Flat Belly Diet

In the weight loss market, one diet plan that’s recently been gaining popularity is the so-called flat belly diet. Developed by Liz Vaccariello and Cynthia Sass, the flat belly diet is for the most part a spin-off of the classic Mediterranean diet. Much like any diet plan, many have experienced success with it, and still others have found it to be ineffective. The basic principles of the plan, however, are rooted in sensibilities that most doctors and nutritionists don’t object to. Read on to learn the basic tenets and principles of the flat belly diet, and how it can be incorporated in your own life.

1. One simple acronym defines the flat belly diet: MUFA. The main factor that differentiates the flat belly diet from other weight loss programs is suggested consumption of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids. According to claims made by the developers of the flat belly diet, these “healthy” fats target and help burn stored body fat when consumed on a regular basis. They’re found in oils from commonly grown plants, and allow for followers of the flat belly diet to eat foods one wouldn’t expect to find on a normal weight loss plan. This includes peanut butter, several types of nuts and seeds, olives, olive oil, and even dark chocolate.
2. Other staples of the diet mirror most other weight loss plans. In addition to the Monounsaturated Fatty Acid foods, whole grains, some fruits, many vegetables, some white meat, and a lot of fish constitute the bulk of the flat belly diet. These kinds of low-calorie foods are common among most diet plans because they provide essential macronutrients and heighten the “full” feeling after meals.
3. The main weight loss inducing factor in the flat belly diet is very familiar. In addition to the MUFA’s that allegedly target fat, the principle of calorie restriction will instigate weight loss in those who follow the diet. You won’t have to count calories if you decide to follow it, though, as the diet offers several food options for each meal, of which there are four per day. Every option adds up to roughly 400 calories, which means you’ll be consuming around 1600 calories per day.
4. The considerable calorie restriction means that the flat belly diet isn’t right for everyone. For many, eating 1600 calories a day, even with MUFA’s included, is simply too large of a deficit. If you’re looking to lose fat and build muscle, for instance, it’s unreasonable to expect any increase in muscle mass on this amount of calories. Those who don’t have much time to exercise and just want to cut fat, meanwhile, are much more likely to find the flat belly diet suitable for them.