Help.

nancnancrevolution
nancnancrevolution Posts: 9 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have been eating healthy (my diary is open to see) and working out a minimum of 3 times a week sometimes up to 5. Cardio and some weight lifting. I have noticed a change in my legs, they have slimed down, and my booty, it has perked up, but i still have this awful tummy flappy fat. Is this really the hardest to lose? What can I do to get rid of this?

Thank You.

Replies

  • cmeiron
    cmeiron Posts: 1,599 Member
    Unfortunately you can't spot-remove fat from specific body regions. All you can do is continue to keep a caloric deficit and it WILL come off eventually, along with fat elsewhere. Personally, I seem to lose weight from the top down. My face, arms, chest and upper abdominal region all slimmed pretty quickly, and although I've definitely lost fat in my trouble areas (I too have the tummy flap, plus saddlebags/muffin top) , my midsection seems to be the last place my body wants to let go. So, I don't have a solution, but I can offer empathy/understanding!!!
    ETA: I had a look at your diary and some days you're eating under 1000 calories, and most days under 1200. Most people here would say that's WAY too low. I'm not a nutrition expert but others might chime in. Did you set the 1200 calorie goal for yourself or did MFP do that for you?
  • nancnancrevolution
    nancnancrevolution Posts: 9 Member
    I set 1200. I eat when I am hungry. Always eat breakfast/lunch/dinner and try to have a snack. But I am just not hungry. Should I eat even when I am not hungry to get my 1200 calories.
  • cmeiron
    cmeiron Posts: 1,599 Member
    It's pretty easy to up your calories with minor additions of calorie- and nutrient-rich foods. A quarter cup of chopped nuts and/or an olive oil dressing on a salad; an avacado as a snack; a couple tablespoons of nut butter, half cup of hummus with half a pita, half cup of cottage cheese....that sort of thing . Nothing huge but nutritious and easy to boost the cals. You'll fuel your body for the workouts better :) Personally, I also always eat back my workout calories, so I maintain the same calorie deficit regardless of whether I've worked out or not (I just eat less on non-workout days). Unlike you, though, I'm always hungry, lol, so it's pretty easy for me to squeeze extra food in.
  • nancnancrevolution
    nancnancrevolution Posts: 9 Member
    I drink so much water durring the day,like at least 10 16.9oz bottles, and I think that keeps me full. I think I shall give into my cravings for peanut butter more often and avacados. Haha
  • cmeiron
    cmeiron Posts: 1,599 Member
    Pretty sure you can afford to :) Again, others who know more about this stuff will probably be able to help more. :)
  • nancnancrevolution
    nancnancrevolution Posts: 9 Member
    ANy one else have any tips/advice? I would greatly appreciate it :-)

    Thanks!
  • FullOfWin
    FullOfWin Posts: 1,414 Member
    I set 1200. I eat when I am hungry. Always eat breakfast/lunch/dinner and try to have a snack. But I am just not hungry. Should I eat even when I am not hungry to get my 1200 calories.

    Yes, if 1200 is the proper amount to put you into a moderate calorie deficit given ALL of the activity you do. It sounds like what you are doing has been working. If your weight is still dropping, then continue on.
  • MellyGibson
    MellyGibson Posts: 297 Member
    I'm a fitness instructor and this weekend I get my Personal Trainer Certification. I've done just about any kind of "diet plan" you can imagine. I started on MFP with the predetermined 1200 calories and dropped the weight, but then it started creeping back up.

    I did some research and with great information here's what I have found that works for me:

    I generally eat 1500-1900 calories/day. I eat as clean as possible - I eliminated most of the processed foods, which have lots of hidden "naughties" (think sodium).

    I lift weights - heavy weights - 4X/week (personal choice, I've read that 2-3 times is sufficient. The USDA recommends we as women do not consume less than 1200 calories/day.

    I do cardio (I'm a Zumba instructor and I do cardio workouts on my own) 3 times/week as well.

    I STILL have that belly flap, but it's been going away. My bootie has lifted a bunch since lifting (SQUATS, SQUATS, SQUATS), my arms are more defined, and I am starting to get that line in my abs on either side! :)

    Once I made these 3 simple changes, I saw dramatic results. I lost 10 lbs. in 6 weeks. I'm STILL losing, and have gotten back down to my goal weight - and set a NEW goal weight because now I know I can do it! And SO CAN YOU!

    I'm not saying you have to follow my lead - do what works for you. I'm just saying what works for ME!
  • crystalflame
    crystalflame Posts: 1,049 Member
    1) I flipped through your diary, and on average your calories are pretty low. If you can eat more and still lose weight, it's a good idea - it will keep your metabolism from slowing down over time and you'll be less likely to plateau. That said, if you're losing fat, that stomach will eventually shrink.

    2) The important part is that you're aiming to lose FAT - getting sufficient protein and lifting weights regularly to maintain lean mass so you only shed the stuff you want to lose. You said you were lifting; what kind of lifts? Compound lifts like deadlifts and squats are going to help build muscle all over. Done properly, you'll depend on your core for stability, which should help tighten up the stomach area (though it won't get rid of any extra fat, that's all diet). Strengthening your core with crunches and planks will help you with the bigger movements.

    Good luck =)
  • maryjay52
    maryjay52 Posts: 557 Member
    do planks . they really do work
  • missbrayapple
    missbrayapple Posts: 11
    I recently read a book called Wheat Belly and it talks about the effects of wheat on our bodies and it DOES cause women to develop excess fat around the middle as well as causing "man boobs" on males. I've been experimenting with cutting wheat out of my diet. just started so don't know the results yet but it's worth the try. for best results you are supposed to cut out all glutens but wheat itself is the real culprit. great book. worth reading
  • jgrode1984
    jgrode1984 Posts: 112
    I too looked through your diary, and agree that your not consuming enough cals especially on days you work out. You should be eating back the calories you burn through exercise so your NET calories = 1200. May even want to up your cals to about 1400 for a week or two and see if that helps. Best of luck

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