The Importance of Almonds in Obtaining Washboard Abs

There are many reasons to strive to achieve a tighter, trimmer tummy. Of course, there’s the obvious aesthetic reward, as we all would love to emulate the “six-packs” we see on serious athletes and models. But there are a bevy of health-related benefits as well. Studies have shown that the belly fat responsible for the “pooch” or “spare tire” so many Americans carry around today can actually be very dangerous. It’s been proven that reducing fat in this area can help to reduce the risk of many cancers and extend our longevity -- prime reasons for doing what we can to obtain a sleeker stomach.

Although the effectiveness of targeted abdominal workouts and a sensible, low-calorie diet can’t be argued, recent studies have shown that consuming certain foods can help give us an edge when working toward flat abs. One example of an effective tummy-tightening food is the almond. This may seem surprising, but when you break down the components of almonds and the benefits each has on our health and well-being, it begins to make sense.

First off, almonds are high in fiber, which helps to eliminate bloating in the midsection. Fiber also helps us to feel full and satisfied after eating, thus curbing our hunger and helping to control portion sizes. Almonds are also rich in antioxidants, including the powerful Vitamin E. Antioxidants help you get more benefit from your regular abdominal workouts.

The high protein levels found in almonds help to burn more fat. Because it takes more energy to break down protein than it does to break down carbohydrates or fat, protein burns more calories overall, which assists you in reaching your weight loss goals. The protein found in almonds also lends itself to an overall speedier metabolism, so you’ll burn more calories even when in a resting state.

Almonds also contain substantial amounts of magnesium, an important mineral that aids your body in building strong muscle tissue and increasing energy levels. This helps to prime you for your workouts and ensure that you’ll reap the maximum benefits from them.

When you consume almonds, you’re helping your body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. How does this help you achieve a sleek, sexy midriff? When your blood sugar level remains stable, you’re less likely to crave the high-calorie, high-fat foods that can cause stomach flab and weight gain.

Perhaps most compelling is almonds’ ability to prevent calories from being absorbed into our bodies. When you consume these beneficial nuts, they actually help to reduce the calories and fat that would otherwise be stored as fat cells in your body.

So how many almonds should you eat? As with any other food, moderation is key. The general recommendation is that you ingest approximately one ounce per day, which translates to around 23 almonds for a total of 160 calories. Although almonds make an enjoyable addition to salads, yogurts, or trail mixes, they’re equally delicious when consumed alone. Next time you find yourself craving chips or sweets, reach for the almonds instead, and consider yourself one small step closer to a lean, sculpted midsection.