Protein is absolutely essential for building muscle and staying healthy, and the next category on our list of Abs Diet Powerfoods will give you plenty of protein, not to mention iron, zinc, and other vitamins like B-12. We’re talking about turkey and other lean meats! Eaten in moderation, these foods can help you fight obesity, heart disease, mood disorders, and memory loss.

In addition to turkey breast, lean meats may include steak, chicken, and fish. Feel free to incorporate shellfish, Canadian bacon, and omega-3 rich flaxseed, but avoid foods the Abs Diet authors call impostors: sausage, bacon, cured meats, ham, and fatty cuts of steak like T-bone and rib eye.

Remember, the key is lean, and keep it to 3 ounces or less per serving. Prepare meats using techniques like grilling, broiling, and roasting (sorry, no frying!), and trim off and drain excess fat. For a great guide to choosing lean meats, see the University of Michigan’s Healing Foods Pyramid.

• For more information on the Abs Diet, visit Women’s Health.

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