Home > Diets > Calorie Counting Diet Navigation    
User Rating

44%

of people who tried this diet like it

+ - Tried it? Rate it!
out of 100
based on 20 reviews
Abs Diet

The Abs Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

The 6-week plan to flatten your stomach by David Zinczenko.

Top Rated Diets of 2024
What is it?

The Abs Diet is a weight loss diet lasting 6 weeks that promises to help flatten your stomach and keep you lean for life. 12 superfoods and many exercises are recommended in the official book.

60 different ab workouts are featured and there’s also no need to count calories. The only thing emphasized is to eat more of certain kinds of foods. It’s described as being a sensible eating and exercise plan. Claimed benefits include increased muscle, better metabolism and all while eating nutritious and healthy foods. Our review experts will research many diets and in doing so have found that the 18Shake Diet is the most effective. This is because of its natural appetite suppressing meal replacement and stimulant free diet pill. Both are highly reviewed by our experts and customers. For more information on the 18Shake Diet, click on the link here.

Do You Know the Best Diets of 2024?

The Abs Diet Ingredients and Side Effects

The 12 kinds of foods said to change fat to muscle include:

• Almonds (as well as other nuts), beans and other legumes, spinach and other green vegetables, dairy products, instant oatmeal, eggs, turkey and other lean meats, peanut butter, olive oil, whole grain breads and cereals, raspberries and other berries, and high protein whey.

They recommend having a meal with at least 2 to 3 of the above foods, and at least one for each of the 3 allowed snacks. They also advise to have a healthy mixture of carbohydrates, fat, and protein for each meal. Protein is advised for each and every meal. This is to keep metabolism going and to promote lean muscle growth.

Our review experts have crafted a list of the highest rated weight loss diets.

It’s also advised to have a snack around 2 hours before lunch and dinner. The following are discouraged but not banned:

• Trans fats, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and high-fructose corn syrup.

• Processed foods, sugary cereals, and cookies and crackers.

One cheat meal a week is allowed where you can eat whatever you want.

The Abs Diet essentially advises eating natural foods while introducing exercise. While this is good, it may be hard for some to continue the diet without wanting to eat unhealthy foods more often than just once a week.

There is also a lot of effort required due to the strenuous exercises. 3 different kinds of strength training workouts and 2 abdominal exercises are necessary. Interval workouts and lighter activities are also advised. You’re allowed a break from exercise for just one day a week, which can be difficult to sustain.

One myth that this diet claims to be real is the spot reduction claim. They claim you can directly target the abdominals which has been disproven as fat loss cannot be singled out. Yale Scientific has this to say:

“fat loss comes down not to targeted exercises, but to the basic principle of how many calories you expend versus how many you take in”

This portion of The Abs Diet has been disproven and it calls into question what kind of science was used to create it.

The website does say:

“The Abs Diet is a scientifically proven food plan that turns on your metabolic fat furnaces”

No evidence is provided to help support this claim however.

They also say that it’s a plant that anyone can follow. You are given portion sizes instead of calorie counting which can be an issue for two reasons:

Portions can range in calories and may not be satisfying.

       • It’s possible to not get enough calories or to overeat.

This one size fits all approach is not the proper way to diet was you won’t know whether or not you’re getting what your body needs to sustain itself. You might have a severe caloric restriction or surplus depending on you activity levels, height, desired weight, and gender.

Discover which weight loss diets were rated as the best for weight loss by clicking this link.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

The Abs Diet Quality of Ingredients

The kinds of foods you’ll be eating are natural whole foods which are nutritious. 12 general foods are recommended which can be healthy when added to a weight loss diet.  

While this is a good sign, it’s a general approach that many other diets use. It can still lead to weight loss if one is not careful about portions. The Abs Diet claims that you can eat these foods to prevent fat storage, but if overeaten there’s a possibility for weight gain.

Furthermore they claim that you’ll be able to create abdominals has been debunked in multiple credible studies. To learn which weight loss diets were favorited in the top ranked list, click the link provided.

The Price and Quality of The Abs Diet

The official book retails for $12.99 on Amazon.com. You can also pay for an optional online membership that costs $14.95 per month. Any other costs are dependent on what kinds of brands one chooses from the majority whole foods you’ll be eating.

There is a lot of cooking involved and the diet discourages eating prepackaged or processed foods. This can increase the amount of time it takes to cook.

2 major concerns also exist:

       • Claims of creating abdominals are a myth.

• You’re allowed to eat as much as you want of the 12 super foods.

Not keeping track of the amount of foods you eat can potentially cause bad eating habits. You’re lead to think you can eat as much as you want without keeping a track on calories. This can lead to an unknown high amount of calories.

Selecting only portions is not the right approach if it’s not catered to your own needs. Not everyone can eat the same portions as it can lead to excess calories or insufficient calories. Both of which can be damaging and may make it harder to sustain.

There were also issues from customers who didn’t find that it helped with weight loss as you’ll see in the “Customer Opinions of The Abs Diet” section. Click the link here to view the list of the top ranked weight loss diets.

Business of The Abs Diet

The official book was written by a David Zinczenko, an entrepreneur who has written other books related to weight loss.

He does not have a degree in nutrition or any health related field. It’s uncertain exactly how he decided to come up with this diet. Without any available evidence, it’s unknown if this diet is truly supported by any science.

The diet does claim to have been created using scientific approaches, but its unknown how this is so since one major claim about targeted fat loss has long been debunked. It’s unknown whether or not other claims made by the diet are also untruthful.

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of The Abs Diet

Featured below are select reviews from online users:

“there is some decent advice offered, but there is also bad science which may lead to weight gain”

“I didn’t lose any weight or inches. I tied I for a full 3 months”

“the Abs portion of this diet is just a gimmick. These entry level exercises won’t do anything unless you’re already low in body fat”

“I tied it for 5 weeks and I was disappointed to see the scale only went up”

Many felt that the diet called for too much exercise without supporting any real weight loss. Some people actually saw their weight go up, which is possible when you’re not counting calories.

People who understood the science of weight loss also mentioned they felt that the claim you can create abs through exercise alone was reason to question all other claims.

Another common complaint was that this diet was not supportive enough.

For many it was hard to sustain the diet due to the large demand of exercise. To view a comprehensive list of the top ranked weight loss diets, visit this link.

Conclusion - Does The Abs Diet Work?

The Abs Diet recommends eating 12 nutritious foods while performing 6 days of workouts. This can be a healthy approach to weight loss, but there are also claims made that are untruthful and potentially harmful. Without any calorie counting it’s impossible to determine whether or not you’ll lose weight. Some people found themselves overeating and gaining weight. There’s also no truth at all to the claim that you can produce abs without first significantly lowering body fat.

By analyzing several weight loss diets our review experts have concluded the most effective is the 18Shake Diet. It offers a combination of an appetite suppressing meal replacement shake and a fat burning diet pill. Customers have given the diet rave reviews with testimonials and reviews showcasing weight loss.

There’s only natural ingredients added without binders, preservatives, colors, stimulants, or any unwanted artificial additives. Each ingredient is produced in a GMP certified, FDA approved facility to ensure routine quality. For more information about the 18Shake Diet click on the link found here.

How Does Abs Diet Compare?
  • Product Name
  • User Rating
  • Easy to follow
  • Cheap Price
  • Fast Results
  • Abs Diet
  • 44 /100
  • .
  • .


> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 1 of 2, 33 total comments)

Daniel

It is obvious that this writer is trying to sell another product other than the Abs diet, but as they say, the proof is in the pudding. I have have been working out for 24 years and tried every diet and regimen known to man. I have always been slim and mostly toned but never had a six pack until I found the Abs Diet. David may not have the degree's that you are talking about, but I am a believer. After six weeks on the abs diet and after doing his regimen, which by the way was easier and less time consuming that what I was doing, I finally have achieved a six pack and I could not be happier.

posted Jan 9th, 2018 11:32 pm


Rob Marsel

If followed correctly rhis diet cant fail. It works

posted Jun 27th, 2017 10:06 am


Heather

+

I first tried this diet in 2010; lost 35 pouds and continue to keep it off! Bravo abs diet, you have opened my eyes to how important it is to make a lasting lifestyle change where diet and exercise are paramount. I had a muffin top and thunder thighs or monstrous proportions. Bottom line, I was on my way to developing type 2 diabetes; not only because of my diet filled with fried and processed food, but because the disease runs in my family. My mom is 66 years old and living in a nursing home. She can no longer walk because of the three strokes and heart attacks she had as a direct result of diabetes. I am 38 years old and am in the best shape of my life. Thank you abs diet for women, you have literally saved my life!

posted Oct 16th, 2011 10:59 pm


CHOCOFOOL

i like the sound of the diet part of this, are the workouts tough though?

posted Sep 23rd, 2011 4:25 pm


Hahaha

-

For those of you saying you lost five lbs in one week, you need to get your scale checked or you're weighing yourself at the wrong time of the day... If you eat 2000 Calories per day, you'd have to burn at least 4500 calories per day, which is what the average pro athlete burns.

posted Jun 4th, 2011 5:26 pm


Claire

I have been on the Abs Diet for women for 3 days and have put on 3lb !!! Why why why ??

posted Feb 15th, 2011 4:18 am


Randy

+

Great diet. I lost 80 pound in 10 months.
Very easy to follow and good tasting food.

posted Nov 2nd, 2010 4:48 pm


Nicole

-

Whatever you do, do not join the website. I did and can't get out of it. Meanwhile, I am running up a bill and struggling to get it canceled. The diet could be amazing, but the customer service rivals a cell phone company. Thumbs down on this waste of money!

posted May 20th, 2010 5:16 pm


marleneanchia

please help me i want 2 know more about diet that help2 improve your abs and legs

posted Feb 5th, 2010 12:00 pm


kathyb

-

I signed up using the FREE MONTH TRIAL, but was charged for the next three months in advance (a charge of $45.50). When I decided to cancel my trial membership after 3 weeks, I was told that my membership would be cancelled, but I would not receive a refund of my advance payment. After some heated discussion, and being put on hold for about 20 minutes, I was told that I would receive a PARTIAL refund of $40.44! So, buyers eware...it is NOT a free months trial!

posted Jan 29th, 2010 10:06 am


steph

i did this diet for maybe three weeks and lost ten pounds and have yet to put those ten pounds back on so the weight does stay off..

posted Jan 19th, 2010 6:12 pm


jenn

+

hi..i was on this diet a couple of months back and lost many lbs and never felt hungry.. the holidays blew that for me.. lol.. but this is a wonderful way to eat and lose weight at the same time.. i was wondering if anyone could help me find more recipes???? not burnt out on the others but would love a few ideas.. thanks !! jenn

posted Jan 8th, 2010 10:20 pm


Mark K.

+

Started book last night. Got me thinking. I'm 55. But I got one question. I'm allergic to fish, and nuts. My body doesn't like either. So that takes a LOT of protein away. How should I compensate?

posted Jul 7th, 2009 10:58 am


Alyssa Lee Parker

I don't know where you are coming from with many of the statements. It does not sound at all like you have read the book, or you would have hardly anything negative to say about it. No, there is no such thing as spot fat loss, but you can prevent your body from storing excess harmful fats over your stomach. Its not so much a diet as it is a food reality check. This book explains why additives in processed foods cause you to gain weight, and how super foods help your body rather than wreck and ravage it. Personally, I am very, very happy that I read this book, it was one of the most useful tools I have found in the search for truly healthy living and eating. Before starting the abs diet, I was already at a low weight, 125 (I'm very petite and small framed). But I have always had weight on my midsection, abs and hips. Just by picking foods that were better for my body and doing the extremely easy work outs, I lost ten pounds (significant for my size), and my mid section gained a toned and healthy look for the first time in my life. Not only do I get compliments on how good and healthy (not starved) I look, but I feel amazing physically. I can tell that my body and midsection are stronger, I can feel it in every day normal activity. My body did not go through drastic harmful starvation (skipping meals or losing crucial nutrients) diet either, I am always full because I eat so much of the right stuff. I would recommend this book to ANYONE who cares about their health in any aspect, from acne to diabetes, you name it.

posted Apr 17th, 2009 6:36 pm


Anonymous

I am interested in starting this diet however I cannot seem to find how much it is a month. Does anyone know?

posted Apr 6th, 2009 11:33 pm


Lauren

+

I love that I get to eat more times a day and still lose weight. Ive lost 10 pounds so far and I already feel so much better. Ive tried so many different diets before and this is the only one that has actually worked so I would reccommend it to anyone.

posted Feb 18th, 2009 6:28 pm


Taylor

+

I have only been on the diet for 4 days, but today I was feeling heavy like the diet wasn't working or that I ate too much. I just weighed myself and weigh 2lbs less! This diet is great and I feel real good about eating healthy foods.

posted Jan 29th, 2009 8:35 am


TREY

+

I like it alot, just not sure what to eat and can I run?

posted Jan 2nd, 2009 8:37 am


John

+

The Abs diet is the best diet I have found. At 43 I have the best abs and flattest abs of my life. The food is good, so I have made this a lifestyle change. The cool thing about this diet is you get one cheat meal a week, so I can feed my mexican food addiction each week.

posted Nov 11th, 2008 4:46 pm


lyn

+

i know it's a bit premature, cos i have only started the diet for about a week. but i have lost 5 pounds. The exercise routines are important. I actually feel more toned. There are a variety of exercises to choose from, so I'm not bored of it (yet). But the ABS Diet most definitely cuts down on cravings :)

posted Nov 3rd, 2008 10:14 pm



  12
 

Leave Feedback

Or, proceed without an account


 


Already a member?



BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND Start the Diet Now Advertisement

Envy is a powerful emotion. When we browse through magazines at our local bookstore, the fitness covers with rock-hard washboard stomachs make us jealous, and if we're lucky, motivates us to get fit. One of the best-known culprits is Men's Health Magazine and its army of cover models with perfect midsections. If you want to get beyond the jealousy, the magazine’s editor-in-chief David Zinczenko has vowed to help you turn the page and help put you side by side with those cover models. Creator of The Abs Diet, Zinczenko gives you a six-week plan to flatten your stomach and get lean for life.

Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?

PROPRO
  • Abs Diet promotes a healthy diet with regular exercise
  • Not a fad diet
CONCON
  • Only one chapter deals with getting toned abs, the rest covers how to eat sensibly
  • May appeal more to men than women
  • Claims of expected weight loss may be exaggerated

Effective marketing and truthful assertions often come to a head with companies selling health products. The Abs Diet makes a few claims that aren’t malicious, but let’s just say stray a little from the truth.

For example, the site says "turn fat into muscle." You can give them some slack by saying that they only intended it figuratively. But in actuality, fat doesn’t magically turn into fat. They are two separate things.

Also, they say that it's "guaranteed to give you a flat stomach and great physique in just 6 weeks." It's a nice marketing slogan, but just a little simplistic. Someone who is, say 15 pounds overweight, will have an easier time getting there than someone who is 100 pounds overweight. And the latter person will not have a trim waist in 6 weeks.

And finally, it says "Lose 20 pounds or more - from your belly first!" Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as spot reduction, so you can't pick and choose where the weight comes off.

DIET and NUTRITIONDIET and NUTRITION

The Abs Diet includes a well-outlined eating plan that has you eating three meals each day with a small snack two hours prior to each. So there’s no starving involved. The website has interactive software and graphic illustrations of recommended exercises.

Meals consist of lean proteins, low-fat dairy, whole grains, protein powder, minimal fats and lots of green veggies. Each mini-meal will include a balanced proportion of carbohydrates, fat and protein.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

The Abs Diet includes an exercise program that promises to help you burn fat while building muscle. The exercise program consists of exercising 30 minutes three times a week. Over time, you'll increase your physical exercise, by weight-training the main muscle groups like the back, chest and legs, in addition to 30-45 minutes of light cardio.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

The Abs Diet promises that by adhering to the Abs Diet program, you'll transform not only your abs, but your life, in six short weeks. With motivation, healthier eating and physical activity you'll be on your way to a healthier you. The Abs Diet will help prevent illnesses including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and osteoporosis by encouraging a diet rich in fiber, calcium and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

ABOUT RODALEABOUT RODALE

View Rodale Diets Slideshow

Common MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

AbsDiet, The Abs Diet, Abs Deit, Asb diet, Asb deit

Whats better than
Abs Diet?