Evaluation of Diets

Although I researched several diets that are out there I wanted to write about the diet that I have been currently been on for the last 6 ½ years. Even though the name is called “The Abs Diet,” in my opinion this is really not a diet but adopting a new way of eating that makes sense. I am a big believer in this “diet” and since being on it I have been in the best shape of my life and also have more energy. This diet became famous by the editors of Women’s Health Magazine. This is also where I first heard of it and then picked up the book that is based on this diet. The premise of this diet is to not only get a flat stomach but also gain muscle and lose fat by never feeling deprived of foods. The first part of the book explains the “power foods” that you should eat and explains the benefits of each one. The second part is devoted to all sorts of recipes in order to consume the “power foods” and stay full. The last part focuses on exercise, some cardio, but mostly strength training. Like any fad diet, they promise something that may or may not be realistic. The claim is that the first 2 weeks you will be able to lose up to 12 pound of stomach fat. I am not sure if this is the case with everyone but I definitely saw a huge difference and have had visible abs in the last 6.5 years that I have been following their eating plan. The basics in the eating plan for this diet is that it is important to incorporate the 12 “power foods” everyday. The 12 foods are: almonds and nuts, spinach and green vegetables, beans and legumes, dairy that is low in fat, unsweetened oatmeal, natural or organic peanut butter, Lean meats like turkey, eggs, whole-grains, whey powder, olive oil, and raspberries and other berries. It says to also eat 6 times a day with 3 solid meals and 3 healthy snacks in between. The amount of calories you are consuming is not a huge focus on this diet but recommends around 1500 calories a day. The foods and meal chosen in this diet are emphasized as high