Having flat abs is a common fitness goal for many people, especially those who want to improve their appearance and health. However, achieving flat abs is not easy, as it requires a combination of proper diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Moreover, it can be more challenging for Indian vegetarians, who may have limited options for protein sources and may consume more carbohydrates and fats than necessary. Additionally, it can be more difficult for people in their 30s, who may have slower metabolism and less muscle mass than younger people.
However, this does not mean that it is impossible to get flat abs within 5 weeks for an Indian vegetarian aged in their 30s. It is possible, but it requires a realistic and specific goal, a well-planned and balanced diet, a consistent and effective exercise routine, and some healthy habits and practices. Here are some tips on how to set a goal for flat abs within 5 weeks for an Indian vegetarian aged in their 30s:
Set a SMART goal. A SMART goal is one that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying “I want to have flat abs”, you can say “I want to reduce my waist circumference by 5 cm within 5 weeks by following a vegetarian diet and doing abdominal exercises”. This way, you can have a clear and concrete target that you can track and measure your progress against. You can also make sure that your goal is realistic and attainable, based on your current condition and resources. You can also ensure that your goal is relevant and meaningful to you, and that it has a deadline that motivates you to take action.
Follow a vegetarian diet that is low in calories, carbs and fats, but high in protein, fiber and water. A vegetarian diet can be healthy and beneficial for weight loss and abdominal fat reduction, as long as it is well-balanced and nutritious. However, many Indian vegetarians tend to consume more calories, carbs and fats than they need, which can lead to weight gain and belly fat accumulation. Therefore, you need to limit your intake of foods that are high in calories, carbs and fats, such as rice, wheat, potatoes, sweets, fried foods, oil, butter, cheese, cream, etc. Instead, you need to increase your intake of foods that are high in protein, fiber and water, such as beans, lentils, tofu, soy milk, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, salads, soups, etc. Protein helps you build and maintain muscle mass, which boosts your metabolism and burns more calories. Fiber helps you feel full and satisfied longer, which prevents overeating and cravings. Water helps you flush out toxins and waste from your body, which reduces bloating and inflammation. You also need to eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day (4-6 times), rather than having large meals less often (2-3 times). This way, you can keep your blood sugar levels stable and avoid hunger spikes.
Do abdominal exercises at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes each session. Abdominal exercises are essential for toning and strengthening your core muscles (the muscles that support your spine and pelvis), which improve your posture and appearance. They also help you burn calories and fat from your belly area. However, abdominal exercises alone are not enough to get flat abs; you also need to do cardio exercises (such as running, cycling or swimming) at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each session. Cardio exercises help you burn more calories and fat from your whole body (including your belly), as well as improve your cardiovascular health and endurance. You can do abdominal exercises before or after cardio exercises or on separate days; just make sure that you have at least one rest day per week to allow your muscles to recover and grow. Some examples of effective abdominal exercises are crunches (basic or reverse), planks (standard or side), leg raises (lying or hanging), bicycle crunches (alternating elbow-to-knee), Russian twists (with or without weight), etc.
Adopt some healthy habits and practices that support your goal. Besides following a vegetarian diet and doing abdominal exercises regularly; there are some other habits and practices that can help you achieve flat abs within 5 weeks. These include:
- Sleeping for at least 7 hours per night: Sleep is vital for your physical and mental health; as well as for your weight loss and abdominal fat reduction efforts. Sleep helps you regulate your hormones (such as cortisol) that affect your appetite; metabolism; mood; stress levels; etc. Lack of sleep can increase your cortisol levels; which can cause you to eat more; store more fat (especially in your belly); and feel more stressed and depressed. Therefore; you need to get enough quality sleep every night; by following a regular sleep schedule; avoiding caffeine; alcohol; and screens before bedtime; and creating a comfortable and dark sleeping environment.
- Reducing stress and practicing relaxation techniques: Stress is another factor that can affect your hormones (such as cortisol) that influence your weight and abdominal fat. Stress can also make you eat more (especially comfort foods that are high in calories; carbs and fats); exercise less; and sleep less. Therefore; you need to reduce your stress levels and practice some relaxation techniques; such as meditation; yoga; breathing exercises; massage; etc. These techniques can help you calm your mind and body; lower your cortisol levels; and improve your mood and well-being.
- Drinking green tea or lemon water: Green tea and lemon water are two beverages that can help you lose weight and abdominal fat. Green tea contains antioxidants (such as catechins) that boost your metabolism and fat-burning ability. Lemon water contains vitamin C and citric acid that detoxify your body and enhance your digestion. You can drink green tea or lemon water in the morning or before meals to increase their effects. However, you need to avoid adding sugar or honey to them, as they can increase your calorie intake and negate their benefits
Here is a one of the vegetarian diet plan for achieving flat abs within 5 weeks, . Please note that this is not a medical advice, and you should consult your doctor before starting any diet
- Breakfast: A bowl of oatmeal with soy milk, chopped almonds and fresh berries. A cup of green tea or lemon water.
- Mid-morning snack: A handful of roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds. A glass of water.
- Lunch: A salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, tofu, and lemon dressing. A whole wheat roti or chapati. A cup of yogurt or buttermilk.
- Mid-afternoon snack: A fruit (such as apple, orange, or banana) or a vegetable (such as carrot, celery, or cucumber) with hummus or peanut butter. A glass of water.
- Dinner: A vegetable soup with beans, lentils, or peas. A brown rice or quinoa pulao with mixed vegetables and spices. A cup of soy milk or almond milk.
- Before bed: A cup of chamomile tea or warm milk with honey.
Some general tips for following this diet plan are:
- Avoid adding sugar, salt, oil, butter, cheese, cream, or any other high-calorie, high-carb, or high-fat ingredients to your meals or snacks. Use natural sweeteners (such as honey, stevia, or dates), herbs, spices, vinegar, lemon juice, or salsa to add flavor and taste to your food.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated and flush out toxins and waste from your body. You can also drink herbal teas (such as green tea, mint tea, or ginger tea) to boost your metabolism and digestion. Avoid drinking alcohol, soda, juice, coffee, or any other sugary or caffeinated beverages that can dehydrate you and add extra calories to your diet.
- Eat slowly and mindfully, and chew your food well. This will help you digest your food better and feel full and satisfied longer. It will also prevent you from overeating and bloating.
- Eat only when you are hungry, and stop when you are full. Do not eat out of boredom, stress, or emotion. If you feel hungry between meals or snacks, drink water or herbal tea first to see if it satisfies your hunger. If not, then eat a healthy snack (such as a fruit, a vegetable, a handful of nuts, etc.) to curb your appetite until the next meal.
- Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time, and prepare them in advance if possible. This will help you avoid temptation and impulse eating when you are hungry or in a hurry. It will also help you save time and money by avoiding eating out or ordering food delivery.
Here is an exercise routine chart for achieving flat abs within 5 weeks. Please note that this is not a medical advice, and you should consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
An exercise routine chart for flat abs within 5 weeks:
- Monday: Cardio + Abdominal exercises
- Cardio: Choose any cardio exercise (such as running, cycling, or swimming) that you enjoy and can do for 30 minutes at a moderate to high intensity. You can also vary your speed, distance, or resistance to challenge yourself and burn more calories and fat.
- Abdominal exercises: Do 3 sets of 15 repetitions of each of the following exercises, with a 30-second rest between each set. You can also increase the number of sets or repetitions as you progress and get stronger.
- Crunches: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and lift your shoulders off the floor, while contracting your abdominal muscles. Lower your shoulders back to the floor and repeat.
- Planks: Lie on your stomach with your elbows under your shoulders and your forearms on the floor. Lift your body off the floor, keeping it in a straight line from your head to your heels. Hold this position for as long as you can, while tightening your core muscles. Lower your body back to the floor and repeat.
- Leg raises: Lie on your back with your legs straight and together. Place your hands under your hips or by your sides. Lift your legs off the floor, keeping them straight and together, until they are perpendicular to the floor. Lower your legs back to the floor, without touching it, and repeat.
- Tuesday: Rest or Yoga
- Rest: Take a day off from exercising to allow your muscles to recover and grow. You can also do some light activities (such as walking, stretching, or gardening) to keep yourself active and relaxed.
- Yoga: If you prefer, you can also do some yoga poses (such as sun salutation, cobra pose, boat pose, or bridge pose) that can help you stretch and strengthen your core muscles, as well as improve your flexibility and balance. You can do yoga for 20 minutes or more, depending on your preference and level.
- Wednesday: Cardio + Abdominal exercises
- Repeat the same routine as Monday.
- Thursday: Rest or Yoga
- Repeat the same routine as Tuesday.
- Friday: Cardio + Abdominal exercises
- Repeat the same routine as Monday.
- Saturday: Rest or Yoga
- Repeat the same routine as Tuesday.
- Sunday: Rest or Yoga
- Repeat the same routine as Tuesday.
Some general tips for following this exercise routine chart are:
- Warm up before each exercise session by doing some light cardio (such as jogging, skipping, or jumping jacks) for 5 minutes to increase your blood flow and prepare your muscles for the workout.
- Cool down after each exercise session by doing some stretching (such as toe touches, side bends, or twists) for 5 minutes to relax your muscles and prevent soreness and injury.
- Breathe properly during each exercise by inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Do not hold your breath or strain yourself too much. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or in pain, stop immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after each exercise session to stay hydrated and replenish your fluids and electrolytes. Avoid drinking alcohol, soda, juice, coffee, or any other sugary or caffeinated beverages that can dehydrate you and affect your performance and recovery.
- Listen to your body and adjust your intensity, duration, frequency, or type of exercise according to your ability and progress. Do not overdo it or underdo it; find a balance that works for you and challenges you without hurting you.
Do share with us your flat abs vegetarian diet and exercise routine experience.
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