Are you one to still believe the ultimate myth of crunches create a six pack? I am here to inform you that it’s not the repetitive up and down motion with your lower back to the floor and chin to the ceiling. Rather, “abs are made in the kitchen” says Geary, author of The Truth About Six Pack Abs. If your diet is poor your progress will be extremely slow, no matter how hard you’re working. It might be encouraging to know it’s not all about the scale-it’s also about body fat percentage! Some might have weight to lose, others might be toning- which will be reflected by a body fat percentage reading and not on the scale. Some women can get lean very quick, genetics do play a role! Regardless, the advice is the same across the board: a controlled diet high in whole grains (>5grams fiber per serving), lean protein (<5 grams per serving), fruits and vegetables and other non-processed foods that create a calorie deficit will get you to your goal more quickly.
Understandably, willpower is not always easy to maintain but tracking your meals daily is easy and affordable (www.caloriecounter.com). As you lose weight, you can build muscle through exercise, thus lowering your body fat percentage. Achieving wash board abdominals might seem hopelessly unattainable because it doesn’t happen over night. My advice; set small goals, beginning at the grocery and in your kitchen, document your changes through food records, and stick to it! Your small milestone successes will add up to your ultimate long-term goal!
Calculated Loss: If you want to lose one pound each week (3500 calories), eat 500 fewer calories per day.
Posted on
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
by Amy Campbell
filed under