Having the perfect stomach is the main thing that people who crave fitter figures think about. And they are one of the hardest muscles to grow, tone or define. However we are here to help, with some smart tips to make sure you are making the most of your workouts and eating the right foods to get you looking ab-tastic.
Eat right
Eating right is the top reason why many fitness junkies do not get the abs that they want. The first rule of muscle toning is eating the right amount of protein. When you are lifting weights or doing hundreds of crunches, what you are actually doing is tearing your existing muscle. Then, as it repairs it heals stronger and more toned. In order to repair quickly and well, you need to be eating enough protein to fuel this – pasta just won’t do the trick. It helps to build lean muscle, and as an added perk it helps you to burn more body fat just by eating it.
Carbs – in moderation
After your workout you need to be replenishing your body with the right foods, and ones that are ab-friendly. Healthy eating goes a long way in defining your muscles so it’s important to make sure that you are in the know when it comes to piling up your plate.
Post workout carbs are an essential part in the training plan to more defined abs. Try to eat moderate amounts of carbs alongside a balanced meal of vegetables and protein, this will make sure that your body gets all the vitamins, antioxidants and fiber that it needs to stay in peak physical condition.
Healthy fats?
Yes you heard us right, most people avoid fats like the plague when they are working towards a fitness goal, but this is simply not true. If you eat the right fats then you have nothing to be afraid of with fats. They should be mainly from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats which are found in nuts, nut butters, fish oils and olive oils – so peanut butter really is your new best friend.
Fats keep your insulin levels stable which is important when it comes to losing stomach fat and getting more defined abs.
Combining them with lean proteins will mean that your metabolism goes through the roof, meaning that your body will be burning off calories even when you are not on the gym floor.
Clever workout
Stop doing thousands of sit-ups, especially when you aren’t really noticing a difference. You might not realize but you are actually strengthening your core muscles when you are performing the majority of your exercises, do there’s no need to force yourself into mindless and repetitive exercises in order to tone your midriff. Total body movements tend to burn more calories and tone all your body, which in turn promotes a bigger muscles building response than simple sit-ups.
Image: pixabay.com / 5132824, Keifit