Get Abs by Summer!

Want abs by Summer?  You better get working! Here are some important things to keep in mind when working toward your goal of having summer abs.

#1:  Abs are made in the kitchen. Because no matter how big your muscles are, you won't be able to see them if they are insulated in a thick layer of fat. 

#2: Your abs consist of the entire core. Doing 100 crunches every day will get you abs just as fast as flapping your arms really really fast will get you to fly. 

#3: Just like any muscle, your abs need focus and attention.  Doing a few sit-ups for a week and expecting to have a six pack all summer from this minimal effort is akin to making a wish. 

#4:   Your core should be a part of every workout you do. Most people should do at least 3 cardio-centric and 3 strength training centric workouts a week. All of them should include a focus on improving your core strength and stability. 

#5:  Plank holds. Do them. Love them. Master them. This works the entire core (plus pretty much everything else). 

#6:   Abs are made in the kitchen (Deja Vu?). The fact is that there is one hormone in your body that tells your body to store fat, this is insulin. So foods and drink that spike your blood sugar also spike your insulin. Stick with foods that are low on the glycemic scale, proteins, healthy fats and leafy greens. Complex carbohydrates such as root vegetables and legumes should be limited, but because of the high fiber, are usually ok on the glycemic scale. Having two cups of fruit in a sitting may seem healthy....but I am sorry to report most fruits contain just as much fructose as a candy bar, so that means your insulin will be telling your body to store fat. Minimize fruit and stick to small servings of berries if you really want fruit. Sticking to a low glycemic index diet will keep those insulin levels low and in turn, your body will be happily burning fat for energy. Your visceral fat (which is normally the fat that is around your middle) will be the first to burn away and before you know it, you are going to see those abs make an appearance! 

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