6 Belly-Fat-Blasting Secrets That Earned 'Mister Abs' His Name

Having a perfectly toned tummy — complete with a six-pack — is something pretty much everyone wants. And it’s the job of Levi James, a.k.a, Mister Abs, to help you get one.

With nearly 20 years of training experience, James has developed a reputation for his washboard abs. The 41-year-old is also known for his creative and intense workout classes, and is a trainer at the New York Health & Racquet Club in New York City. James spilled the secrets to his own success with Yahoo Health — including the right tummy-sculpting exercise routine, his go-to foods, and the little-talked-about secret to getting an enviable midsection.

Stick To An Abs-Friendly Diet

"I always say, ‘Great abs start in the kitchen," says James. "Starting in the kitchen is key because that’s where most people compromise and fail." If your goal is to get lean and toned, then your meal plan should reflect that fitness goal. James cooks a variety of protein-rich foods, such as chicken, fish, eggs, lean beef, and pork — and doesn’t consider carbs off-limits. "I eat oatmeal, whole grains, brown rice/quinoa, potatoes, [and] whole-grain and vegetable pasta," he says, making sure to avoid processed foods. 

James’s go-to meals include grilled chicken with broccoli and asparagus (top LH corner); salad with romaine lettuce, carrots, strawberries, and mushrooms (top RH corner); grilled salmon with mushrooms and broccoli (bottom LH corner); and salad with romaine lettuce, apples, cherry tomatoes, orange peppers, and balsamic vinaigrette (bottom RH corner). (Photos: Courtesy of Levi James)

He also fills his diet with vegetables including peppers, onions, squash, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and spinach. “I generally like to eat lean and green, and that means lean protein and green leafy vegetables will dominate my plate,” says James. “My low-glycemic carbohydrates are about 25 percent of my meal. I may increase or decrease that depending on what my activities will be.”

Eat More To Lose More

To keep up with your workouts and maintain a good metabolism, James says it’s important not to skip meals. “I give a three-hour interval between alternating meals and snacks,” says James. “That’s eating roughly five to six times a day.” Some Mr. Abs-approved snacks include hummus, fruit, yogurt, nuts, and whole-grain cereals. He also makes salads that he stores in mason jars. ”I keep the dressing basic, like a balsamic vinaigrette,” says James, and also adds some fruit for additional flavor.

 

 

Yahoo Health.