Achieving visible six-pack abs largely depends on reducing your body fat percentage, since everyone has abdominal muscles beneath the surface. These muscles only become visible when the layer of fat covering them is thin enough. Therefore, the number of calories you should consume daily hinges on your current body fat, activity level, and metabolism.
First, you need to understand your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). This is the amount of calories your body burns at rest. For instance, if you’re a 30-year-old woman who weighs 65 kg (143.3 lbs) and is 165 cm tall, your BMR might be roughly 1400 calories a day. A similarly aged man of the same weight and height might have a BMR of about 1600 calories.
Next, consider your activity level. If you’re sedentary (doing little to no exercise), multiply your BMR by 1.2. If you’re lightly active (light exercise or sports 1-3 days a week), multiply your BMR by 1.375. If you’re moderately active (moderate exercise or sports 3-5 days a week), multiply by 1.55. If you’re very active (hard exercise or sports 6-7 days a week), multiply by 1.725. If you’re super active (very hard exercise, a physical job, or training twice a day), multiply by 1.9.
Once you have this number, it represents the amount of calories you’d need to maintain your current weight. To shed body fat, you’ll want to create a caloric deficit. Typically, a deficit of 500 to 1000 calories daily will result in a weight loss of about 0.5 to 1 kg (1-2 lbs) per week. This is considered a safe and sustainable rate.
However, it’s essential to ensure you’re still consuming enough nutrients to fuel workouts and muscle recovery. An excessively aggressive caloric deficit can lead to muscle loss, which is counterproductive when aiming for defined abs.
Find your maintenance calories using your BMR and activity level, then introduce a deficit. Monitor progress, adjust as needed, and ensure your diet remains nutrient-rich. Remember, achieving visible six-pack abs is a combination of diet, exercise, and consistency.