How Do I Keep Abs From Turning to Flab?
QUESTION
Dear Fitness Expert,
I have been doing a very intense workout (Slim in 6 from Beachbody.com) in order to get rid of my "mother's apron." So far, I can see my huge tummy flatten a lot. However, I am wondering if I need to keep doing at least the same intense workout for LIFE in order to keep my result. In the past, whenever I stop doing workout again, I can see my tummy returns to its previous stage in no time. Plus each time, this "mother's apron" seemed getting bigger and bigger. What should I do to keep my abs from turning back to flab? I really can't picture myself doing an intense workout for life. Will a moderate workout works to keep my abs in shape after I have achieved my result?
Thank you,
Nami
ANSWER
Dear Nami,
This is difficult to answer because I do not know what your diet habits are. I would say from the information you have given me, diet has a great deal to do with your abs. This is not to say you need to go on a diet, simply, you probably need to change the way you are eating. If you have seen a significant change in your stomach only to see it return -- does this mean fat returning? -- in a relatively short period of time, this is a strong indicator that your body is trying to store fat in the mid section -- your stomach.
This is common after having children but unusual if you remain active and have burned fat in the past.
I strongly urge you to keep a food journal for the next two weeks. This is very difficult and studies have shown that most people do not accurately report everything they eat AND drink. So, try your hardest to write down everything you eat and drink. Write down the times (this is very important because many people get in the habit of eating late at night which encourages the body to store fat in the stomach), what seasonings you use (soy sauce, salt, herbs, gravy...) and how you eat (do you eat standing up or seated at a table).
After this time, visit a nutritionist. You need a professional to sit down with you, go over the food journal and talk about how and what you eat. You will be AMAZED what you will learn and how this could mean a flatter, firmer stomach for you. You are right -- you should not have to continue an intense workout for the rest of your life.
Keep us posted.
-- Alex
Alexandra Allred
Alexandra Allred is a former member of the US Women's Bobsled team, is an accomplished martial artist, and continues to teach kickboxing while juggling her career as a full-time writer and mother of three. She has interviewed hundreds of athletes, models, actresses, trainers, doctors, and health/fitness experts as she sought to find answers to her own questions about working out while pregnant, arranging breast-feeding around a training schedule, diet when pregnant and breastfeeding, and encouraging her whole family.
Alex is the author of ten books, including Atta Girl! A Celebration of Women in Sports and Entering the Mother Zone: Balancing Self, Health & Family. We're excited to have her on board!
