If you want visible abs, be aware of the sacrifices you may need to make.
Be realistic & manage expectations where weight loss goals are concerned…
⭐️20-22% body fat⭐️
✔️fit appearance & good overall health
✔️livable lifestyle
✔️few cravings due to balanced diet
✔️plans & time needed for meal prep
✔️coaching is sometimes needed to achieve & maintain
✔️1-2 alcoholic drinks per week
✔️1-2 desserts/week
🌟16-19% body fat 🌟
✔️extremely lean with 6 pack
✔️good health
✔️few cravings due to balanced diet
✔️maintaining nutrition may be difficult in social situations
✔️hobbies may be fitness related to maintain fitness level
✔️carbs may be limited to after workout
✔️eat dessert/processed foods once every 1-2 weeks
✔️drink one alcoholic beverage every 1-2 weeks
💥<16%💥
✔️bodybuilders/fitness models on photo shoot day
✔️challenge socializing where food is involved – need to pack almost all foods
✔️weigh, measure, track food
✔️food cravings due to deprivation
✔️life revolves around fitness/nutrition
✔️limit carbs to post workouts or on high carb days
✔️eat dessert/processed foods once every 10-12 weeks
✔️NO alcohol beverages
✔️health issues can arise: muscle cramping, dizziness, amenorrhea, sleep issues, chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, headaches, etc.
Most of the physique athletes you see on social media are in a ‘temporary’ state.
I’d be the first to admit (& I’m sure they’d agree) that maintaining that paper-thin-skin ‘shredded’ lean look is darn near impossible.
There are a LOT of sacrifices involved to get visible abs & you get to the point of diminishing returns – you sacrifice lifestyle for a fleeting image in the mirror.
.
Is it really worth it?
Only YOU know because you’re the highest authority of you.
Do what’s right for you.
Just know that everything comes with a cost. What are you willing to trade?
I gotchu if you need help finding the healthy balance ⚖️ where nutrition is concerned, let’s talk: https://tinyurl.com/talktoshawna