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The Six Pack Abs Shopping List

Posted by on Mar 6, 2013 in Diet It UP, Featured Article, Food Lists, Tools | 92 comments

Protein

The Six Pack Abs Shopping List, list of protein foods, protein foods list

The Six Pack Abs Shopping List – Protein

 

Six Pack Picks
Belly Busters
  • Bacon
  • Sausage
  • Salami
  • Pepperoni
  • Fatty ground beef
  • Fatty steak
  • Hot dogs
  • Corn beef
  • Poultry skin
  • Lox & processed salmon
  • Cheeseburgers/hamburgers
  • Deli meat and cold cuts
  • High-fat cottage cheese
  • Non-Greek yogurt
  • Processed soy/tofu



Pages: Fats | Protein | Carbs | Drinks & Condiments

 

Bryan DiSanto

Bryan DiSanto

Owner & Editor-in-Chief at Lean It UP
Bryan DiSanto is the Owner & Editor-in-Chief of Lean It UP, a culinary student at Le Cordon Bleu – Paris, an ACE-CPT & CSN, NYU graduate, ex-fat kid, and all-around fitness/nutrition nutjob.

He also contributes to Men's Health Magazine.

When he’s not working on his (or somebody else’s) abs, whipping up Eggocados, or running a Tough Mudder, he’s probably off yelling at a Carolina Panthers game somewhere.
Bryan DiSanto

Latest posts by Bryan DiSanto (see all)

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  • Manolo223

    love the six packs here but how long will it take to get them?

  • Sarahjo86

    So what kind of dressing should i use on my salads?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      There’s no reason why salads need dressing but EVOO, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, light italian dressing, or even hummus work in that sense. The idea that dressing and salad are one thing is completely untrue – separate them out.

      Try mixing different veggies, proteins, grains, nuts, seeds, etc. to add flavor in lieu of high-cal, processed dressings.

      As an example you could have grilled chicken, tomatoes, beans, whole wheat pasta/quinoa, walnuts, and balsamic vinegar over a bed of spinach for a complete, ridiculously healthy meal.

    • XxPerksxX

      I like to use salsa as a “dressing” on my salads. I don’t like a “dry” salad, so this adds just enough liquid to the leaves that it reminds me of dressing.

  • Vanessa

    it appears that the veggies and fruit “page” link is missing, but it is included in the printable shopping list. Just an FYI

  • Laurie

    How about olive oil mayonnaise?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Nope, it’s still highly processed.

    • Trapgirl

      Make your own Mayo… Olive oil, vinegar, eggs… Enough to use for one meal only

  • Sylvia

    print

  • John

    Why are Raisins and Dried Fruit Belly buster????!!!!

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      When fruit is dehydrated it loses most of its water content (obviously), which saps the majority of its nutrients.

      Ends up being really high in sugar without much nutritional value.

  • Kimmy Pilz

    Why are rice cakes bad? I eat them with peanut butter, banana, and cinnamon before I workout. It’s the only thing that doesn’t upset my stomach

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Hey Kimmy — if they’re plain/unsalted/lightly salted, they’re completely fine. Keep doing what you’re doing, that’s a really nice alternative to bread.

      The majority, though, are loaded with sugar and artificial, processed ingredients (think buttered, caramel, chocolate, white cheddar etc.). Stay away from anything flavored.

      I’ve updated the article to make it more specific.

  • B

    What do you think about Balsamic Vinagrette; it’s basically the only salad dressing I do.

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Completely fine with that. Try to make it yourself, though; a lot of packaged brands have a ton of additives that aren’t great to eat on a recurring basis.

  • Mike D’Angelo

    soo i’m starting to get a bit frustrated with my diet. i drink about 90 oz of water a day, 3 eggs post, i broil an entire bag of chicken tenders from trader joes and season it lightly with a low sugar sauce and i also eat lots of carrots and dark greens and maybe 1 apple and an orange. also i eat cashews throughout the day. my workouts are pretty intense yet i’m not really seeing any change in dropping body fat.

  • Daniel

    Freaking liar! I recently stopped drinking 2% milk and switched to whole milk and I lost 4 pounds this past month! Obviously this guy doesn’t know that saturated fat is actually GOOD for you. UGH pisses me off.. >.>

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Really, because I’m a huge proponent of coconut oil and CLA. You’re also not commenting on triglycerides, cholesterol, and other health metrics — weight doesn’t correlate 1-to-1 with health.

      The bigger point here, though, is that you’re connecting whole milk consumption with weight-loss. That’s simply not true, and I wouldn’t make that conclusion about ANY food on its own. It’s misleading and exaggerated. Sure, you personally might’ve had some success with it in your diet (great job, by the way), but in general I wouldn’t recommend that anyone chug whole milk — it’s calorically dense in a big way, and for anyone who’s trying to slash weight, a low efficiency use of calories.

      Back to your saturated fat point — research on the effects of saturated fat from animal products (meat and dairy) is highly mixed. In small doses it’s fine and won’t hurt your health, but I’m absolutely not comfortable recommending that anyone consume it on a regular basis.

  • Britt

    Hi, I’m wondering what you think of soy milk in place of cows milk? I love Sanitarium’s So Good Vanilla Bliss soy milk but I don’t know if it’s particularly good for me or my not quite abs. Thank you!

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      I personally won’t drink soy milk (and wouldn’t recommend it) because processed soy is typically GMO and can have a bunch of negative effects on the body in high doses. Plus I hate the taste.

      I like almond milk and coconut milk as my first choices, skim/1% would be right behind that (I’m also lactose intolerant so I try to stay away from dairy if possible),

      My diet is loaded with protein, so I’m not dependent on milk for it. If you’re struggling to fit enough protein in, though, cow’s milk might be your best bet.

  • Tobias

    Hi, I am curious about a couple of items I eat. Mainly Nestles bitesize shredded wheat I have a 40g bowl in a morning with 100ml of skimmed milk and 15g of sultanas, also a slice of wholemeal toast with 3-4 eggs. Is the slice of toast and shredded wheat hindering my performance? I also have a probake cookie (50% protein cookie) later on in the day if this affect anything. I can give a full breakdown of my daily intake if needed but i am generally on about 1800 calories per day and fairly active with sport etc.

  • Jason

    My question is about protein bars. To Clif protein bars not make the cut? I figured you would have those on the list. Can you please explain why they are not? Thank you.

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Hey Jason — I wouldn’t eat them unless you’re on-the-go and you don’t really have any other options. They’re ranked at #20 (meaning I’d recommend 19 bars ahead of them), mainly because they’re high in sugar (20g/bar), high in fats that aren’t all that healthy, and LOADED with additives. Plus, the protein quality is really low.

      Here’s the massive write-up on the the 30 most popular bars. Definitely worth reading — https://www.leanit-up.com/review-the-protein-bar-power-rankings-30-popular-bars-torn-apart-and-ranked/

  • Michael

    Canned veggies bad???

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Try not to, canning depletes a bunch of the nutrients and can add a ton of chemicals (like BPA). Definitely go with fresh veggie as often as possible.

  • Harry Taylor

    Why are dried fruits like raisins bad for you?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Drying any fruit depletes the majority of the nutrients; effectively they turn into sugar bombs. They’re still moderately healthy, but I wouldn’t reco chugging a box regularly; unless it’s after a workout. Go with whole fruit whenever you can.

  • Ducky

    Out of curiosity, how about having small amounts of low fat tzatziki as a veggie dip?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Go for it.

  • confute

    I really liked this article until I read the protein list; it’s sort of garbage! Pork? Really? I’m not against eating meat by any means, but I have read time and again that vegetable-based protein sources are not only just as protein-rich as animal products but also easier to break down and more vitamin/mineral/antioxidant rich! As a result I treat meat and other animal products as delicacies rather than dietary staples. I see you included things such as lentils in the vegetable list but why the lack of representation of other protein sources?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      It was just a way of segmenting foods into logical groups, based on predominant classification. That’s not to say that some veggies aren’t a great source of protein, though. There’s always some crossover.

      You could make the same case for nuts or cheese.

      Read this article for a full breakdown of the top protein sources, in order. It has everything you’re likely looking for. https://www.leanit-up.com/protein-up-heres-the-big-list-of-top-protein-sources-incl-the-best-vegetarian-options/

    • kjonyou

      Actually, some cuts of pork are very low in fat, like Pork Tenderloin. Also, its not that simple to eat vegetables to replace meat protein. Meat, Chicken, Fish are Complete Protein sources. Vegetables also contain some protein but they are considered Incomplete Proteins.

      • Gus

        Soy is actually considered a complete protein aswell! It’s got all the essential amino acids. It is also possible to replace meat by complementing the protein from nuts, legumes, vegetables and whole grains. To put it simply, what one group lacks in essential amino acids, the other has.

  • Brandon

    I want to follow this shopping list to some degree just to lean up. I don’t have unrealistic expectations, I will probably eat this way 4-5 days per week. However, do you have any meal plans or recipes based off of this shopping list? I’m starving! Haha.

  • SixPackAttack

    A lot of bro-science in this article. IIFYM is the way to go, look it up. Granted you still be eating generally healthy foods but it allows more leniency and enjoyment while still getting that six pack (I have one and before you ask no I am not naturally lean. I was chubby all my teen years)

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      I’m starting to think that ANYTHING that doesn’t support XYZ person’s dietary “philosophy” defaults to being labeled as “broscience.”

      I’m not quite sure how/why a breakdown of foods by macro —of which IIFYM is predicated on — would fall into that bucket.

      Secondly, the point of the entire article is to eliminate the need for calorie counting or any other complicated frameworks. No doubt IIFYM works, but IMO it’s overly complicated and tedious, and completely unnecessary for most people that are simply looking to eat healthier.

      Above all else, I’m concerned with helping people make BETTER, higher-quality food choices in the easiest way possible. Most people don’t even know how to do that — IIFYM sits on that foundation. Without it, any dietary philosophy crumbles.

  • BTBC0147

    no one has ever been able to prove you can eat more then your bodies maintenance and NOT gain weight…

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Read up on Set Point Theory.

      • BTBC0147

        that does not change anything? I challenged Johnny Bowen, Jonathon Bailor and many others..NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN ABLE TO PROVE U CAN EAT MORE CALORIES FROM ANY SOURCE ABOVE MAINTENANCE AND NOT GAIN WEIGHT…I CHALLENGE ANYONE TO PROVE IT..

  • Sanne

    green melon OK?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Yep, go for it!

  • soulfit

    What about mozzarella?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Don’t binge on cheese or overdo it, but I’m fine with 1 serving a day. Obviously pick something natural and fresh; not processed.

  • Bala

    Hey is canned salmon bad?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Like canned tuna, it’s a great (inexpensive) source of protein + healthy fats. If you can, try to go fresh whenever possible though. Other than that, eat away!

  • Steve

    How often should i be eating 93% lean beef(red meat)? And is it a good PWOM?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      PWOM = post workout meal?

      I’d say a few times per week, max.

  • http://www.misslandlubber.tumblr.com Jeraldine Cee

    Agave Necter may not spike up your glucose levels; however, it’s packed with a lot of fructose.

    [The harmful effects of sugar have very little to do with the glycemic index and everything to do with the large amount of fructose… and Agave is high in fructose.

    Fructose doesn’t raise blood sugar or insulin in the short term, but when consumed in high amounts it leads to insulin resistance … a long-term effect that will chronically elevate blood sugar and insulin levels (12 , 13 ).

    Having blood sugars go up for a short time isn’t that bad, but having them chronically elevated (high all the time) is a recipe for disaster.

    For this reason… the fructose content of sugar is a much bigger problem than its glycemic index. Regular sugar is about 50% fructose, while Agave is about 70-90% fructose.]

    Source: http://authoritynutrition.com/6-healthy-sugars-that-can-kill-you/

    ><"

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      The fructose/sugar debate is highly questionable, and frankly really inconclusive, IMO. Key phrase there though: “in high amounts.” ALL sugar — regardless of the variety — is unhealthy and anti-lean in large quantities. That goes for whole fruit, too.

      I’d agree with you though that agave shouldn’t be considered a health food by any means. It falls under that faux health food umbrella with things like organic cookies/chips + Vitamin Water.

      I’ve actually reevaluated its position and removed it from the list.

      • http://www.misslandlubber.tumblr.com Jeraldine Cee

        Agave seemed to have a lot of potential back then. You are definitely right though; Even fruit (especially the ones packed with fructose) should be eaten in moderation. Preferably not at night, too. I do think a protein shake with a portioned amount of berries is a great way to start your morning.

        Ah, I see! My apologies. I didn’t mean to call you out on it. Seeing you agree though gave me the affirmation that my understanding of the sweetener was on the right track. Thank you!

        • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

          No worries at al! Things in the nutrition world change so quickly — and new science constantly comes out — which makes it SO important to go back, reassess, and reevaluate everything.

  • lizzy

    Is there any bread would be on the good list? I see pita, but wondering if there is any other kind of bread would be ok to have. And how do you know that the honey is raw?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Ezekial’s is great. It’s the only kind I’ll eat on a regular basis.

      Raw honey is always labeled.

      • Laura

        make sure you are looking for high fiber, I always make sure atleast 5 grams per serving, and low sodium, most breads have high amounts of sodium!

  • kjonyou

    Why is Couscous and Pita on the good list? Both are made from unbleached white flour usually. Pita is basically flat white bread and Couscous is really just small grain pasta.

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      I have no issues with whole wheat, as long as it’s pretty basic and there aren’t a ton of additives (and you’re not celiac/gluten sensitive).

      Wheat pita tends to be plain, so I’m fine with it. And like most pasta, couscous is usually made from semolina (durum wheat) and not much else.

      But as you pointed out, there are varieties of both that are made from enriched/unbleached white flour. Those are no-nos.

  • Joey

    How come corn is bad, and popcorn is okay?
    What’s bad about cold cuts? Is it the sodium? Thanks

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Hey Joey — I actually removed both from the list. I think they both fall somewhere in the middle, under the “they’re fine occasionally” bucket.

      Corn was originally on the really-horrible list more as a product of its preparation, because it’s almost always slathered in butter/salt (whereas basic air-popped popcorn usually has nothing added; excluding the disgusting microwaved crap). Popcorn also has a little bit more fiber (4g per 120 cals) than regular corn does.

      Cold cuts are loaded with sodium, and the meat is processed/low-quality. They’re a fine source of protein if you’re in a bind/on-the-go, but try not to rely on them regularly (i.e. for lunch everyday).

      • mare from the UK

        oh the reason to avoid corn…of any sort in the US is because unless labelled ‘organic’ then it is all GMO….AAAAAAAARG ! xx

  • THATdoodNAHmean

    I gotta give it to you, this seems like a broad variety of foods to choose from and kudos for keeping up to date. Great for all taste buds. Question - I’ve started training for the v cut, I tend to stick to yogurt w/ honey, mixed nuts and a tbsp of organic peanut butter, tthing is, I like cottage cheese also. I know its high in protein and low in fat….is cottage cheese a no-no?

  • Cassandra Petty

    Curious to know the thought’s on the brand Walden Farms?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      It’s the food equivalent of diet soda. it’s loaded with artificial + chemical crap (sweeteners, colors, preservatives). You’re fine on occasion, but don’t rely on it regularly/use it as a crutch just because it’s cal free.

      • Joanne

        That’s giving it too much credit. Diet soda usually tastes good. I’ve sampled a lot of Walden Farms stuff, and it is AWFUL. All of it.

        • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

          Hahaha. Touché. I won’t touch the stuff.

          • Laurie

            I NEVER like diet sodas. It taste horrible in comparison to the regular version. I don’t drink sodas that much, or hardly, but I do drink green tea without sugar of any sort. Organic green tea at the moment and it’s better for you.
            Not familiar walden farms. Thank god.

        • fitone

          No kidding! I’ve sampled a few also and you’re so right! That stuff testes horrible!

  • Zach

    I would look more into yogurt before listing some of the brands that you did. Greek yogurt has become a marketing plow now adays and companies will slab it on to everything even though their products aren’t remotely close to true greek yogurt (Chobani and Oinkos are perfect examples). They extract the fat in the yogurt and replace it with whey protein and flavoring - aka sugar. The only way you can get true, natural, low-sugar (naturally not added) yogurt is to buy a full fat content brand. The only brand I’ve ever been able to find in the US is Greek God…and I live in San Diego…

    • Laurie

      Greek yogurt seem to cost more than regular yogurt here in the US and I live close to Seattle, WA. Our only option is to have plain yogurt/plain greek yogurt, if any.
      I’ve seen Greek God. Never try it though.

  • Nicole Langford

    Hi Bryan, I was thinking of making baked turkey meatballs. Is lean ground turkey breast okay? Thanks!

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Go for it, just try to look for meat that’s raised without hormones/steroids/antibiotics.

  • Christopher Nguyen

    Hi Bryan, I heard miso soup is pretty good for diet. But do you know if it is still as good for six pack abs training? Thanks!

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Hey Chris — I love miso soup and it’s definitely a healthy option, just be careful with how much you’re eating. It’s really high in salt, so you might end up bloated (and puffier than you actually are).

      • Christopher Nguyen

        Would you recommend consuming one small bowl per day?

        • Laurie

          Maybe having it once or twice a week should be good enough. Drink other kind of soup that doesn’t have much salt. Homemade soup is better for you. Just don’t go nuts on the salt. Sea salt is even better.

          • http://adf.ly/dRfu3 Laurie Tam

            I’m that chick right under guest as Laurie.

  • http://adf.ly/dRfu3 Laurie Tam

    I’ve noticed that you chose Kind bar as one of them. I recently had them since Sunday and I thought soy lecithin isn’t good at all???!!! From what I read, it’s a food additive UNLESS I’m dead wrong. Soy ingredients aren’t good for us since it affects our hormones. I’m Chinese and for years, been told Tofu is good for us as well as soy milk so as you can see, from my predicament, I was disappointed to see that.
    Other than that, they do use a lot of good ingredients. My fave, at the moment, is the Almond coconut bar. Mmmmm.

    • http://adf.ly/dRfu3 Laurie Tam

      I also recently tried Nugo and I must say that their bars are quite good and they have bars that are low in sugar. You might want to check them out. I like their raspberry truffle and mint with their regular one.

  • Damon

    I’d like to ask your thoughts on Malt-o-Meal? 0 Fat, 0 Sodium but has 7g sugar in a 35g serving. Thanks!

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      It’s in the same category as cereal — try to limit it, if not cut it out altogether.

  • JJ

    Is lamb okay?

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      Yep!

  • Christopher

    Hey Bryan, thanks for this article and the shopping list, Its really helpful to serve as a good reference. I am a big fan of all fruits (esp. watermelon and cantaloupe melons) but they are really sweet. I was wondering if its okay to eat those for abs. Also, I’ve been working on my abs for few months now and stick to the diet as much as possible (98%). I usually have good lunch and snack on almonds, yogurts, carrots celery etc. My dinner consists of a bowl of veggie soup or quinoa (and brown rice and lentils once every 2 weeks) and STRICTLY of a Protein shake (in addition to the one I take pre-workout) Is it okay to have a protein shake for dinner? - I eat my dinner at 7 pm, go to bed at around 9 - 930 ish. I really do appreciate your help.

    • https://www.leanit-up.com/ Bryan DiSanto

      You can definitely have a protein shake for dinner, just make sure you’re squeezing in additional nutrients as well (healthy fats, vits/minerals, etc.).

      Protein’s incredibly beneficial, but it’s only one of the many nutrients you need to build an elite and healthy body.

      And as for the melon, go for it — try to pair it with slower digesting foods (fats and protein) and/or eat it around your workouts, though.

  • Phil dobson

    Hi just wondering if Can u had A gammon joint?

  • Tommy

    What do you think about hummus? I love that stuff.

  • Priyesh DjKlipz Nayee

    Is rice milk ok? I usually add rice milk to my smoothie every morning,

  • Fakhruddin Hakim

    For breakfast i take whole wheat with nutella..lunch eggs + veges..dinner chicken breast or beef meet..is that ok for my routine diet every day..really appreciate if u can reply my curiousity..

  • Em

    Why not soy sauce? Is it the sodium?

  • Sam

    What’s your opinion on Combat Protein? I like it because it’s gluten free and low in sugars.

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