Abs diet recipes have something of a reputation for being dull. Ever gone to a restaurant and ordered the "diet plate", only to have your waiter bring you a plate of Jello and cottage cheese?

The hardest part of defining abs is finding them. In order to see your abs, you must lose the body fat. After your fat is gone, you still have to build up muscle tissue, and that requires protein.

A low fat, high protein diet doesn't need to be boring, though.

Here are a few fun, easy recipes to help you get started.

Tofu is very high in protein and is great for building lean muscle. It is very common in Asian cuisine and is becoming popular in Western cooking because it can be a versatile, low-fat replacement for meat or dairy in many dishes. It can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores.

Tofu Strawberry Banana Shake

INGREDIENTS:
1 block silken or soft tofu
1 frozen banana
1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
1/2 cup skim milk or soy milk
4 strawberries

PREPARATION:
1. Drain the tofu and cut it into chunks.
2. Chop the banana and remove the strawberry stems.
3. Mix all ingredients in blender or food processor.

Time to Prepare: 5 minutes
Makes 1 serving

Tip: Add protein powder for an extra boost.

Lentils

Lentils (both red and brown) are also a protein powerhouse. The following recipe looks so complicated, you'll impress your dinner date. But don't let the long ingredients list fool you - it's so simple that you can make it even if you have no cooking experience. Add the spices to your taste to make it mild or spicy.

Indian Curried Red Lentil Soup
(Taken from Vegetarian Times, March 2004)

1 cup red lentils (rinsed)
4 1/2 cups nonfat vegetable stock
2 Tbs. nonfat plain yogurt
1 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. grated fresh ginger (or powdered)
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. onion powder

Possible garnishes may be:
* Shredded coconut
* Dried peanuts
* Cilantro
* Diced red pepper
* Chutney
* Raisins

1. Put lentils and vegetable stock in a large
saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high
heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium, and
cook for about 20 minutes, or until lentils
are tender.
3. Reduce heat to very low.
4. Put 2 cups lentils and yogurt into
blender, and puree until smooth.
5. Recombine with soup in pan, and stir in seasonings.
6. Heat and serve, garnishing each portion as desired.

Time to Prepare: 30 minutes
Makes 6 servings

There are many places on the Web where you can find free, simple recipes to lower your fat and build your muscle.

If you're bored of the same old thing, try Japanese cooking - it is typically low in fat and high in vitamins and protein. Also, even if you're not a vegetarian, check out some vegetarian recipes. Vegetarian cuisine has virtually no fat and a lot of health benefits.

Remember, abs diet recipes don't have to be dull and bland. Get creative with your cooking. Your abs and your taste buds will both thank you.