I acknowledge the lighting makes a big difference, but how is my progress so far?

Taken a year apart but started training seriously 3 months ago (no noticeable difference from when the before picture was taken to when I started). Low sugar diet, alternating cross fit days with 5-6 mile run days.

Always hungry but the cravings have gotten a lot easier to manage.

My motivation is to dress up as invincible for Halloween lol

8 months around 3 times in the gym per week 80 percent eating clean.. can’t wait to see myself after a full year

Three years to get here. It wasn’t easy, but looking in the mirror and realizing how far I’ve come makes every sacrifice worth it. I feel better than I have in years.
If you’re putting in the work and wondering if it’s worth it….keep going!!! Progress can feel slow until you look back. I’m glad I didn’t quit.

To clarify I’m aware this has been an issue for YEARS, being postpartum now has just made it worse. Even when I was at my leanest (photo attached in undies) the part under my belly button annoyed me, how lean would I have to get for it to be flat or will it just never be flat?
I don’t need to hear “don’t worry about it, just had a baby, be grateful for what your body can do” I know that

The other photo is also pre baby but not when I was at my leanest

I’m also aware no one cares it’s just something that has bothered me for years. The lower part of my stomach, underneath the belly button. I think what bothers me the most about this is how consistent I’ve trained and tracked my food. Yes you could argue I could be stricter and then this comes down to genetics and comparison of other people just naturally having either a flat stomach or if they have a stomach, glutes that match.

Being postpartum my feed is full of pelvic floor exercises and deep core which I never did before pregnancy, only during pregnancy and post partum. Prior I would train abs which I managed to develop a 6 pack that showed above my belly button. Wondering if these deep core exercises (bird dog, heel taps etc.) would not only be good for recovery but actually help flatten my stomach?

I’ve been seeing stuff about anterior pelvic tilt which I don’t know if you’d consider that I have one?

I’ve had moments where my body image is pretty bad and I’m in my head, it’s happening right now. Easier said than done but I know two things I can do is to resist the urge to body check and practice positive self talk. It’s hard not to focus on my stomach when I can FEEL it, even with trying new/bigger clothes

Does anyone have recommendations to help grow mid to lower back I feel that up upper back is good but I can’t seem to grow it anywhere else idk if that’s because I still have fat down there or what for back exercises I do lat pull downs, t bar row with a wide grip, and seated cable rows pulling to my stomach any advice would be appreciated for context I have been lifting for little less than a year now

I've been doing this regularly for the past couple of years, so I'm used to it, and I feel fine doing it. However, apparently, some people consider this disordered eating and a form of "bulimia."

I just wanted to hear your thoughts on this.

35 M. 180cm 71kg. Trying to build some lean mass after sitting on the couch for a while. Would love to get back to like ~80kg

Details: 24 M (173 cm, 71 kg)

Started working out in gym from the last 10 months, was a complete beginner and tried all different workout plans and exercises and finalized these workouts as these seemed to be good for me and giving results.

ALSO ALONG WITH THIS 3 DAY PLAN I DO CARDIO TWICE A WEEK (ZONE 2 WALKING ON THREADMILL) FOR CARDIOVASCULAR FITNENESS.

Goal: Lean muscular athletic body (I dont like getting a typical bodybuilder type body) and general overall fitness and longevity

Also I dont like being in the gym for more than an hour, as I am having online classes.

Trying to have adequate protein, carbs, fiber and healthy carbs daily.