Six Pack Ab Exercises ~ What You Need To Know

No matter where you turn on the internet these days, you are going to stumble across yet another new secret system for getting 6 pack abs.  Pop up ads and flashing banners are all touting the the same thing... the latest and greatest ways to exchange your flabby tummy for those highly sought after 6 pack abs. While some of these so called "secrets" do have some levels of accuracy, others do not.  The biggest problem is trying to determine the best method FOR YOU to get those 6 pack abs.  Here is the first part of the answer, and it really is not a secret at all.  

Want to know what the answer is?

If your goal is really and truly to get that stunning belly, ab exercises are not the first thing to look at.  The correct answer is your diet.  There are no, and I repeat no, ab workouts that will produce your desired result without using a modified diet. There is an old saying that says, 'Abs are made in the kitchen', and this saying really applies across the entire fitness industry.  The first area of your body that will highlight a poor diet is your stomach.  

So, what should you be doing with your diet?

First, you need to be sure that you are getting enough protein.  Why?  There are three reasons for this.  

1. Protein is needed to build muscle tissue itself.  You will not get the abs you want without getting the protein your body needs.  
2. Protein is the best way to produce that 'full feeling'.  Want to cut down on your overall food consumption?  Eat more protein!  Protein is even better than carbs when it comes to making us feel full.
3. Protein is revs the engines.  Your body will burn more calories breaking down protein compared to carbs and fats.

Second point.  Do not be afraid of dietary fat!  Fats such as olive oils, fish oils, a almonds, sunflower seeds, soybeans, natural peanut butter and avocado.  Yes, it is true that consuming fats increases your caloric intake quickly, you will be ok  as long as you keep it between 20-30% of your intake.  Dietary fats are one of the best things you can consume to get those abs fast!  The important point here is that dietary fat helps keep your insulin level stable, which, when high enough can actually cause fat gain itself.  Also, dietary fat will give you that full feeling for the longest time.  This includes both protein or carbohydrates.  (*Note:  We addressed other belly fat issues in Goodbye Belly Fat article.)

Over time, your body will learn to process and metabolize fat for energy very quickly.  This is especially true if you couple your new dietary fat intake with a proper exercise routine.  Yes.  While you do need to keep your eye on the quantity of dietary fat you consume, it is quite important to include it in your diet.

We Love Those Carbs!

Yes we do, but here is an important point.  Make sure to concentrate the majority of your carbohydrate consumption immediately following your workouts.  This is the time when your body is able to process these the best.  When you consume carbs 'post workout', your muscle tissues will absorb these, making it much less likely that they will be converted to body fat.  Also, carbohydrates consumed after a workout are a great way to help your muscle recover.

If you want to accelerate the process of getting your 6 pack abs, you should consider adding 1-2 cups of raw vegetables to each meal (in addition to the proteins, dietary fats and carbs mentioned earlier).  The additional vegetables will provide you with many, many benefits.  The benefits include controlling insulin levels and assisting with the absorption of the proteins in your diet.  Lest we forget, vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and natural antioxidants.

So there you have it!  The true secret for getting your very own 6 pack abs!