5 Super Foods For Six Pack Abs

Super foods for six pack absWe have all heard the quote, “Abs are made in the kitchen.” No matter how hard you train, if you eat like crap in the kitchen you will most likely look and feel that way too.

As I have stated before, nutrition is 80-90% of the results you are going to see. How can you expect three workouts a week to make up for the hours a week you spend eating? Think about it, you spend each day eating 4-7 meals while spending just a few hours per week working out.

Now this doesn’t mean you need to start working out for hours on end, it simply means you need to start getting more serious about your nutrition. 

Below are five super foods that you must start incorporating into your diet if you are serious about getting and staying fit. Put down the processed junk foods and start eating for better health!

1. Whole Eggs

Eggs provide you with a good source of protein, healthy fats, and carry a high quality amino acid profile. Going against what conventional wisdom says, multiple studies have shown that eggs can help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

Eggs are an incredible fat burning food and one that will aid in lean muscle growth. When buying eggs, get free range organic. The higher quality you buy, the better.

It is worth the extra 2-3 dollars.

2. Grass Fed Butter

Wait what? Butter? Really? Yes, really! But not just any butter, it must be grass fed. Grass fed butter is the “best source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to aid in weight loss and weight management, as well as fight against carcinogens.”

Yes, grass fed butter will aid in losing fat.

Not only that, but it is packed with vitamins and minerals, and displays an amazing Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio.

Dave Asprey, founder of the Bulletproof Executive and Bulletproof Coffee, lives by consuming great amounts of grass fed butter. In fact, he lost over 100 pounds while eating a diet that was very high in fats with much of the fat coming from butter. Take a look at the inforgraphic below to get a better idea of why you should eat more butter:

Butter-Infographic1 Via Bulletproof Executive

3. Grass Fed Beef

Grass fed is better, simple as that. From the way the animals are treated to the far more and better benefits it brings. I will go as far as saying the only time you should eat beef is if it is grass fed. That is how important it is.

The majority of beef cows in America are raised for a short time on grass and then “finished” in confined feeding areas with a diet of grain that is unnatural to them. They are essentually force-fed so they can be slottered quicker so these companies can get it to your plate faster.

Grass fed cows on the other hand spend their whole life roaming free eating grass that they have thrived on for years (no force fed cattle 10,000 years ago right?).

This is what allows them to have “10 times more beta-carotene, three times more Vitamin E and three-times more omega-3 fatty acids.”

If you are going to eat beef, make sure it is 100% grass fed!

4. Wild Fish

Along the same lines as grass fed beef, wild fish is the way to go when consuming our friends from the sea. Fish caught in the wild spend their whole life out in their natural environment unlike farm raised fish which spend their lives on fish farms.

Wild fish are packed with Omega-3′s, are high in protein, and will aid in fat loss.

Your best options when consuming fish are to eat deep and cold water fish like salmon and red tuna.

5. Dark Leafy Greens

Such as… Spinach, kale, and bok choy.

These foods contain “beta-carotene, C, folate, iron, magnesium, carotenoids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants” which all contribute to better health.

We all know that vegetables are an important part to any fat burning nutrition plan, so if you are serious about getting fit and staying fit, you must start incorporating veggies into most (if not all) of your meals!

There you have it, 5 Superfoods to help you get six-pack abs once and for all. It is time for you to put down the processed junk and get serious about your nutrition. Not only will it help you get fit, but it will allow you to stay fit and healthy for life!

Have Feedback? Leave it below, I would love to hear!

“Unhealthy” Food That Burns Fat!

Grass FedFor so long we have been taught that fat is what is causing our nation to gain weight at such a
rapid pace. However, multiple studies and tons of research has shown that this is not the case. The truth is, fat is not making us fat; SUGAR is making us fat. 

Now sure there are some fats that we should stay away from but you can actually have a diet high in protein and high in good fats and LOSE weight, and burn tons of FAT!

Yes, fat burns fat!

And the best part? Not only will eating good fats help you get fit, but it will also make you
feel amazing.

Eating good fats has little affect on insulin and blood sugar levels so we are able to stay at an even keel all day long. This means no spikes in blood sugar or crazy insulin response. Plus, fats will also help keep you satisfied for longer periods of time.

When I first started incorporating more good fats into my diet (I will go over some good fats in
a second), I was amazed at how good I felt and how long I could go without that feeling of
being super hungry.

When you eat a conventional diet (high in carbohydrates), haven’t you noticed how often you get hungry? It probably seems like every hour!

Carbohydrates rush through your body at rapid speeds, and within hours our bodies are
craving more! Good fats however, help satisfy us for far longer hence we don’t get that feeling
of being hungry very often.

I still find myself eating every 2-3 hours but it is rarely because I feel hungry. I do it because at
the current moment that is what I have to do for my current fitness goals. If I had to skip a
meal however, it would be no big deal because the foods I am putting in my body will hold me over until the next time I eat.

With that said, what are some good fats you should be eating on a daily basis?

I will start with my favorite: Eggs!

I eat eggs nearly every single morning of the week and at minimum 6 times a week. Eggs are an incredible fat burning food containing good fats and are high in protein.

Studies have shown that by just switching your daily breakfast to eggs instead of a bagel or
cereal, weight loss and body fat percent decreased immensely.

Nuts and Seeds:

Not only are nuts and seeds very tasty, they also have a very high fat content. These are
good fats for us to indulge in as a snack or with a meal.

Now one thing to take note on, fats are much more calorically dense so be careful on how
much you consume. I wouldn’t recommend eating a full pound bag of almonds, but one or two
handfuls in a day would be beneficial.

Avocado and Guacamole:

Another that I just cannot get enough of. For me this goes with just about any meal so if you
have access to them, this is another source of fat to add to your diet.

Coconut Oil:

Although this has received a bad rap because of its high saturated fat content, studies have
shown some pretty amazing health benefits to using coconut oil.

It is very high in anti-oxidants, and has shown some incredible results when trying to
lose weight and belly fat. It also helps with digestion, making it easier to absorb the nutrients
in the foods we eat.

*When looking for coconut oil, stick with extra virgin unrefined coconut oil!

Animals:

There are plenty of animal meats that are high in fat content that we have always been told to
avoid. However, animals and fish are some of the most nutritious foods we can eat.

I mean who doesn’t want to eat some delicious bacon or a grass-fed steak? We have
been told forever to avoid fatty meats, but if you choose wisely and stick with free range and
100% grass fed meats; you will enjoy the benefits they bring.

100% Grass Fed Butter

I cook nearly all my food in this. Grass fed butter comes with many health benefits including:

  • Good sources of vitamin A, D, E, K, and K2
  • Promotes healthy cholesterol
  • Provides a balanced source of Omega 3 and 6 fats

And more

These are just of the few of many great fats that you can eat on a daily basis that will help you
burn MORE fat than you thought possible. Now I am not saying fats should be the staple of
your diet, but I am saying that you do not have to be afraid of them or avoid them (good
fat that is. Stay away from processed fats like vegetables oils and trans fats).

Protein should be your main source of fuel, but fat should be incorporated in to meet your
daily caloric needs and goals! Remember, fat burns fat. Sugar is what makes us fat…

For ideas on nutrition plans, visit some of the resources below:

BodyFit 7X7: Simplified nutrition plan included!

Six-Pack Series

One Change To Change Your Health!

My Book On Amazon!

P.S. Like this post? Hit the ‘Like’ Button before you go!

Photo Credit: USDAgov

Are There Really Fat Burning “Secrets” and “Tricks”?

Everywhere in the fitness industry, you hear people talking about the latest and greatest fat burning “secrets” and “tricks.” It seems as though everywhere you look, people are always coming out with new ways to burn fat and get fit.

I have studied the fitness industry for a long time now and need to point something out to you…

All those “tricks” and “secrets” you are hearing about, 95% of them are complete BS. The truth is, burning fat (and lots of it) has stayed very much the same since the beginning of time. Although our generation studies and stresses about it a little bit more, the concepts have stayed the same. And they are quite simple.

This brings us back to the very basics of how to burn fat and a simple formula that works every time it is applied:

proper nutrition + proper workouts = 24/7 Fat Burn

By eating the right foods and engaging in the right workouts, results will follow. And when I say results, I mean you will burn fat and put on ripped, lean muscle. 

Now if the equation to burn fat is so easy, why do we see so many “tricks” and “secrets” hovering around on the internet and in gyms? 

There are two parts to my answer:

First, the majority of people use this as a selling tool. Whether they are trying to sell you a program, gadget, supplement, membership, etc. they use this tactic to try and convince you they are offering you a “brand new” piece of information.

Don’t get me wrong, many of the individuals trying to sell you have amazing programs that will bring great results. But the program does NOT just consist of this one trick. The trick or secret is added in to the program, but the basics of the program still revolve around our equation above.

Instead of using the word “trick” or “secret”, what they should state is that they have a “fat burning add-on.” I have to admit though, trick and secret sounds a lot better than “add-on” don’t you think?

Second, as I stated earlier, about 5% of the tricks and secrets you come across are new and heavily researched. Many fitness professionals (including myself) are constantly trying and testing to see if they can discover a “short cut” or a way you can burn fat and get fit faster.

There are products I have seen that are backed by tons of research and testing that bring great results, and contain something new and unique. But once again, the one trick or secret isn’t going to bring you the results. It will be the trick or secret combined with proper nutrition and workouts that will bring the results. 

We have to remember, getting fit takes hard work. If you think that popping the latest “magic pill” is going to burn all your fat away, you are seriously mistaken.

The “tricks” and “secrets” you should be keeping an eye out for are the ones that require hard work. If something takes you less than a few seconds a day, like adding a spice or taking a magic fat burning pill (something I do NOT recommend), these are not secrets but are add-ons. 

For example, in a previous article I discussed “4 Tricks For Six-Pack Abs,” but within the article I stated:

“please note that by just doing the “tricks” below, you will not get six-pack abs.”

The “tricks” in the article were add-ons to help you burn fat faster. No, they won’t double or triple fat burning but they will help with keeping fat off and burning fat faster WHEN combined with proper nutrition and exercise.

What you should always remember is that getting fit is not meant to be complicated. The process is simple when you have the right information. If you focused on eating properly and engaging in the right workouts, you would be very happy with your outcomes.

Getting results is all about consistency. Stay consistent by eating right and working out a few times per week, and in no time your body will start transforming like never before!

Thoughts or Comments? Leave your feedback below:

P.S. Enjoy this post? If so, hit the ‘Like’ button before you go. Thanks!

Avoid This One Food

One Food That Is Killing Your Results

Yes, it is true. One food can be what is holding you back from achieving your fitness goals… What is keeping you from getting to the next level… What is hurting your health…

And what food is that, you ask? Well, it is different for everyone.

See, we all have those 1-2 foods we always crave. Foods that are not healthy and in no way beneficial to our health. For some of us, this is something sweet while others something salty. Whatever it is for you, these 1-2 foods are killing your results.

Some popular choices are:

  • Cookies
  • Chips
  • Ice Cream
  • Soda
  • Sugary Cereals
  • Fast Food

Your food may or may not be on this list, but you know what those 1-2 foods are for you. The ones that you constantly want and struggle to give up.

Be honest with yourself and identify the foods that are holding you back. If you are having a bowl of ice cream before bed every night, something needs to change. If you are constantly eating chips and dip while watching TV, you must stop.

If soda is your vice, realize it is only killing your health and your gut.

After identifying the 1-2 foods that are hurting your health, you should then find the triggers that cause you to eat these foods.

For example, after eating dinner, why do you always feel the need to have dessert or a snack before bed? Or when you get home from work, why do you plop in front of the TV with a bag of chips? Or on your lunch break, why do you always go get fast food?

Figuring out your triggers is key to helping you change your habits and nutrition pitfalls.

Changing your habits is certainly not easy, but it is definitely possible and worth it. Simply by changing one small habit in your daily routine can trigger you to stay away from your bad foods.

  • For example, going home a different way will prevent you from getting fast food. Or packing your lunch will give you the option to eat something healthy instead of going out to grab the fast food.
  • When you get home from work, do something active instead of going straight to the couch with your bag of chips.
  • After dinner, immediately brush your teeth so you are less likely to eat the dessert before going to bed. Or, remove all the junk from your house so there is a 100% chance you wont eat it.

By identifying the foods that are holding you back then figuring out the triggers on what is causing you to eat those foods, you will be setting yourself up for success in changing your health.

We have to remember that it is all about balance when it comes to our nutrition, so in writing this I am not saying you must eliminate the foods you love forever. All I am saying is there are certain foods that you must take out of your diet, the majority of the time, if you want your health to change and results to skyrocket.

By changing your habits into eating real foods the majority of the time, you can expect some incredible outcomes. Once again, it is not going to be easy but it will be worth it!

What food or foods are holding you back from getting the results you want? Please leave your feedback below:

P.S. Like this post? If so, hit that ‘Like’ button before you go!

One Change To Change Your Health

Far and above, nutrition is the most importance aspect to your health. Sure things such as workouts, sleep, walking, movement, etc. are helpful but  when it all comes down to it, nutrition is number one. 

The problem is, nutrition is overlooked, overcomplicated, and difficult to follow. You often hear people say:

  • “I workout everyday but have not lost any weight.”
  • “I have been working really hard to put on muscle but haven’t gained an ounce.”
  • “I run 5 miles a day (something I do NOT recommend) and am not any more fit than I was 6 months ago.”

The excuses are of wide range, and many times the answer is very much the same: nutrition. You can be doing all the right things in your workouts, sleeping, and life but if you are eating junk food all day you will never get the results you are looking for.

So what is the one thing, above all else, you must change if you want to change your health and get fit? Your nutrition, simple as that.

Mark Sisson, the creator of ‘The Primal Blueprint‘, knows everything there is to know about healthy eating. I love Mark because of his simplified approach and the fact that he knows humans are not perfect. In his book and on his website, he always refers to his ’80/20 rule’, stating:  ”If you’re eating fully Primal 80% of the time, the other 20% offers room for well-intentioned but practical choices when we can’t be Primal or choose not to be for a variety of personal reasons.”

Essentially what Mark is saying, is that if we eat real food 80% of the time you will be healthy and see results. He gives you a full 20% to eat as you please.

Now the 80/20 rule does not give you free reign to go on a food rampage because it is during a “20% meal.”

The rule is there to give you an outline and a stress free way of eating healthy. Everyone has cravings, and that is OK! Mess ups happen, so don’t stress about it.

The Cheat Day Part TwoTim Ferriss, author of the 4-Hour Body, has a slightly different approach to nutrition and one I have talked about extensively here on BodyFit Formula.

Tim’s nutrition approach is one that is strict for 6 days (eating all real foods), then allows for a full day of cheat meals. And yes, cheat days can and should include anything and everything from donuts to pizza to ice cream…

There has been tons of research behind this way of eating in that it will help you burn fat (and lots of it) even though you have a full cheat day each week.

When you look at what Tim is doing, he basically took the 80/20 rule and put the “20%” into one day with no restriction. The main difference between the two, are on the ‘Cheat Day’ plan you can go crazy for one day each week. On the 80/20 rule, you instead have cheat meals throughout the week.

Another great author, Robb Wolf (The Paleo Solution), describes his nutrition approach as the “ONLY nutritional approach that works with your genetics to help you stay lean, strong and energetic!” Paleo (as with Primal), is eating how our ancestors ate while avoiding the processed, man made foods of today’s world (90% of the grocery store!).

There are many different nutrition approaches out there, but the ones that work come back to the same basic rule: EAT REAL FOOD!

That is what it all comes down too.

spinach

Sure, the nutrition plans vary some by adding in a few different foods but for the most part you are eating food that has been around for thousands of years.

Foods that are designed to keep you lean, strong, healthy, and energized. Foods that will burn fat and aid in lean muscle growth. Foods that will energize you and not suck the life out of you. Foods that our bodies are supposed to consume and not foods that are made by man with preservatives and artificial ingredients.

If you want to change your health, it all starts with the foods that you put into your body. As I have said before, you can workout for an hour a day but if the other 23 hours are spent eating junk food, you will not see the results you are hoping for.

There is a reason that 80-90% of the results you see come from nutrition. The majority of your day is spent eating while only a fraction of your day (if any) is spent working out.

When you hear people complain, “I go to the gym everyday for an hour and I can’t lose weight.” The root of the problem is ALWAYS nutrition.

Getting serious about changing your health does not start with going to the gym more or working out longer or working out harder. Sure, those things will help but if you don’t change what you are putting into your body then you will stay right where you currently are.

Now please do not think this means you must drastically cut calories in order to lose weight or get fit. Not at all. When you eat the right foods, and eat when you are hungry and until you are satisfied, incredible results will follow.

One of the biggest nutrition mistakes is one of counting and restricting calories. Not only is it a hassle, but it will hurt your results.

Food is fuel for your body, energy to get you through the day. If you are restricting calories and not eating enough, your body is going to start storing the calories you eat as fat so it has backup energy.

Feeding your body the right foods, and doing it when you are hungry and until you are satisfied is like giving your car the best fuel to run on. You will have long lasting energy, will feel better, and will naturally burn fat and build lean muscle.

Nutrition does not need to be overcomplicated. It should be a simple and stress free part of your day that helps you feel great doing the things you do. For starters, here is a guide on what to eat the majority of the time (remember the 80/20 rule!) to get and stay healthy:

Things to eat:

  • Vegetables: Any and all
  • Meat and Poultry: Beef, chicken, lamb, pork, wild game, …
  • Fish: Salmon, tuna, walleye, halibut, …
  • Eggs
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, pecans, macadamia nuts, walnuts, …
  • Healthy Fats: Avocado, grass fed butter, coconut oil, coconut milk, …
  • Fruit: blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, …
  • Spices and Herbs: Black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ginger, …
  • Carbs: Sweet potatoes, beans, potatoes. (Depending on activity level. See HERE)

Things to Avoid (the majority of the time)

  • Grains: cereals, breads, pastas, …
  • Processed foods and sugar: sodas, bakes goods, candy, chips, crackers, …
  • Alcohol

In Moderation (depending on activity level)

(Note: The more active you are the more of the above foods you need.)

When it comes down to it, eating the foods above are going to bring you the results you are looking for. It doesn’t matter if you choose to do the 80/20 rule or the cheat day, as long as you choose one or the other.

Before closing, I would like to offer you three simple rules to follow when it comes to your nutrition that will help speed up results and make it stress free:

  1. Eat when you are hungry and until you are satisfied. There is no need to restrict or count calories when you eating the right foods.
  2. Remember that health and fitness should not run your life, it should simply be part of it. Mistakes happen and you will fall off track at time. Don’t let one mistake ruin your day or week. Forget about it and move on. If you have a piece of cake at the office, you shouldn’t feel the need to workout for an extra hour that day. It is all about balance and enjoying life. That is why the 80/20 rule works so well. If you were having a piece of cake at the office everyday, that is when you may need to reevaluate your nutrition plan.
  3. Enjoy the foods you eat and the energy they bring. Get creative with the kinds of food you cook and eat. Eating healthy is far from boring and bland. Some of the most flavorful foods are the foods that are the best for you.

I would love to hear your thoughts below on this article! Feel free to drop a comment:

P.S. Like this post? If so, hit the ‘Like’ button before you go!