The Abs Diet

[and1grad]

Are any of you familiar with this program at all? I just bought the book last night so I'm hoping to DRASTICALLY change my eating habits and lifestyle. I havent seen much on this forum in terms of the challenge so I'm also wondering if any of you are still keeping up with any of that and what you all did or are doing.

[Kitty]

I've never heard of Abs. diet.

I still don't know what happened to the challenge..my team was pretty active and involved.

[LakeJay]

I have heard of this. This is a diet/book that Men's Health really pushes and preaches in it's magazines. I actually borrowed the book from the library a month or two ago. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to read it. Plus I'm finding myself to not be one who is disciplined to stick to a diet or eating program. I tend to focus more on the working out than the eating part of things...I know I need to focus on both. Please let me know how you do with it. Maybe "knowing" someone who has actually done it and suceeded can serve as proof and inspiration to me.

[pink bunny]

I love it. It works well for me and I have lent it to several of my friends. If you want something that will work long term and does not suck it is what you are loking for. Just remember you only get what you give, if you have six cheat meals instead of a cople you won't get the same results...

[MetFanL]

I've never heard of it, but I'll look into it now. However, I have to say that I haven't yet found something that I liked more than or thought was easier to keep up with that Body for Life.

[paiger81]

You know, the Body for Life workouts intimidated me too much. The funny thing is that I basically do a lot of the workouts on there, but for some reason when I read all of them I freak. LOL. I'm so wierd! LOL!

[MetFanL]

LOL, paige. The only thing I dislike about BFL is the Myoplex. And, you're eating so many times a day, you probably need one Myo product in your daily diet or you'd be preparing meals like a crazy person.

But, I love the workouts. I still go back to them when I get bored w/ my lifting routine. The only annoying thing is when the gym is crowded and you need 3 or 4 sets of dummbells in front of you to do the increasing weights. But, I think it's good for confidence, too, b/c my strength goes up a TON when I do those workouts for a stretch.

[wordsmith]

I'm still doing what I was doing on the challenge, which is sticking to a pretty regular aerobic workout, and monitoring my diet for empty calories. I'm just coming off a big streak of work obligations sabotaging some of my eating habits, though, so I'm having to crack down. Plus, it's getting cold, and winter is always a tough one on my eating habits. In the summer,it's pretty easy for me to eat lightly, but in winter, all the comfort foods come out of hiding, and my snacking grazing gets worse, because I'm chilling indoors a lot instead of being out and on the move. But, I'm conscious of this. My current goal is to attempt to go down two sizes by my birthday, which is in three months. I don't know if it's realistic or not.

What's the program, and1? I'm not much for drastic change; I tend to stick with things that flow a little more seamlessly into my lifestyle, since it's not a horribly unhealthy one to begin with.

[and1grad]

Its mostly about sticking to the 12 Power foods, eating 6 times a day, and of course a workout but i havent gotten to what their workout is. I'm pretty much upping the ante on my workout anyway but i could use the help in having a better ab exercise program. Anyway, the power foods are:

Almonds & other nuts
Beans & other legumes
Spinach & other green veggies

Dairy
Instant Oatmeal
Eggs
Turkey

Peanut Butter
Olive Oil
Whole grain
Extra protein (whey)
Raspberries & other berries

You're supposed to see results in about 6 weeks or so. Its not terribly strict so I dont see why I'd have a problem sticking with it. Unless I start to make excuses but I'm usually good at calling my own bullshit. We'll see.

[Kitty]

Met - I wish I loved working out the way you do. I just cannot get into it.

[MetFanL]

And1, is the diet structured only for dudes or do they give a lower calorie option for girls?

Kitty, you just have to make it part of your daily routine. I really used to HATE working out. DESPISE it. Once it was part of my schedule and I realize how awesome I felt w/ a better diet and regular exercise, it was easy. I still have days when I don't want to go or whatever, but I'm good once I'm there. Also, the eye candy at the gym helps to motivate, too. ;) Add a little Catholic guilt when I want to skip the gym and you're good to go. :)

I wish I had your dedication when it came to dieting, though, b/c I seriously cannot deny myself food. I just love good meals way too much to give it up. That's why the 6 meals never work for me. They're boring and unsatisfying. For me, eating should be enjoyable, not a chore.

[Winter Storm]

Never heard of it either. I guess that's why my six-pack is still a little keg can.
:p

[and1grad]

I think, b/c its more of a Men's Health audience, there isnt or isnt much of a female plan. I really havent gotten much farther than like 30 pages in tho so I'm not sure. Another thing I like is that it doesnt tell you to cut ANY food out of your diet...but if you do eat something unhealthy, do so in moderation. For me, thats not too much to ask. It actually tells you to cheat once in a while. I'm gonna have to MAKE the 6 times a day thing work. Its an adjustment for me too but in the end I'm thinking it'll be worth it.

[LakeJay]

I'm the same way...I'm not so good with my diet and eating habits. I used to say that I work out so I can eat. It really shouldn't be that way but I'm working on the nutrition aspect of things. Best of luck, and1grad. Let us know how it goes.

[MetFanL]

I'm the same way...I'm not so good with my diet and eating habits. I used to say that I work out so I can eat. It really shouldn't be that way but I'm working on the nutrition aspect of things. Best of luck, and1grad. Let us know how it goes.

It's not that I'm eating "bad" stuff, though. It's just that I want my meal to be enjoyable. For example, I made Chicken Bryan the other night... I could NEVER give that up... I could never give up something where you get to savor every bite. Ingredient-wise, it's not bad, but I just couldn't see giving that up to eat a very small meal and have a Myoplex shake later, ya know?

[LakeJay]

Oh I was so much speaking about how you eat. I guess I am partially like you in that I want an "enjoyable" meal but I differ in that I enjoy some meals that aren't the healthiest - portion-wise and nutrition-wise.
The small meal deal is difficult for me too. I've tried it for a couple of weeks then I'll just stop...then I'll come back to it. Maybe it'll stick one time.

[Deadend]

I'll have to look into that. Sounds like mostly stuff I eat anyways. I generally eat pretty good. My problem has always been the sum damage of snacking (and portion control when I lived at home), never what I eat.

[Kitty]

I wish I had your dedication when it came to dieting, though, b/c I seriously cannot deny myself food. I just love good meals way too much to give it up. That's why the 6 meals never work for me. They're boring and unsatisfying. For me, eating should be enjoyable, not a chore.

Yeah, I've always been better about eating. I would much rather eat less than work out.

[wordsmith]

I think, b/c its more of a Men's Health audience, there isnt or isnt much of a female plan. I really havent gotten much farther than like 30 pages in tho so I'm not sure. Another thing I like is that it doesnt tell you to cut ANY food out of your diet...but if you do eat something unhealthy, do so in moderation. For me, thats not too much to ask. It actually tells you to cheat once in a while. I'm gonna have to MAKE the 6 times a day thing work. Its an adjustment for me too but in the end I'm thinking it'll be worth it.

The foods (with the exception of instant oatmeal) are all things I like, and I pretty much do subscribe to the wholeif you eat crappy foods, do so in moderation theory.

I would have a very hard time eating six times a day, though, just with the none-too-regular schedule and all. It would be hard for me to block out that time, or make sure I have appropriate chow with me when I'm running around for work stuff. I'm doing VERY well to spread my eating out to three times a day, to be honest. It's usually more like two.

[MetFanL]

The foods (with the exception of instant oatmeal) are all things I like, and I pretty much do subscribe to the whole if you eat crappy foods, do so in moderation theory.

I would have a very hard time eating six times a day, though, just with the none-too-regular schedule and all. It would be hard for me to block out that time, or make sure I have appropriate chow with me when I'm running around for work stuff. I'm doing VERY well to spread my eating out to three times a day, to be honest. It's usually more like two.

Yeah, it's definitely tough to get the food together. I keep fod EVERYWHERE -- in my desk, in my purse, everywhere. I bring snacks to meetings and it takes a lot of planning at night and when I go shopping to make sure I have stuff with me. It's easy now b/c I'm used to it, but it does take a while to make it part of your routine. Can't you throw some fruit or something in your bag when you're on the go? Or keep some granola bars in your desk? I also usually keep a baggie of that Kashi cereal in my purse for snacking.

I generally eat pretty good. My problem has always been the sum damage of snacking (and portion control when I lived at home), never what I eat.

That's exactly my issue. I think this would be MUCH easier if I was cooking for two people, instead of just one.

[wordsmith]

Believe it or not, Met, a big factor is that even if it's mini meals, I'm self-conscious to be eating all the time. I'm not a tiny person to begin with, I'm super self-conscious about what people will think if every time they see me, I'm gnawing on something. I know it shouldn't matter, but that's my thing. I'd rather just eat quickly once a day while at work and be done w/ it.

Oh, and portion size is a BIG part of any nutritional troubles that lead to my weight management. I eat typically good stuff. I just eat more of it than I should. It's hard to train yourself to eat less. People always say, "You get used to smaller portions, you don't stay hungry. But I always do.

[MetFanL]

Believe it or not, Met, a big factor is that even if it's mini meals, I'm self-conscious to be eating all the time. I'm not a tiny person to begin with, I'm super self-conscious about what people will think if every time they see me, I'm gnawing on something. I know it shouldn't matter, but that's my thing. I'd rather just eat quickly once a day while at work and be done w/ it.

You know, with all my issues with food, I never thought of that. As long as it's healthy stuff, who cares?

[paiger81]

I'd rather just eat quickly once a day while at work and be done w/ it.

That slows your metabolism down a lot!

My boss always jokes that I always eat, he always sees me munching on something, but then he agrees that whatever I eat is always so healthy.

The way I figure it, I'd rather eat like a cow and lose weight, than worry bout other folks, ya know?

[wordsmith]

I'm just self-conscious to be seen eating, really...which is dumb, since the bulk of my weight struggles come from not getting frequent enough exercise, rather than what I eat. So I guess I should be more self conscious that work sees me sitting on my ass for hours on end, really.

[paiger81]

LOL! See! It's all about perspective :p

[MetFanL]

I'm just self-conscious to be seen eating, really...which is dumb, since the bulk of my weight struggles come from not getting frequent enough exercise, rather than what I eat. So I guess I should be more self conscious that work sees me sitting on my ass for hours on end, really.

What if you danced around your desk while eating an apple? That's probably good for stress, too.

Come on, words, be the weird dancing girl in the office... ;)

[wordsmith]

This, actually, would probably not raise an eyebrow.

[paiger81]

This, actually, would probably not raise an eyebrow.


Yet, eating good, healthy food would :confused: j/k :p

[wordsmith]

Yeah, that'd be why I said it was a "me" thing.

I know nobody's watching me eat. But being self-conscious doesn't really follow logic, unfortunately.

[paiger81]

I know nobody's watching me eat. But being self-conscious doesn't really follow logic, unfortunately.

Completely understand. Self Consious-ism is why I stay in my aerobics classes when I really want to leave. I think the people in the class will think "Look at that fat ass not make it through class" so I stay.

[Kitty]

When I was overweight I was freakin' paranoid about eating infront of people - and I still have some of those same issues.

If there was ever free food around or lunch was provided - I wouldn't eat because I didn't want people to think I was like a total pig or something.

[MetFanL]

Completely understand. Self Consious-ism is why I stay in my aerobics classes when I really want to leave. I think the people in the class will think "Look at that fat ass not make it through class" so I stay.

That's not a competitive nature? With me, I usually pick the most advanced girl in the class and I HAVE to be better than her.


Sorry about the threadjack, and1.

[paiger81]

That's not a competitive nature? With me, I usually pick the most advanced girl in the class and I HAVE to be better than her.

Once I'm comfortable in a class, the competitiveness comes out. It's when I'm starting a new class, that I get freaked.

[MetFanL]

Once I'm comfortable in a class, the competitiveness comes out. It's when I'm starting a new class, that I get freaked.

See, mine comes out the most then... Like I need to prove something to the class that I'm f'ing ready to take them on. ;)

[cheshrcarol]

Oh, and portion size is a BIG part of any nutritional troubles that lead to my weight management. I eat typically good stuff. I just eat more of it than I should. It's hard to train yourself to eat less. People always say, "You get used to smaller portions, you don't stay hungry. But I always do.Portion control has always been my big issue too. For example breakfast. I'd eat a bowl of cereal and still feel hungry so I'd eat another one. And those bowls would always be bigger than the serving size of 1 cup. So what I started doing is measuring out 1 cup of cereal (kashi go lean because it really does keep you full) and then I stop eating. And after a minute or so, I'm totally full, which never used to happen before.

The problem I have now, is that I haven't been eating often enough, I'm full all morning. So I'm going to try cutting the cereal in half and then eating a snack a couple hours later. Same amount of calories just spread over more time. And for dinner I measure stuff too - 1/2 cup rice or edamame or whatever, 1 chicken piece, 1 filet of fish, stuff like that.

[wordsmith]

I'm gonna start a new thread about portion sizing and control, b/c I feel guilty hijacking and1's thread...

[cheshrcarol]

Back to the foods the diet recommends - what are you supposed to do with the whey?

[LakeJay]

Back to the foods the diet recommends - what are you supposed to do with the whey?

I don't know exactly how it applies to the diet but I figure it can be used as a snack or a supplement to a meal. Something like designer protein...you can put it in shakes and other meals or you can just have it mixed with milk which is what I used to do.

The following is what I used to drink:
http://www.designerwhey.com/

[MetFanL]

I don't know exactly how it applies to the diet but I figure it can be used as a snack or a supplement to a meal. Something like designer protein...you can put it in shakes and other meals or you can just have it mixed with milk which is what I used to do.

The following is what I used to drink:
http://www.designerwhey.com/

I used to eat their protein bars. They're gross and chewy, but not horrible if you keep them in the fridge.

[paiger81]

Whey protein can be mixed into shakes, and regular whey powder can be mixed into things like oatmeal or yogurt.

[pink bunny]

Don't be scared about six meals. It is wierd at first but I sometimes eat eight times now, it is mostly a mental thing. I have one meal under 700 kcals (breakfest) three under 500 and as many under 300 snacks as I can fit. It works for me. There is nothing different for wemon, and for some wemon it has worked and for others it has not. I don't know what else to say about that. THe whey poweder is to repair muscle quickly after exercises and to mix into shakes and oatmeal.