6 Tips To Get a Six-Pack

Summer is on the way, so it's soon going to be time to get your bikini on...eek! Have you been working out regularly? Are you also eating a clean, healthy diet? Although working out will help you to build the muscle for a six-pack, it won't do much to help you reveal it; for that you need to focus on your diet. So, if your stomach is more "flabs" than "abs", then you need to read my six tips to get a six-pack: 1. Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day Most of us eat three meals a day; breakfast lunch and dinner; but a better way to burn more calories without even trying is to eat 5/6 small meals a day instead. That doesn't mean that you should eat 5/6 meals the same size as your usual 3 meals, because that would involve eating double the amount of food you currently eat! It just means figuring out how much you currently consume through the day, and splitting that down into 5/6 small meals/snacks. A good rule of thumb is to try to eat a meal or snack every 3-4 hours. This works because, by eating every few hours, you are keeping your metabolism working at its optimum level throughout the day, so you are constantly burning calories. 2. Drink plenty of water Staying hydrated is essential for your body to function correctly, and when you are looking to strip some fat, you need to keep hydrated throughout the day, as the water will flush toxins through your body, meaning they won't be stored in your fat cells. 3. Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables Leafy green vegetables are high in nutritional benefits, so will give your body the nourishment it needs to function properly. They are also great for burning fat as they are high in fibre; particularly dark green vegetables, such as artichokes, kale, broccoli, cabbage and spinach. Try not to just eat them for dinner; include them in as many meals as you can. 4. Increase your protein intake To get a six-pack you need to build muscle. Obviously the workouts will help you to do this, but you also need to ensure that you eat the correct foods for muscle growth. Protein is essential, and, the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate will be, so you will burn even more fat without trying. Some of the best meats for weight loss are chicken and turkey, but your protein doesn't just have to come from meat. Try including tuna, salmon, egg whites and protein powder in your diet too. You can also turn to vegetarian sources, like soy to get your protein fix. 5. Ditch the stodgy carbs What do you think of when you see the word "carbohydrates"? Pasta and bread? Well, although these obviously are carbohydrates, there are other, much healthier ways, for you to get your carbs fix. Try sweet potato instead of regular potato, and high fibre fruits, such as apples and berries. Carbs are vital for your energy, and, contrary to popular belief, they aren't all bad; providing you eat the right ones. 6. Eat more fats I don't mean that you should go into the kitchen now to make a greasy fry up; I'm talking about healthy fats. The ones that lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease; foods such as avocado, nuts, seeds and certain fish...salmon, trout and mackerel. Please get rid of the idea that fat makes you fat. It doesn't. Good fats help you to fight fatigue and even burn body fat!   Workout hard, and alter your diet according to these tips, and you will be getting much closer to the coveted six-pack! For more articles like this, please follow my blog.   Picture credit for featured image: http://www.crazycraze.com/   Sources: http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-kitchen-11/leafy-greens-rated http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_diet_fats.htm http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/skinny-fat-good-fats-bad-fats?page=2 http://www.fitnessrxwomen.com/nutrition/healthy-eating-tips/six-pack-foods/ http://www.menshealth.co.uk/food-nutrition/muscle-foods/six-pack-on-a-plate-327343