YOU GOT THIS: Mum reveals the ‘secret’ behind her washboard abs

A mum from Victoria has completely transformed her body, saying her washboard abs come down to one thing — and it’s not what you think.

Welcome to You Got This, news.com.au’s weekly slice of fitness inspiration featuring tips and advice from real women who’ve experienced it all.

Carly Sullivan decided it was time to make a lifestyle change when she struggled to fit into her pair of jeans.

The mother-of-two, from East Gippsland, Victoria, said he not only felt extremely uncomfortable, but also sluggish and lacked energy.

“I was tired all the time and just really unhealthy,” Carly told news.com.au

“So I thought ‘bugger it’. I am going to sign up for an eight-week challenge and just give it a go.”

In 2018, Carly joined Aussie fitness star Rachel Dillon’s Move With Us program and became “hooked” after she noticed a huge change to her body just six weeks in.

“It wasn’t until I saw my before and after photos when I thought ‘wow, this is such a big change’,” Carly said.

Carly Sullivan, 35, embarked on a lifestyle transformation after developing an unhealthy relationship with food. Picture: Supplied

She signed up to an 8-week challenge and became ‘hooked’ after seeing results within weeks. Picture: Supplied

“I weighed 65.kg but I am only 160cm tall. I carried most of my weight in my lower half and while I only weigh 5kg less now than when I started, my body composition has completely changed.”

The 35-year-old now boasts a six-pack — something she said she is still getting used to.

After documenting her journey on Instagram, one of the most common questions she gets asked is about her washboard abs.

But ironically, Carly said she “hates” training core and despite people thinking she’s doing endless sit-ups a day, for her it comes down to “consistency”, leaving many “surprised”.

“It’s mainly 80 per cent diet,” she said, adding that she eats more protein-based foods and ensures she doesn’t go over her set calorie target.

Carly said while she only weighs 5kg less now, her body composition has completely changed, adding a lot more muscle. Picture: Supplied

“My stomach was the quickest part to lose, but I have always had trouble with my legs. It’s the first body part that gains the most weight.”

Carly said the most challenging part of her transformation was learning to count calories.

“It was the hardest thing for me and also fitting in training six days a week and cutting back on my sugar intake.”

The mother-of-two — who has a 15-year-old and 11-year-old — said she was eating endless amounts of take away, junk food and soft drink.

“I cooked what was convenient and didn’t eat enough vegetables.

Carly said she mostly trains weights, with minimal cardio exercise. Picture: Supplied

But today, her diet looks very different with a balance of carbs, protein, fats and fibre.

“I also dink three litres of water a day and aim for eight hours of sleep a night.”

Carly, who is a bank teller, admits it’s hard to fit in training when she’s still going to work everyday and homeschooling during lockdown.

But she keeps reminding herself that taking one hour out of her day is important to keep her sane and on track.

The mother-of-two said she feels so much more confident and full of energy since making and maintaining her lifestyle change in 2018. Picture: Supplied

“It’s really hard. I finish work and get home around 3.3pm but make sure I get myself to the gym at 4pm regardless of how busy I am, for about 45 minutes,” she said.

“Then I get back to the cooking and everything else I have to do.”

Carly said her lifestyle transformation has given her confidence, more energy and has made her a happier person overall.

“It’s amazing how much putting the work into your health can change your whole outlook on

life,” the 35-year-old said.

“The biggest change has been my relationship with food. I no longer see food as good or bad, it’s now fuel for my body and a little treat every day isn’t going to ruin my progress.”

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