A Plant-based diet will help you optimally sculpt abs
Plant-based diets optimize sculpting abdominal muscles while eliminating belly fat.
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The key to more visible abs is shedding the layer of fat hiding them. The vast majority of people already have enough muscle in our abs that we could at least slightly see them if our body-fat percentage was low enough.
In order to sculpt six-pack abs, you should take a holistic approach. Ab exercises alone will not give the visible six-pack you want. There’s an old saying that “abs are made in the kitchen.” In general, most people cannot exercise enough to make up for a bad diet.
1. The most important element is what you eat.
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This is key to optimize the effort you put into your core workout.
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Whole-food, plant-based diets, typically low in fat and high in fiber, reduce body fat.
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Cut out empty calories, by not eating junk.
Avoid refined sugar and added salt.
While this may seem restrictive, there are many foods that will help support your effort.
See our recipes for some ideas.
2. How you hydrate is critically important as it helps with recovery and cellular strength, leading to muscle fiber strength.
Drink at least 6 glasses of plain water each day.
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Ideally, avoid sugary drinks and caffeinated drinks, as both are dehydrating.
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While it may seem counterintuitive, the best way to avoid water retention is to drink water throughout the day. Keeping sodium intake low, eating whole foods with lots of fiber (a plant-based diet), and exercising also helps.
3. The next key is cardio (cardiovascular activity).
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While you don’t need to become a distance runner or become cardio obsessed, you do need to continually push yourself and sustain physical activity with an elevated heart rate. Some cardio exercise options are running, bicycling, hiking, and elliptical training. Partaking in any active sports is another great option.
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Adding 30 minutes of cardio 3-4 times a week will make a major impact.
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Cardio workouts burn fat and keep your heart strong.
4. Get plenty of sleep.
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Most people need between 7 and 9 hours each night.
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Studies show that the body needs rest to recover and build muscle.
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Avoid triggers that disturb your sleep, like having caffeine after 4 pm or watching tv/movies just before bedtime.
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And, make sure to have rest days from your workouts.
5. Find the ab exercise routine that works for you.
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Keep challenging yourself and then continue to increase your exercise reps to improve your ability and core strength.
The stronger you get, the greater the goals you can set for yourself.
Push yourself to new limits.
The health benefits of eating plant-based include:
