5 Power Foods That Help Flatten Your Abs

One thing I've learned from participating in NY Lean is that diet is the most important factor in getting those abs toned and flat. Here's a list of some power foods that can help you achieve those goals:

Almonds

Berries

Eggs

Lean Protein

Olive Oil (drizzle it on salads and even sandwiches)

P.S. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, a flat belly can help you reduce your risk of heart disease, so you want to build muscle not just for that vanity six pack but because your life is on the line. See below for Robert Brace's take on abs and diet plus some other helpful tips:




--Starr

Inches vs Pounds: How To Bust A Plateau

How many of you work out like crazy and eat an immaculate diet but discover that despite your clothes fitting better, the number still doesn't change? Count me into that group. It's the most frustrating thing in the world. However, I got some words of wisdom from NY Lean creator Robert Brace on how to not freak out about the number and ways you can shake up your metabolism and get those numbers down. Check this out:

So you’ve been working out and your body is changing. Your clothes fit better, muscles feel tighter and the measuring tape shows you’ve lost inches, but you are still discouraged because your scale shows little if any actual weight loss. This may not be you right now but many have faced this frustration with their weight loss efforts.

First of all, if you are losing inches congratulate yourself! Your hard work is paying off. You are getting thinner and looking better. There is more to the weight loss story than simple numbers on a scale.

The number on the scale does not take into account how much lean muscle mass you have gained, body fat you’ve lost, your water weight or temporary weight fluctuations. Our weight can vary as much as 5lbs in a single day. Also, some of us are genetically hardwired to develop muscle mass faster than others. Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you are gaining lean muscle mass while losing body fat; your weight may not show a significant drop.

With that said the quest to lose pounds and maintain a healthy weight is a noble endeavor. If you still desire to see the numbers on the scale go south, or you feel like you’ve reached a plateau try using the F.I.T. principle:

Frequency: If you workout out twice a week take it up to three or four times.

Intensity: If you usually complete two circuits in your workout try getting through three within the same time frame. Lift heavier weights, push harder in your cardio or try some intervals. Take it higher with your diet too! Try reducing portions and calories or maybe consuming fewer carbohydrates.

Time: Increase the duration of your workouts.
These principles should help you see your weight continue to drop. Just remember to celebrate the lost inches just as much as the lost pounds.

Robert Brace definitely knows what he's talking about so I will take his advice and try not to freak out as much as I have been about this stubborn last 10 lbs that won't budge. However, I can attest to the fact that I'm getting compliments on my muscle tone, I'm developing more core strength and my clothes are fitting better (or they're too loose in some cases, which means I get to shop for more!). I'll keep you posted on my progress.

--Starr