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Posts Tagged ‘diets’
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
One of the things I really like about the Abs Diet Powerfoods is that there’s nothing complicated or strange about the list. It’s full of things you probably already like eating and can easily incorporate into your diet – like peanut butter!
I know, you’re probably thinking, “Peanut butter?! It’s so high in fat and calories!” But if you choose an all-natural, sugar-free version, it can be a great part of a workout diet. First of all, it’s got the good type of fat – monounsaturated – and second, it helps build muscle and burn fat. It’s quick, it’s full of protein, and when you’re on the go, you can throw it into a smoothie or eat it with apple slices. Limit your consumption to about 3 tablespoons a day, and check out these other healthy ways to eat peanut butter from Eating Well:
• Peanut Noodles with Shredded Chicken & Vegetables
• Tofu with Peanut-Ginger Sauce
• Sweet Potato-Peanut Bisque
Note: if you’re allergic to peanuts or just want some variety, also try almond or cashew butter.
• For more information on the Abs Diet, visit Women’s Health.
Image: Dr Stephen Dann
Tags: Abs Diet Powerfoods, diets, peanut butter
Posted in Nutrition | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
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.
Image: avlxyz
Tags: Abs Diet Powerfoods, diets, meat, turkey
Posted in Nutrition | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Just in time for Easter, it’s our next Abs Diet Powerfood – eggs! A lot of people avoid eggs due to concerns about cholesterol, but it’s worth considering them for their muscle-building and fat-burning properties. In fact, eggs are actually very low in saturated and trans fats. In a study cited by Precision Nutrition, eggs were even “shown to enhance weight loss when used with a calorie restricted diet — meaning that people who both reduced their calories and ate 2 eggs a day lost more weight (65% more weight loss & 16% more body fat lost) than people who just reduced calories.” Hop over to Precision Nutrition for the lowdown on eggs and cholesterol.
Of course, like anything, don’t overdo it. Eat no more than one or two eggs at a time or stick to egg whites or Egg Beaters for a quick and easy source of protein for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eating Well has a great collection of healthy egg recipes, and there’s always my favorite standby for a light yet powerful breakfast: one boiled egg, sliced and served atop one slice of WASA whole grain crisp bread with a slice of tomato. Serve it with a cup of fresh fruits and berries, a small handful of mixed unsalted nuts, and a cup of green tea, and you’ll be Living Life Loud!
• For more information on the Abs Diet, visit Women’s Health.
Image: woodleywonderworks
Tags: Abs Diet Powerfoods, diets, eggs
Posted in Nutrition | No Comments »
Monday, March 15th, 2010
Of all the Abs Diet Powerfoods, this is one of the easiest to incorporate in your diet – instant oatmeal. Naturally, you can eat old-fashioned oatmeal, too, but the instant kind is great for carrying in your purse or gym bag or keeping in your office drawer.
What does oatmeal do for you? A better question is what doesn’t it do. Fiber-filled oatmeal boosts energy, reduces cholesterol, maintains blood-sugar levels, and fights against heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and obesity. It’ll fill you up in the morning or power you in the afternoon. The Abs Diet even suggests you can have a bowl at night to avoid unhealthy, late-night binge eating.
When shopping for instant oatmeal, be sure to get the unsweetened, unflavored variety, or you might end up eating lots of extra sugar and calories. But don’t worry, you can still get plenty of flavor by adding other Abs Diet Powerfoods like dairy products, almonds and other nuts, and berries. A sprinkle of cinnamon is fantastic, too.
• For more information on the Abs Diet, visit Women’s Health.
Image: stu_spivack
Tags: Abs Diet Powerfoods, diets, oatmeal
Posted in Nutrition | No Comments »
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