1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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