How to Get Six Pack Abs Fast

Method 1 of 2: The Six Pack Diet
Everywhere you turn, someone's promising the next secret to getting 6 pack abs. Some of these so called "secrets" have some degree of accuracy, while others have very little. Deciphering which methods are the best for getting those rippling abs you've always dreamed of is critical to achieving this goal.

1

Go for the good carbs. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach...and the way to a man's abs is through the kitchen. If you're not eating right (man or woman notwithstanding), your abs will (or won't, rather) show it.

• Not all carbs are evil. It's the simple, white carbs that you want to avoid. Whole grains (aka "slow carbs") are rich in fiber and go through your system much more slowly (hence the name) than simple, refined carbs (the white ones). So don't shy away from the browns -- brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat and oats.

2

Pack on protein early in the morning. Because straight up, you'll eat less (and it's the building blocks you need to build muscle tissue). People who got 35 grams of protein at breakfast were less hungry throughout the day and saw favorable changes in the hormones and brain signals that control appetite.^[1]

• Getting six pack abs isn't necessarily about counting calories. But you do need to get rid of the fat on top of your abs to expose the muscles underneath them -- and eating a bit less will get you on track.
• Eating any breakfast was associated with increased feelings of fullness, a reduced desire to eat, and lower levels of ghrelin (a hunger-stimulating hormone) throughout the morning. But a protein-packed breakfast was associated with these benefits over the course of the entire day.
  • This doesn't mean go for the ham steak and eggs. To keep your calorie and fat levels in check, opt for Greek yogurt, egg whites, and Canadian bacon.^[1]
  • What's more, your body burns more calories breaking down protein than it does carbs and fats. Every little bit counts, right?

3

Cut out processed goods. Consuming most of your calories from processed and fast foods is going to produce an unhealthy body lacking in nutrients. Foods that have been through some sort of preservation have had their nutrients taken out and are really just empty, unhealthy calories. Definitely a no-go for a trim waistline.

• To make matters worse, processing then adds in unhealthy fats, a ton of sugar or sugar substitute and synthetic vitamins and minerals. Most of these ingredients, including artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup, are not even recognized as edible by your body. Think about that. These non-food ingredients are considered toxins and most will end up languishing in your system, often stored with fat.^[2]
  • Anything that's packaged is a processed good. That includes your "health" foods, too. Look for the top super foods (nutrient-dense, low-calorie fruits and vegetables, like broccoli). These give the most vitamins and minerals to energize your body and heal and prevent strain to the muscles.

5

Consume healthy fats. Dietary fat that comes from primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oils, fish oils, a mix of nuts, natural peanut butter and avocado is actually good for you. While it's true that eating fat ups your caloric intake like none other, as long as you keep it between 20-30%, it can help you get results fast. That's because it helps stabilize your insulin levels which, if they get too high, can cause fat retention.

• In addition, consuming fat will keep you sated for a longer period of time; eating just protein or carbs leaves you traveling back to the fridge. So as long as they're the good fats, you're good to go.

6

Eat often. Your body should never go hungry. When it goes hungry, it likes to cling onto fat and tell you to chow down on that pizza. If you're never hungry, your metabolism is always up and you're never left wanting.

• Eat three standard meals and three snacks, equaling six times a day. Concerned about overeating? Don't be. Because the foods you'll be piling on are high in fiber, protein, and nutrition, you'll be sated with smaller amounts.^[5]

Method 2 in the workouts page