Six Pack Abs - Why Diet Is As Important As Exercise

Just when you thought that if you did more sit ups and stomach crunches to get those six pack abs you suddenly find that there is more to it.Because these kind of exercises are probably not the most important secret to six pack abs.Before anyone, even you, can begin to see the six pack abs that you want to show off you have to get rid of the stomach fat that covers them. Abs live below this fat layer and not until it starts to disappear will they become visible to the outside world. This is where diet becomes more important even than the exercise. Certainly, you still need to exercise for muscle tone but losing that fat layer is at least equally important. Still in place - then those six pack abs will never be seen. So put away the white bread, the butter and the cheese, clean out your refrigerator and re-stock with things for a brand new six pack abs diet to trim down your waist.Essentially a diet for getting six pack abs requires you to reduce the fat consumed and at the same time build up lean protein to get a firm stomach. Utilizing a healthy diet as well as an appropriate exercise routine will help shift your stomach from fat to firm in a few weeks. But you will have to be a bit disciplined to succeed.Starting a Six Pack Abs DietYou can do an immediate and complete dietary shift from day one. Probably not the best approach. Many nutritionists recommend that a gradual approach implementing a six pack abs diet is better than trying to do it cold. Mike Geary is probably one of the best fitness exponents of the six pack ab and proper diet.Begin by creating a plan for your new diet. Focus on weight loss, lean muscle gain and overall reduction in sugar intake. Avoid too much fat, this is important. Particularly as there is evidence that fat and sugars consumed together are more difficult for the body to deal with. The body always prefers to the easy to convert sugars in the blood stream to energy before it starts converting body fat to energy. It is harder for the body to convert the fat so it always takes the easiest path first. Wouldn't you?There are authorities who suggest that you should exercise first thing in the morning, before breakfast. This is when blood sugar levels are low so there is the potential for the exercise to be more beneficial for fat loss. Note that none of them would advocate missing the first meal of the day. A good breakfast really starts the metabolism for the day.Busy people often struggle with incorporating a diet change into their daily routine. So some flexibility and a gradual implementation of the plan makes for a more beneficial approach. Starting with breakfast, make sure to shift your diet to a focus on lean protein for your six pack abs diet.Eliminate The Processed FoodsProcessed foods such as white bread, sweetened cereals or pastries are best eliminated from your eating plans. Replace them with omelets, protein shakes and lean meats. And it is more important to reduce sugars and increase lean protein than it is to totally remove all fat from your diet. A notable catch line – If it is white avoid it – like sugar, white flour, salt etc but  a caveat complex carbohydrates like potatoes are OK. Why because they take more energy to digest. Alternatively use protein shakes usually found in your local health store or chemist. When mixed with skim milk or any other low sugar base they provide vitamins, minerals and protein.  And you can prepare a healthy protein omelet (ideally with egg whites) to get start your day right. For individuals with busy schedules, make protein shakes in advance for quick servings to start your day. Even pack a protein shake for lunch if you want to.Increase Your MetabolismThe body’s metabolism is higher in the daytime. So including a complete, healthy and lean breakfast is important. Avoid the temptation to skip this meal. Shifting your calorific intake to earlier in the day helps ensure you progressively lose weight with minimal complications. A balanced diet will definitely help you to six pack abs.Take a tip from Mike Geary eat more frequently and eat smaller smaller portion sizes. Doing this improves your body’s ability to metabolize food intakes. Plan on five smaller meals throughout the day. Halt your meals for the day after a small post-evening meal snack. This helps keep your blood sugar low and metabolism high throughout the day. Lunch or afternoon snacks can integrate lean proteins such as almonds, low fat milk, salads or a protein shake to provide additional sources of nutrition. Including lean protein snacks throughout the day helps to keep your stomach lean and allows your daily calorie burning to keep fat levels regulated throughout your body. Avoid getting or remaining too warm. Running you body a little cooler makes it compensate by burning more calories which benefits your losing fat.  Shivering is not necessary, just avoid being overheated.Many in the western world eat a large meal at the end of the day. This is best avoided. It is better to moderate food consumption to smaller portions spaced throughout the day. A smaller meal at night of lean protein, steamed vegetables and whole grain carbohydrates is a healthy balance that can be augmented with a late night snack of, say, vegetables and peanut butter. Putting the focus on overall dietary health while limited refined carbohydrate intake helps shift your metabolism into high gear to improve your overall physical fitness levels. Choose foods that are both healthy and enjoyable. You can then tailor to your own liking an enjoyable and worthwhile six pack abs diet.Get StartedGetting started is really the key to all of this. Talking about it or putting it off until some event or point in time – like Christmas or next week – means that it might never happen.