Have you ever heard the expression, “Abs are made in the kitchen.” Well it’s true!! It’s the 80/20 rule. When you’re trying to lose weight, 80% of your results come from your diet, and only 20% come from exercise. Now, this doesn’t mean you can stop working out because that’s a huge piece of the puzzle, too. But if the scale isn’t budging, you really need to take a look at what and how much you’re eating.
Food Matters
You can work out 8 hours a day, but if you’re eating more calories than you’re burning, you will gain weight. This is one of the reasons why I highly recommend investing in a calorie-monitoring device like the Bodybugg or FitBit. Everyone burns calories at a different rate, and a lot of calorie estimations you get from the machines at the gym or calorie-tracking websites are created for the average body type. They don’t take into account your body composition and your individual metabolism. However, calorie-monitoring devices are incredibly accurate and can really help you monitor this. If you track your food intake and your calories, and you create a deficit, you will get results.
To See Your Abs, You Must Eat Clean!
Now, if you’re closely monitoring your calorie intake and creating a deficit, but you’re still not seeing the results you want, you need to take a close look at what you’re eating. If your diet consists mostly of unhealthy, processed foods, you won’t see results. The 80/20 rule applies here again. At least 80% of your diet must consist of healthy, whole foods if you want to see your abs.
Oftentimes, we think we’re eating healthy, but to stay on track we need to check in and be real with ourselves about every other month. I’m willing to bet you can think of one thing that you need to stop buying right now. It’s that one snack that you keep going back to – your Achilles Heel. It tacks on an extra 100 to 200 calories each day that you don’t even realize you had, and you don’t count it either. So be honest and ask yourself, “What do I need to stop buying right now?” Because that one thing is hindering your results, and if it’s not in the house, you can’t eat it!
Your abs and your progress are determined by what’s in your kitchen. Aim to keep it clean 80% (or more) of the time. Your food is your fuel! Fuel your body for the results you want and deserve!
More Advice
Want more great tips and resources on improving balance, energy, organization, health fitness, relationships, focus, faith and happiness? Each episode of my podcast, The Chalene Show is designed to give you strategies and simple steps you can implement today to become a better, more balanced, happier version of yourself.Looking for more about dieting. Or rather, an anti-diet? Check out the 131 Method!
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Molly Cooper says
Hey Chalene,
I am LOVING PiYo – I am 2 and a half weeks in and I am already seeing and feeling changes I love.
I am currently on a soft food diet. I have to wear an appliance 24/7 due to a degenerating jaw joint. I am really having trouble keeping enough protein in my diet. I have Shakeology for breakfast and usually eat a lot of eggs, avacado, cous cous, sweet potatoes and greek yogurt for lunch and dinner. Any thoughts on upping my protein intake? I would love to see my abs even more 🙂
Thank you for your time,
Molly
Natalie says
I just found your blog and podcasts! I’m downloading about 5 episodes as I type… 🙂 Thank you so much for your easy-to-understand solutions. There is so much floating around the internet these days regarding health and fitness. It’s nice to read something practical that makes sense and is supported by research.
Sherie Hicks says
i had to ask myself the same thing. Too many cheat meals is hindering my progress. Time to get real and BE CONSISTENT!!!!! Thank you Chalene. I needed this!!!!
Vanessa Leota says
I love this post! I know you say this stuff a lot but so good to read it again 🙂
Tracey Nesbitt says
Greetings from Ireland.
Thank you so much for pulling me aside with this post. I needed this today. I was slipping down the slippery slope, I did great after my third, but baby four came and I am nibbling along with her as I feed her solids, I forget every morsel is a calorie and not necessarily a good one for me and my waistline lol…
Here’s to conscious eating from now on!
Bridget says
This is just what I needed to see today! Thanks for the much needed motivation
Lymaris Carrion says
Do you think to make a turbo fire 30 minutes??? I’m your fan and still waiting formthis. Please, please!!!
Kimberly Daniel says
Thank you for posting this article! I was trying to figure this out for the longest time! I would diet and exercise, but the belly fat was not disappearing! I truly needed this!