Ripped six pack abs, they say, are not made in the gym, they are “built in the kitchen”.  This is one of the most popular gym lines and to a certain limit, this is quite true - without an proper diet plan, or without the perfect diet plan, it is very difficult to achieve the perfect six pack abs that you have always desired. Therefore, the main question is - “What should I eat and how should I eat so that my abs come up like they should - ripped, solid and mean?”

Six Pack Abs Diet plan

This plan has been broken into two major parts - the timings and the contents of your ideal six pack diet.

The Timing:

Breaking up from the ‘three meals a day’ routine. The new abs diet routine says:

Have as many short meals during the day as possible - preferably 5-6. The reason behind this is that this keeps the body metabolism running around the clock, not giving the system any rest and burning calories through out. Quick metabolism can lead to quick abs.

This eating routine is highly effective for:

• preventing any further fat gain
• for burning that strip of stomach layer quickly
• and to build well defined abs when all the fat is finally removed.

Most people who get frustrated during their abs building regimen get frustrated by the last stubborn layer of stomach fat which they need to lose quickly. This last layer can only be monitored if the diet is controlled.

What to Eat:

After you have successfully incorporated the changed timings in your dietary habits, it time to disclose what is to be eaten in those small meals and snacks. Having a high protein diet is important, but a balanced diet is what you should aim for as it helps in the long run, reason being that you ingrain good eating habits and not just having one type of food group. Therefore, moderate between all types of food items and remember:

Never control yourself from eating any particular item, especially if it is something which you relish. Chances are that you will eventually break from the control and binge on this. For example, if you are a chocolate lover, avoiding it because it has lots of sugar would be doing injustice to yourself. Have a bar or two now and then, to keep yourself from eating truckloads of it.

To keep choices open, we will discuss the types/groups of foods which you need to eat.

• FIBER: having foods rich in fiber is very helpful. Fiber helps in detoxifying the intestines and keeps the digestive system alert. Fiber has low calories and keeps you full. Therefore, have lots of whole wheat foods such as brown bread and brown rice. Fruits and vegetables are another good source of fiber so hog them up every now and then.
  
• PROTEIN: Proteins are the building blocks of our body and are of utmost importance in any workout regimen. A protein supplement such as creatine or whey protein helps the body to meet the daily quota of protein. This daily quote varies from individual to individual because every one has their own eating habits and training schedules. To find out yours, contact a certified medical professional or your gym instructor. Almonds and walnuts among other nuts are good sources of protein and fiber for your body.
  
• CARBOHYDRATES:   Complex carbohydrates are the carbohydrates which can give you plenty of energy to burn all day, losing weight and extra flab. Leafy vegetables which heavy green leaves and legumes are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates.
  
• FAT: Having fat is important when you are skinny and are working out on sculpting out those abs. Carving the packs will be relatively easy as you do not have to get rid of stomach fat. However, if you want muscular abs, some fat is a must. Go for dairy product as they help in digestion too.
• FLUIDS: Keeping one’s body nicely hydrated, one has to have a lot of fluids through out the day. 8 to 9 glasses of water, fresh juices, protein shakes, and the likes should staples. More water in the body also helps in developing good and even muscle tone. Sexy six packs are all about form and muscle tone.

These five groups are perfect for developing heavenly abs. Combine with an intelligent abdominal workout three to four times a week and you are well on your way to perfect six pack abs.