My whole body looks gaunt exept my pregnant looking belly

Please don't take this the wrong way but it may be a self image issue but I think you look rather thin as it is. And since you are probably under weight based on your height it may require you to gain some muscle in order to eliminate that bump as shown by the two threads below. Have you ever considered doing a slow bulk to gain around 10 lbs of muscle and then going through a cut phase to eliminate the fat gain that comes along with the bulking phase?


http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/392784-skinny-fat-vs-fit-photo?hl=skinny+fat

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

Don't know how old you are, but some women are just genetically predisposed to carry weight around their middles as they get older. My mom had a pretty huge tummy for a small lady. Maybe you need to talk to your doctor about it.

Do you have any health issues? Have you spoken to a doctor about it to make sure it's just fat? There could be some other underlying issue. Definitely speak with your doctor if you're that concerned, especially if the area is firm.

Yeup, start lifting and things should be fine. When lifting, you'll need to eat at maintenance or a slight surplus. You will also need to ensure you are getting plenty of protein too!

Key is to be lifting heavy, not lifting the 3 pound weights. But anything would be better than nothing I suppose. You'll definitely want to try and incorporate as many compound exercises (bench press, squats, etc.) into your routine as you can. Some people here already suggested good beginning programs.

Lifting will increase your muscle size throughout your body, this will make you look toned and will also minimize the look of the belly. Additionally, the improved strength will naturally pull in the stomach area, making it appear smaller. It should also ultimately result in some of the fatty tissue around that area to be utilized.

Drop the cardio and start lifting weights.

Keep in mind that I'm just starting this journey and currently fall into the morbidly obese category. So I'm not one to give advice, but I will say this. I'm pre-diabetic (insulin resistant) and carry a HUGE portion of my weight in the middle. Docs said that is an indicator of insulin resistance. The body can't utilize insulin well, so it converts blood sugars to fat and it tends to accumulate in the gut first. Even when I was 70 lbs lighter, I still looked pregnant.

It would be a good thing to speak with your physician about it. He can run blood work and evaluate your situation. If you are insulin resistant, you might benefit from taking a drug called Metformin with meals, along with dietary changes to avoid high glycemic foods.

I also think being too thin in the extremities can highlight the problem area. Strength training would also help. Google "insulin resistance" and speak with your doc if you haven't had a blood panel done.

Are you eating enough? Your stomach can swell if you're not eating enough. Sort of like how you see the starving kids in Africa with big bellies? I also agree it may just be in your head. 118 is pretty low for 5'6" (I'm 5'4" and that's the lowest recommended weight for me). At 118 I can't see how you have "gobs and gobs of fat" anywhere on your body. You also have to remember we need a certain amount of body fat to live, so you will always have some. Not to mention a lot of time what people are grabbing off their body isn't fat, it's skin. We all have loose skin in order to move, in the same way clothing has looser section to allow a full range of motion.

If your nutrition is in order and everything else is good, I agree with others- life heavy things. And make sure you are eating plenty. You won't build muscle on a 1200 calories diet, trust me.

No offense, but you are 52 yrs old right? Have you seen your OBGYN lately? I think I would go see if there are any fibroids or other health issues poofing out your tummy. Have you talked to your PCP? I would seriously look into a nutritionist after exploring medical answers.
Thanks and chin up!!!

Have you ever been pregnant? Sometimes after pregnancy you can get what's called diastasis. It's basically a separation of the stomach muscles and no matter how hard you try, the only thing that can repair that is surgery. Just a thought ...

^^^This is what I thought of. I had diastasis recti after having my second baby and no matter how small I got my belly stayed really round and pregnant looking. I tested myself for DR and realized I had like a three finger gap which causes our stomachs to protrude like that. I've since started doing lots of exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and ab wall (I believe) and while my stomach still has lose skin its no longer round or pokes out. Traditional ab exercises make DR worse so there are special exercises you can do to help strengthen the deeper layers of ab muscles which will in turn pull in your abs. I'm currently doing a Lindsey Brin workout specifically for DR and it has really helped, but there are plenty of free online exercises if you just google it. You can also google how to test yourself to see if you have DR. GL

*edit: I also recommend the New Rules of LIfting for Women, I'm currently doing it and the lifting has helped to tighten up my body after pregnancy. There was a point I had started to look gaunt and frail after my second baby, which was due to a loss of muscle. I do weigh a lb or 2 more now, but I look infinitely better since I've started lifting weights. I would suggest getting a gym membership though. I know its crazy to find "gym time and money" being a mom of two but getting out of the house for a workout does wonders for my mental sanity and my ability to focus and get alot out of my workouts.

Some good bodyweight excercises that don't require a gym:

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/12/20/the-20-minute-hotel-workout/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

If you find that you are low on muscle tone, then why not start with some planking, pushups (modified if regular are too high), and squats/lunges. It's a good way to ease into muscle growth, and you will be able to challenge yourself using your own bodyweight.

Just a thought...

Maybe look into the YMCA in Santa Rosa? They have youth fitness programs, so that your kids wouldn't just have to sit around. Plus, they have a decent weight area and usually affordable membership fees.