Advice for 'Skinny Fat' me?

FireFae
FireFae Posts: 40
in Motivation and Support
According to what I've read online, I'm considered 'skinny fat'. Or rather 'normal weight fat' .... I weigh some 118lbs at 5'3", but a lot of that weight is unfortunately ... fat. I have very little muscle tone. I have been running according to the c25k program for nearly 3 weeks and 6 days ago I started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred. According to the MFP calorie advice, I'm eating between 1400-1500 without exercise. Each day, I burn between 200-300 calories a day due to exercise, but I do not log most of walking around, etc.

Any general advice how to get the toned look the proper way?

Anyone else with the same 'issue' or anyone that has been there done that?

Thanks :flowerforyou:

Replies

  • nteichert
    nteichert Posts: 1
    I totally feel your pain! I'm 5'5" and 114, which sounds great. But I have some serious saddlebags that no don't go away unless I'm under 110. (which only happens when I'm nursing, then they come right back) I took up running this summer and log about 12 miles a week, and I have noticed some toning, but I can't seem to get rid of the blubb.
  • bhbarros
    bhbarros Posts: 101
    Strength training! You want to build up muscle mass, and cardio will only get you so far.
  • jppd47
    jppd47 Posts: 737 Member
    I would get on to a Strength training program and progressively keep lifting heavier weights. Build up the lean mass in ya. You will want to start eating at least maintenance if not a slight surplus and up your protein. Give it time and you will build up your muscles
  • yo_andi
    yo_andi Posts: 2,178 Member
    Lift weights my dear! And not the pink and purple types of weights either. Real, heavy, dude weights :)

    Absolutely look into getting the book "New Rules of Lifting For Women" and go here and read about Staci's transformation.

    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/

    Good luck!
  • KBGirts
    KBGirts Posts: 882 Member
    Lift weights! It's not just for boys.
  • Santi36
    Santi36 Posts: 2 Member
    Dont be afraid to lift, this way you will gain muscle and muscle burns fat! Your diet should be mostly protein with complex carbs and very low fat. You should be getting 40 percent of your calories from protein 40 percent from carbs and 20 percent from fat. Also trying eating smaller meals (around 300-400 calories) every couple hours so your metabolism kicks up and this way your body will be a fat burning machine. Good luck and I hope this helps.
  • pullipgirl
    pullipgirl Posts: 767 Member
    Lift heavy weights, you need to build muscle to burn the fat
  • FireFae
    FireFae Posts: 40
    Hey everyone! Thank you for the advice! I already do a little strength training daily with Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, but I guess I should do some stand-alone heavier weight-lifting on the side! I have a barbell weight set ... just no dumbbells :( When I do 30 DS, I use the 1.25kg (shoulders) and 2.5kg (biceps) weight set from the barbell set :D

    I will surely look more into it! Anyone knows any good beginners' website? I will research it, but could totally use some suggestions :)

    Thank you!
  • TroJon
    TroJon Posts: 15 Member
    Diet.

    Sensible foods (no junk, no processed foods)

    lift weights - compounds first, then isolation (learn body building style, you WILL NOT GET MASSIVE OK)

    cardio after weights (steady state, HIIT when on a weights rest day) when low carb/sugar level in body, burn fat.

    P R O F I T

    p.s. avoid gimick diets/training programs. Do not work.
  • FireFae
    FireFae Posts: 40
    My diet is actually rather alright these days ... I just have to find something else to eat for breakfast - I have a major sweet tooth in the mornings - I can never eat something that is not sweet. :D

    To clarify, most of this fat has been accumulated during my pregnancy and subsequently when I was breastfeeding (in order to maintain lactation, one has to eat the minimum of extra 300 cals per day and since I was having some issues, I ate much more). Once I stopped breastfeeding (some 3 months ago), I cleared up my diet big time :)

    Also, is there a way to start weight lifting without going to gym - at all? I can't afford gym membership and honestly even if I could, I totally prefer the privacy of my home ... :)

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