Abs Diet and Smoothies

David Zinczenko, the editor-in-chief of "Men's Health" magazine developed the Abs Diet to help men and women learn how to eat and exercise in order to lose excess body weight. A sleek stomach is the picture of optimal health for many people, and as such, the diet's name focuses on the abs, but it is a full-body, get-in-shape plan. AbsDiet.com reports that participants will not feel hungry nor will they have to count calories while on the Abs Diet.

In order to ward off hunger and keep satiety levels high, the Abs Diet advocates eating six meals per day. "Women's Health" magazine, which is the sister publication to "Men's Health," reports that this method of eating will also keep your metabolism and energy moving at high levels throughout the day. The meals are not limited to but they are based on the Abs Diet's 12 superfoods. Those 12 superfoods are almonds, beans and legumes, green vegetables, dairy products, oatmeal, eggs, lean protein, peanut butter, olive oil, whole grain breads and cereals, protein powder and berries.

Smoothies can help you lose weight, according to "Women's Health," and the Abs Diet recommends that you incorporate smoothies into your eating plan as either a meal—such as a replacement for breakfast or lunch when you're in a hurry or on the go—or as a snack. Making your own smoothie is better than purchasing a commercial variety, which tend to have a high sugar content. Many of the Abs Diet's 12 superfoods can be used in a smoothie, including berries, yogurt, oatmeal, peanut butter, almonds and even green vegetables.

The Abs Diet Ultimate Power Smoothie uses five of the plan's superfoods. "Women's Health" directs you to combine 1 cup of 1-percent milk, 2 tbsp. of low-fat vanilla yogurt, 3/4 cup of cooked instant oatmeal, 2 tsp. of peanut butter, 2 tsp. of whey chocolate powder and six ice cubes in a blender and mix until smooth.

This Abs Diet smoothie uses four superfoods. Combine 3/4 cup cooked instant oatmeal, 3/4 cup nonfat milk, 3/4 cup mixed frozen berries, 2 tsp. of whey powder and three ice cubes in a blender and mix until smooth.

The Abs Diet Belly Busting Berry Smoothie, reported in "Women's Health," makes a great dessert. Combine one scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream, 1/4 cup each of frozen blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, 1/2 cup of low-fat milk, 1 tbsp. of vanilla whey powder and three ice cubes in a blender and mix until smooth.