Specialty Column

Are Abs Made in the Kitchen?


Q News

By Cassandra Mischak



Have you ever found yourself asking someone what workouts they do to get such visible and toned ab muscles?


I know that I have asked multiple people that question far too many times.


I have spent and wasted countless hours either in the gym or in my room holding five minute planks, following the 10-minute Alexis Ren ab circuit video or even doing the 200 crunch YouTube challenge. 


I would beat myself up from time to time because I never saw the physical results I wanted to see.


I would look in the mirror every night after I showered hoping to see the outline on my stomach that I dreamt of having, but instead, I would go to bed with tears trickling down my face from utter disappointment. 


It wasn’t until I complained about this to my personal trainer that I realized how useless those exhausting, unnecessary core sessions were. 


In reality, I know I am most definitely not the only one who was under this false impression for an elongated period of time. 


It turns out that the only way to visibly and quickly see results of lean, muscular abs are from an abrupt change in your daily diet.


Dr. Keerthana Ethalapaka, from the American Heart Association, states that a proper diet is the key to abs and 80% of the result can be achieved only by diet. Decreasing the amount of carbohydrates and increasing the protein content of your meals can help you achieve your dream body.


Whether or not you can visibly see your abs depends entirely on your percentage of body fat and particularly where you store it.


Therefore, the type of foods you choose to digest plays the most important factor. 


It is highly recommended from numerous professionals that eating nutritious whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and high-protein items, are essential to seeing change.


According to Healthline.com, a study of 26,340 people showed that eating more fruits and veggies was linked to lower body weight and less overall body fat, while more fruit intake was specifically tied to less belly fat.


In addition to the healthy green intake, to see the most notable growth in your abdomen muscles, it is crucial that you meet your personal body’s protein needs.


It wasn’t until I made it a priority to have at least 80 grams of protein each day that I started to see a physical change when I looked in the mirror. 


Instead of going to bed discouraged like I did a year ago, I am able to fall asleep with a smile of fulfillment on my face.


After focusing on a strict diet, not only am I now satisfied with my physical appearance, but I also feel exceptionally healthier each day.


Of course maintaining a consistent workout schedule is extremely important to ensuring a healthy lifestyle, but it is even more vital to be aware of your diet and make the proper changes to see the results of your dreams. 

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