How to not be "skinny fat"

Fitnessdeer

Hi guys
After starting my first semester at uni I lost a bunch of weight from I dunno stress or something so I went to doctor ect and he said I'm healthy (iron levels ect) but underweight so I gained weight . I'm 164cm (5'4) and 51.2kg but now I have love handles and hate it !! any tips on getting toned and slim without loosing heaps of weight? Also in you guys opinion how big a deal is it reealllyyy if I were *slightly* underweight. I'm just clueless, does it even matter if I get only just into the underweight category? I'm what you call "skinny fat" at the moment I think. I'm vegetarian if that makes a difference and my diet most of the time is vegan (I don't like eggs and have dairy allergy)

TavistockToad

Fitnessdeer wrote: »

Hi guys
After starting my first semester at uni I lost a bunch of weight from I dunno stress or something so I went to doctor ect and he said I'm healthy (iron levels ect) but underweight so I gained weight . I'm 164cm (5'4) and 51.2kg but now I have love handles and hate it !! any tips on getting toned and slim without loosing heaps of weight? Also in you guys opinion how big a deal is it reealllyyy if I were *slightly* underweight. I'm just clueless, does it even matter if I get only just into the underweight category? I'm what you call "skinny fat" at the moment I think. I'm vegetarian if that makes a difference and my diet most of the time is vegan (I don't like eggs and have dairy allergy)

how much weight have you gained?

forget about your weight, and start lifting heavy and eating at maintenance

livingleanlivingclean

I've read this post quite a few times. I'm kind of sad, and somewhat speechless. You are still underweight, and it's unlikely you have excess fat. If you really believe these things, and think that it's fine to get smaller, I would recommend getting some professional help for food and body image issues.

Im 165cms. I have been 55kgs. I definitely wasn't fat, nor did I have love handles. That was before I made the conscious effort to put on muscle. I've been 55kg after that, to compete, and it wasn't a sustainable or healthy look. I sustained it though, and made myself physically unhealthy. It wasn't worth it, and it took me a long time to work things out on my own. Please dont make the same mistake - you are young, and deserve a lifetime of health, happiness and positivity around your body and food.

Machka9

If you are in university, join a sports team and start getting some exercise and enjoying life.

HeliumIsNoble

Why don't you ask your doctor why s/he made that recommendation? I'm sure s/he will be happy to explain his or her concerns.

Dazzler21

Fitnessdeer wrote: »

Hi guys
After starting my first semester at uni I lost a bunch of weight from I dunno stress or something so I went to doctor ect and he said I'm healthy (iron levels ect) but underweight so I gained weight . I'm 164cm (5'4) and 51.2kg but now I have love handles and hate it !! any tips on getting toned and slim without loosing heaps of weight? Also in you guys opinion how big a deal is it reealllyyy if I were *slightly* underweight. I'm just clueless, does it even matter if I get only just into the underweight category? I'm what you call "skinny fat" at the moment I think. I'm vegetarian if that makes a difference and my diet most of the time is vegan (I don't like eggs and have dairy allergy)

Being underweight is not necessarily a problem, providing you are getting your nutrition right. I very much doubt you are skinny fat, just not recognising the natural curves of an ideal weight woman.

I can tell you how to build some muscle though.

Either go with

High weight low reps (Try the app 5x5 from strong lifts)

Or Lower Weight - Higher reps and lots of protein. 3 sets of 8-12 reps on each exercise.
(I'd recommend squats, bench press, overhead press, bent over row and dead lifts).

If you start with those, you cannot go wrong just watch your form...

Gaining weight isn't just about eating more, you have to eat right. It's 80% nutrition and 20% exercise after all.

p.s adding muscle does not mean that you will end up looking like female Rich Piana, that takes years of dedicated steroid abuse and 8000 calories a day!

Good luck!

(Studied to be a PT, whilst I worked as a fitness instructor)

LonsyBoy

Uni stress lol I couldn't do it after high school again, forget about trying to lose weight to hit love handles, look into a weight routine, too many doctors classify people with scale numbers and height without taking any other factors into consideration (basically im clinically severe obese), so ignore that and focus on a routine and it will eventually square up

Eat legumes, beans and soy products to help bring protein intake up! youll feel better with eating more proteins

WickAndArtoo

Basically any strength exercises will tone you up. There is literally no risk of getting too muscular, it's incredibly hard to do that... you will just tone up and lose body fat.

Also if your doctor said you are underweight take that seriously, they are a professional and tend to not bring up or notice things unless they are a legitimate "big deal" which makes me believe you should be worried too.

I've noticed many people think that dieting will bring them to the fit looking body they are hoping for, when in reality muscle/strength lead to our idealized body type (in addition to healthy diets). But you cant build muscle without eating enough food!

WickAndArtoo

I edited my post because I posted before proofreading like a dummy!