.com The Abs Diet Home Page (official site)]
* [http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/6-7-2004-55183.asp The Abs Diet review] from Buzzle.com