FITNESS CHRONICLE

Issue #047


DIET IDEAS FOR FLAT ABS

If your stomach isn't as flat as you'd like it to be then you have come to the right place. Exercise alone won't get you a toned stomach, diet is a huge factor in your success.

Below find 5 very easy adjustments to your eating habits that will dramatically help flatten your abs.

1. Don't Eat After 6pm

This is such a simple and effective way to lose fat. Late night eating is the most damaging to your waistline, so cut it out completely. Brush your teeth immediately following dinner. Once your teeth are brushed, you've put a period to the end of your consumption for the day. Change your evening routine. If you've always ended your day watching your favorite shows with your hand in the snack bowl, then now is the time to change things up. Find activities that don't revolve around food and stick with those. Make it a habit. The first few weeks will be the hardest, but soon your new no-food-after-6pm routine will feel normal.

2. Cut Cack on Carbs

Notice I didn't say to cut out all carbs, but rather to cut back on carbs. These diet tweaks are meant as lifestyle changes that you stick with long term. Cutting back on carbs is a realistic and very effective way to lose weight. Always choose whole grain bread and pasta over white. Whole grains are less likely to be stored as fat than processed grains. Eat half of the carbs you normally do. Eat your sandwich open-faced and reduce the size of your pasta serving. Avoid carb-filled snacks between meals. Instead of crackers or chips, have fresh fruit and veggies.

3. Eat More Fiber

Most people simply do not get enough fiber in their diets. Fiber is essential when it comes to getting lean since it is low calorie while filling you up. Instead of seeing salad just as a side item, make salads into meals. Add protein to a large pile of greens for a guiltless meal. *Try the recipe for Grilled Salmon and Peach Salad below. Make veggies a part of every meal. The benefits of eating more vegetables are too numerous to list, just know that your body will become healthier and leaner with each fibrous bite. Fruits are a delicious source of fiber. Incorporate fresh, seasonal fruits into your daily diet.

4. Drink Lots of Water

Drinking plenty of water is another extremely simple way to promote weight loss. Chronic dehydration leads to false hunger signals and unnecessary calorie consumption. Drink a large glass of water before each meal. This will prevent overeating. Choose water instead of sugar-filled sodas and juices. Sugar-filled drinks are a huge weight-gain trap. Carry a water bottle with you throughout your day. Keep water in the car and at your desk for constant hydration.

5. Enjoy Natural Sweets and Sweeteners

Traditional sugar-filled sweets will quickly add up around your waistline. Instead of going for sugary sweets, enjoy natural sweets. Fruit is nature's candy. Reach for sweet, seasonal fruit for dessert. Avoid foods that contain white sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Consider these items 'anti-flat-abs'. Use wholesome sweeteners such as pure maple syrup, brown rice syrup or dates in your recipes instead of white sugar. Eliminate white sugar from your kitchen.

Eating right, coupled with challenging exercise, is the formula for a toned abs and body. If you're having a problem feel free to contact me, I'm happy to help you achieve your fitness goals. Together we will come up with a fitness plan that is uniquely yours, one that fits your lifestyle and brings you quickly to your goals. Call or email today to get started.

By the way, it's OK to Cheat on your healthy diet. Does the thought of eating healthy everyday make your head spin? Simply start a weekly "Cheat Day" where you allow yourself a taste of all your favorite indulgences. It's OK to cheat once a week,just indulge with some control, and stick with your clean eating habits on all other days. You can do it.

Until next time, remember "Stay Fit You'll Feel Better."

Jeff


RECIPE

Grilled Salmon and Peach Salad

I love Salmon and this recipe makes a perfect flat-abs meal. Fresh greens, grilled peaches and tender salmon make a super combination. Enjoy for lunch or dinner.

Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups mixed greens

1/4 cup grilled peaches

1 Tablespoon blue cheese crumbles

1 Tablespoon dried cranberries

1 Tablespoon light salad dressing

7 oz grilled salmon

PREPARATION:

This is a really tough recipe to prepare. Toss the greens, peaches, blue cheese, and cranberries in a bowl with salad dressing. Top with grilled salmon. Can it get any easier; and the best part is that it tastes incredible. Let me know what you think.

Nutritional:

One serving equals: 365.3 calories, 14.5g fat, 404mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 39.7g protein.