Abs Diet: What To Know

Overview

The aim:

Lose weight, flatten your stomach.

The claim:

You’ll drop up to 12 pounds of belly fat in two weeks and (maybe) boast a six-pack in six weeks.

The theory:

The Abs Diet is built around 12 nutrient-packed foods thought to provide all the vitamins, minerals and fiber you need to thrive, while also triggering lean muscle growth and helping the body burn fat. Eating six times a day, as required, keeps energy levels high and hunger at bay, says Abs Diet creator David Zinczenko, editor in chief of Men’s Health. He argues against calorie-counting, since overly-restrictive diets often lead to binging and falling off the wagon. Menu plans emphasize protein with every meal and snack, since it fills you up for longer than carbs, spurs lean muscle growth and hastens fat burn.

Balanced Diet

These diets fall within accepted ranges for the amount of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients they provide.

Pros & Cons

• Indulging allowed
• Frequent meals and snacks

• Lack of specific research
• Fewer days of menus than other plans