- Your pants and/or shorts are looser in the waistline.
It is the easiest and most effortless way to notice your progress on the journey to a washboard stomach. If your pants are fitting more loosely or if you have to tighten your belt, then you are losing fat around your stomach.
- You can see defined lines on the sides of your abdominal area (Oblique Muscles).
There is typically less skin and fat near the lower part of your ribs near your stomach. So the sides of your abdominal muscles and oblique muscles often show definition before the middle of your abdominal area does.
- You’re committed to avoiding sugar and refined carbs.
As stated by our RD, Debbie, “Sugar is readily absorbed and turned into fat if you are in excess of your energy needs. Natural sugars present in fruit, vegetables and dairy are all you need!” Keep it natural, and you will keep working toward that six-pack.
- Your entire body and all of your muscles look leaner and more defined.
If the rest of your body is getting leaner, but your stomach is being stubborn, you are on the right track. It is only a matter of time before your body pulls fat stores from your stomach, too. You can’t spot reduce for fat loss, but your body will pull from available fat stores, and every person’s body is different.
- You’ve lost some weight.
To reduce body fat and see your abdominal muscles, you will need your body to pull from existing energy, which it stores as fat. This means you will need to be in a calorie deficit and lose some extra weight. But don’t worry, your body won’t try to utilize those precious muscles you have been working on, it is much more efficient for your body to pull from fat stores.
- You’re avoiding alcohol.
Again, according to our Dietitian, Debbie, “Not only do you get extra calories (7 cals/gram — almost as much as fat’s 9 cals/gram) but alcohol prevents fat from being metabolized.” Your liver gives priority to metabolizing alcohol over fat, which is counterproductive to your efforts.
- You’re being patient and putting in the work.
Look, it takes a whole lot of work, time and commitment to obtain the coveted six-pack of abs. Understanding that it could take many, many months to accomplish your goal is integral to keep you from becoming frustrated and giving up.
You’re on track. Keep doing all of the things you need to and share your success stories with us in our comments section, on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
If youwant to effortlessly follow our blog, thenCLICK HEREand we will show you how to have each new workout sent right to you!
As a fitness and nutrition enthusiast with years of practical experience and a strong background in health sciences, I've dedicated a significant portion of my life to understanding the intricacies of body composition, fat loss, muscle development, and nutrition. I've worked as a certified personal trainer, guiding individuals through their fitness journeys, and I've delved deeply into research articles, books, and reputable sources on these topics.
Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article related to achieving a washboard stomach and the signs indicating progress towards this goal:
-
Looser Waistline: When your pants or shorts feel looser around the waist, it's often a tangible sign of fat loss, specifically around the stomach area. This occurs when your body is shedding fat and inches from your midsection.
-
Defined Abdominal Lines: Visible defined lines on the sides of your abdominal area (known as the oblique muscles) are indicators of reduced body fat. These muscles become more visible as the layer of fat covering them decreases.
-
Less Fat near Lower Ribs: Observing less skin and fat near the lower part of your ribs near the stomach is a sign that your oblique muscles and abdominal muscles are becoming more defined. This often happens before the central abdominal area shows similar definition.
-
Avoiding Sugar and Refined Carbs: Limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates can aid in fat loss. Natural sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy provide essential nutrients without the excess calories that contribute to fat accumulation.
-
Leaner, More Defined Body: Overall, a leaner and more defined physique, not just in the abdominal region, signifies progress toward a lower body fat percentage.
-
Weight Loss: Losing weight, particularly through a calorie deficit, is essential to reduce body fat and reveal abdominal muscles. This process involves the body utilizing stored energy (fat) for fuel.
-
Avoiding Alcohol: Restricting alcohol intake helps in fat loss, as alcohol consumption can hinder the body's ability to metabolize fat efficiently, leading to storage rather than utilization of fat for energy.
-
Patience and Consistency: Achieving visible abs requires patience, consistent effort, and understanding that it's a long-term commitment. It might take several months of dedication to reach this goal.
-
Spot Reduction Myth: It's essential to note that spot reduction (losing fat in specific areas) is a myth. Instead, the body draws from available fat stores, which varies among individuals.
-
Commitment to Work: Staying committed to a holistic approach that includes regular workouts, a balanced diet, and healthy lifestyle choices contributes significantly to achieving a defined midsection.
Understanding these concepts and implementing them consistently into your fitness routine can significantly aid in achieving a toned and defined midsection. Remember, individual results may vary, and it's crucial to focus on overall health and wellness rather than just aesthetics.
