Belly fat / after baby

GlindaGoodwitch

Hi - I'm 40 lbs above my regular weight since having kids. It feels like I'm wearing a pillow around my midsection, and I can't get rid of it!!

Any suggestions for reducing belly fat?!!?

Live4theLift

You cant spot reduce, if you could everyone would have a 6 pack. You have to just diet and exercise. Your body will dictate where it takes its fat from so its all about genetics.

GlindaGoodwitch

LOL Thank you - I did know that, but I was wondering if there were suggestions for specific foods to eat or stay away from that might help?

I'm on the diet/exercise train... although this train seems to be slower, than steady if you know what i mean.

debra6590

Have you checked if you have diastasis Recti - you can spot reduce if you have a this. Look up on you tube and do the test. If you do you need specific exercises for this and they will pull your stomach back together. GOOD LUCK mama - I am almost there with it, its very disheartening till you realise that you are not a freak and you are not alone xxx

fairestthings

Abs are made in the kitchen :-)

I've had one child (+ now one on the way) and was able to retain my abdominal muscles after my C-section and packing on some weight after my first child. I did a lot of cardio, strength, Pilates but I didn't see a lot of progress until I was way more honest about how healthy I was eating.

I did not cut out carbs, fats, etc. I ate bread. I had oil (EVOO only). We had weekly indulgences. But the majority of my diet was a higher calorie diet (even at 5'0" I did not eat only 1200 calories a day, that's starvation mode) based on a Mediterranean diet/lifestyle. Move. Use stairs. Walk a lot. Drink lots and lots of water. Be honest when you cheat. If you're honest when you cheat (like... having half a pizza) then you'll eventually realize when that pizza or box of doughnuts is in front of you, "If I eat 5 of those, that's more than my daily allowance of calories..." And one day, I promise, it'll stick and you'll only have 1 or 2 ;-)

I really do recommend a Mediterranean-type diet (by diet i just mean food/cuisine). Lots of fish, EVOO, lots of veggies. While not being afraid of carbs and fats, still monitor the intake. And processed sugar is evil LOL.

GlindaGoodwitch

Thanks ladies! I'm going to check out some Mediterranean meals - and I'm googling that condition. I've been walking (with a 4 year old and baby) so I'm looking forward to picking up the pace next week when school starts!

I absolutely need to drink more water. I'm a terrible water drinker. I'm going to get a glass right now!