IN FRATERNAM MEAM: TEN BEST FOODS FOR FLAT ABS

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

TEN BEST FOODS FOR FLAT ABS

THE SAD TRUTH:
You can crunch yourself inti a coma and still have ab flab. If you really want a sleek, sexy midriff, you've got to tweak your diet. All of the best waist-wahistling foods contain fiber to banish bloat, antioxidants to boost your ab routine's effectiveness and protein to help maintain a healthy metabolism. Here, the top 10 choices for flatter abs.

1. ALMONDS
These delicious and versatile nuts contain filling protein and fiber, not to mention vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. They're also good source of magnesium, a mineral your body must have in order to energy, build and maintain muscle tissue and regulate blood sugar: "A stable blood-sugar level helps prevent cravings that can lead to overeating and weight gain", says David Katz,M.D., a professor at the Yale University School of Medicine. But what makes almonds most interesting is their ability to block calories. Research indicates that the composition of their cell walls may help reduce the absorption of all their fat, making them an extra-lean nut.
TRY FOR: An ounce a day (about 23 almonds), with approximately 160 calories. An empty Altoids tin will bold your daily dose perfectly.

2. EGGS
You won't find a more perfect protein source. Eggs are highly respected by dietitians because of their balance of essential amino acids (protein building blocks used by your body to manufacture everything from muscle fibers to brain chemicals). We like them because they keep our hands out of the cookie jar. Researchers at the Penningon Biochemical Research Center found that when people ate eggs in the morning, they felt less hungry throughout the day than when breakfast consisted of complex carbohydrates like bagels. "The protein and fat in the egg may be contributing to the feeling of satiety", sayd lead researcher Nikhil V. Dhurandhar, Ph.D.
TRY FOR: One egg a day, unless you have high blood cholesterol, in which case you should check with your doctor first. (One egg packs about 213 milligrams of cholesterol.)

3. SOY
Soybeans are a great source of antioxidants, fiber and protein. Plus, they're incredibly versatile. Snack on dry roasted soybenas, toss shelled edamame into soups, and slip a spoonful of silken tofu into your morning smoothie. Liquid soy also makes a good meal replacement. A study from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that overweight subjects who drank a soy milk based meal replacement lost more weight than those who consumed a traditional dairy-based diet drink.
TRY FOR: Twenty-five grams of whole (not isolated) soy protein dauly. A half cup of steamed edamame contains about 130 calories and 11 grams of protein. Four ounces of tofu (94 calories) contain 10 grams. Choose whole soy foods over products packed with "isolated soy protein" - the latter may not provide all the benefits of whole soybeans.

4. APPLES
A 2003 study in the journal Nutrition found that overweight women who consumed three apples or pears a day for three months lost more weight than their counterparts who were fed a similar diet with oat cookies instead of fruits. " A large apple has five grams of fiber, but it's also nearly 85 percent water, which helps you feel full", explains Elisa Zied, R.D., author of So What Can I Eat? Apples also contain quercetin, a compound shown to help fight certain cancers, reduce cholesterol damage and promote healthy lungs.
TRY FOR: An apple or two a day. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that the Red Delicious, Cortland and Northern Spy varieties had the highest anti-oxidabt activity.

5. BERRIES
Most are loaded with fiber, every dieter's best friend. The more fiber you eat - experts say that it's best to get between 25 and 35 grams every day - the fewer calories you absorb from all the other stuff you put in your mouth. That's because fiber traps food particles and shuttles them out of your system before they're fully digested. Berries and other fruits are also high in antioxidants, whci not only help protect you from chronic diseases like cancer but may also help you get more results from your workouts. "Antioxidants help improve blood flow, whcih can help muscles contract more efficiently", says Dr. Katz.
TRY FOR: At least half a cup daily, or about 30 calories worth. Don't limit yourself to the usual suspects, like raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. If you can find them, add boysenberries, gooseberries and black currants to the mix for excitement.

6. LEAFY GREENS
Their cancer-preventing carotenoids won't help shrink your waistline, but their low calorie count definitely will. One cup of spinach contains only about 40 calories, while a cup of broccolli has 55 calories amd satisfies 20 percent of your day's finer requirment. Most leafy, green are also as good source of calcium, an essential ingredient for muscle contraction. In other words, they help fuel your workouts.
TRY FOR: Three servings daily. Keep a bag of prewashed baby spinach in your fridge and toss a handful into soups, salads, pasta dishes, stir-fries and sandwiches. When you get sick of spinach, reach for a bunch of arugula, broccolli rabe or broccolini, a cross between broccolli and Chinese kale.

7. YOGURT
People who get their calcium from yogurt rather than from other sources may lose more weight around ther midsection, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity. The probiotic bacteria in most yogurts belp keep your digestive system healthy, which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating and constipation, which can keep your tummy looking flat.
TRY FOR: One to three cups a day of low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Choose unsweetened yogurt that contains live active cultures. Add a handful of fresh chopped fruit for flavor and extra fiber.

8. VEGGIE SOUP
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that people who ate broth-based (or low-fat-cream-based) soups two times a day were more successful in osing weight than those who ate the same amount of calories in snack food. Soup eaters also maintained, on average, a total weight loss of 16 pounds after one year. "Plus, it's a simple way to get your vegetables", says Susan Keliner, PhD., R.D., author of Power Eating.
TRY FOR: At least one cup of low-calories, low-sodium vegetable soup every day.

9. SALMON
Seafood, especially fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fiber healthy fats may help promote fat burning by making your metabolism more efficient, according to Kleiner. An Australian study showed that overweight people who ate fish daily improved their glucose-insulin response. Translated, this means that seafood may help slow digestion and prevent cravings. If that does'nt hook you, consaider this: Seafood is an excellent source of ab-friendly protein.
TRY FOR: Two four-once servings per week. Wild salmon, though pricey, contains more omega-3 fatty acids than farm raised. (If it doesn't say wild, it's farm raised) If seafoods not your thing, you can get your omega-3 from falxseed (grind and sprinkle on yoru cereal) ir walnuts.

10 QUINOA
Never heard of it? Pronounced KEEN-wah, this whole grain, contains 5 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein per half cup. Cook it as you would any other grain (although some brands require rinsing). Quinoa's nuttfy flavor and crunchy-yet-chewy texture are like cross between rice.
TRY FOR: At least one half cup serving ( a third of your whole grain requirments) per day. Try substituting AltiPlano Gold brnad insitant quinoa hot cereal (160 to 210 calories per packet) in Chai Almond Spiced Apple Raisin, for oatmeal. Look for it in health food stores.

(Source: FITNESMAG/FitNutrition by: Julie Meyer R.D.)

posted by infraternam meam @ 11:50 PM

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