A Healthy Diet for Toning Abs for Men
When it comes to getting toned abs, there’s more to a six pack than endless crunches; having a healthy diet is also essential to developing killer muscle tone. While exercise plays an extremely important role in getting a well-defined mid-section, getting chiseled abs also takes diet discipline. In order to get the desired definition, you will need to tighten your body and reduce unwanted body fat. Here are some of the foods that can help you obtain the chiseled physique you desire.
Eggs
Eggs contain protein that is more effective at building muscle than protein sources like beef or milk, and they contain many vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B-12, which is essential for breaking down fat. Though egg yolks contain a lot of cholesterol, research has shown that eating one or two eggs a day should not raise your cholesterol levels. If you want to avoid the extra cholesterol, consider using just egg whites, no matter how you cook your eggs. But in order to help your defined abs along, it’s best not to cook them in large amounts of fat, like oil or butter.
Spinach
Spinach is a green super food, and the road to a six packs is paved with salads. Consider filling those salads with lots of spinach. Spinach contains large amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, and other antioxidants. The fiber in spinach helps fill you up with few calories, and while it is highly nutritional raw, cooking it brings out the effects of the antioxidants it contains.
Whole Grains
A key component of helping your body achieve its leanest possible physique, it is important to cut out simple carbohydrates like white flour and sugar. You may be trying to consume as few carbs as possible, but your body still needs some carbohydrates to function. So toss out the white bread and white rice and replace it with whole grains. Whole grains have high fiber content to help you feel full, and are also good for your heart. Also consider adding oatmeal as your central carbohydrate. Steel cut oats are minimally processed and ideal for slow digestion and provide you with more volume per calorie. But don’t go wild sprinkling your oatmeal with empty calories in sugar; instead, add cinnamon, orange zest or fresh berries, protein powder, almond milk, or a small drizzle of honey.
Almonds
Almonds are one of the best sources of vitamin E, and vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help your muscles recover from a workout and start growing. Almonds and other nuts also contain protein and healthy fats. A handful of nuts is a great way to help stave off hunger and get your vitamins too.
Beans and Legumes
Beans like lima, black, navy, and pinto beans are great low fat high nutrition sources of protein, fiber, and iron. A great way to jump start your weight loss and ab building regime is to replace meat in dishes like chili or tacos with beans. The lowered amount of saturated fat will not only help your waistline, it will benefit your heart too.
