lost 25 pounds and still have a fat stomach & thighs :(
Replies
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Being lean you need more calories because you have less body fat reserves to provide energy. So try upping your calories by another 300 to hit 1500 calories to start. Second it takes time. The more lean the longer it takes. Third weight train more and less cardio. At this point look for more composition changes rather than weight. Resistance training will provide those results. And last calories are more important than eating clean or carbs by a specific time. So get dirty and eat up. In fact there are no weight loss benefits of eating clean or eating carbs in the morning. In fact I end each night with an ice cream bar.
On a side not I generally recommend macros to be around 40% carbs and 30% fats and protein. For the most part this will allow you to hit 1 g of protein and .35g of fats which is recommended.
i'm just wondering.. how will weight training (i.e. dumbell presses, bicep curls..etc) help me to lose weight off my stomach and thighs?
it really doesnt help with fat loss... weight training helps with muscle retention. Weight loss is achieved through a calorie deficit. Exercise allows to you eat more and improves your health. I always say diet is weight loss but exercise is fitness. But if you even want a chance at a flat stomach you need muscle to allow that. So you weight train to keep your muscle. Unfortunately, some people struggle because they do not have enough muscle to give them a flat stomach. I see this a lot in people who are close to under weight, not to say you are. Its also common for those who had extreme deficits and lost weight too quickly. This is why vlcds are bad for those not morbidly obese. A large percentage of their loss was from muscle.
So when you minimize your deficit, do some heavy lifting and concentrate on fat loss and muscle retention you achieve greater results from a visual perspective. In fact I can show you tons of women who gain weight to look better.0 -
hi guys! so far i've lost 25 lbs and i have around 15-17 more lbs to lose, which would bring me to around 120 lbs (i am 5'3" and a girl). the weirdest thing, though, i think is that despite having lost so much weight (more than half of my goal!!) i still have a large stomach and thighs!
my waist has been stuck at 27 inches and my hips at 36 inches for the longest time!!! i had hit a long weight loss plateau which i just recently got past by eating unhealthy for two days and then switching back to healthy eating (crazy, i know!!). i don't weigh myself that often, but this morning i was .8 lbs down from last week, which is slow progress, but it's still progress... inches aren't seeming to come off though! and i feel like the fat is just stuck there. i haven't noticed a significant change in over a month... please tell me what i can do! i want to achieve that toned/fit look with a relatively flat stomach and thighs that don't stick out like mine do....
I think most guys would like what you described. ANYway, I have found a huge part of getting a flat tummy area is a combination of the following:
Good posture
muscle
low fat
genetics
By good posture, what I mean is if your hips rock forward, then your stomach may only look a little round. If you try some stretching that loosens up the lower abdomen, it might help, at least a little.
Also, some people just lost body fat last in those areas. It all depends on your genetics. If what you are doing has worked for you in the past, I suggest keep doing it. But, your goals might come slower now, but that shouldn't discourage you from getting there.
Also, just checked the instagram picture, looks like maybe you should stretch your lower abdomen and strength the lower back. Body weight exercises are enough. Your hips are rocking a bit forward. This will help you get a flatter stomach region. Like I said already, keep doing what you're doing in conjunction with what I said and I think you'll do great.0 -
I'm pear shaped and also lost top to bottom. I had to lose around 15lbs more than my original goal weight, to lose my hips/butt flab (started in the 170s, goal was 135 and I'm now maintaining 120-123).
I'd get to your goal weight and then reassess. You can always make a new one!0 -
More muscle means more fat gets burned and the fat burn lasts longer than it does if you just do cardio0
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if u just continue losing weight those stubborn parts will eventually go. if u increase the weight u lift you may develop more muscle which a body with a better muscle to fat ratio will burn more calories even at rest. if u eat more food in general u will have more energy to make good workouts. if u at more protein specifically you will give your body a better chance at holding onto your muscle and shedding your fat instead. if you eat too many more calories you will bulk. if you exercise more you may be operating at too large a cal deficit and run out of steam and have to scale back to lifting only a 7lb weight........................................... out of curiosity if a toddler on your hip weighs way more than an 8 lb newborn infant may i ask why you never lift more than 8lbs? what is that limit about?0
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I agree with the suggestions to up your calories, start lifting and watch your macros (like up many of them!).
But the amount you have to lose can make a huge difference. That's how much I have to lose, and I know what I look like there (with lifting) and now. My fat collects in certain areas and really creates large fat pads there, even though it's only 15 lbs! I guess I don't gain weight evenly. Don't knock how a 15 lb difference can look, in any case
You might be pleasantly surprised.
Oh, I also lose my stomach and waist last. My extra hip weight goes first, and the other measurements don't like to budge much until after that is practically finished. It's not linear for me!0 -
looking at your breakfast , i think is more like 350 than 200 cals unless you are using some reduced calorie version of the ingredients i don't know about-- having said that your overall intake even with that seems fine --maybe make sure you are measuring everything rather than guessing cals ( unless you already do)
no i eat sara lee's 100% whole wheat bread, which is 45 calories a slice. yeah the peanut butter is 90 calories a tablespoon, but the strawberry jam i eat is sugar-free so it's only 10 calories a tablespoon; the total is 190 but i rounded up to 200. i'm really meticulous when it comes to measuring my food. i use measuring cups and spoons and scales and everything.0 -
if u just continue losing weight those stubborn parts will eventually go. if u increase the weight u lift you may develop more muscle which a body with a better muscle to fat ratio will burn more calories even at rest. if u eat more food in general u will have more energy to make good workouts. if u at more protein specifically you will give your body a better chance at holding onto your muscle and shedding your fat instead. if you eat too many more calories you will bulk. if you exercise more you may be operating at too large a cal deficit and run out of steam and have to scale back to lifting only a 7lb weight........................................... out of curiosity if a toddler on your hip weighs way more than an 8 lb newborn infant may i ask why you never lift more than 8lbs? what is that limit about?
no 8 lbs is not a limit, not at all. i just don't have time on a day to day basis to go to the gym, and the only weights i have at home are 8 lbs. i went to target to buy 20 lb weights but they were $35 to $40 each! so i decided not to get them. i suppose it would be an investment though0 -
Keep up the strength training. I use light dumbells too as I'm not allowed to lift heavy and I've found compound movements are starting to help with my tummy. Do you do your weight exercises in a circuit? I started out just doing 20 squats (or whatever exercise) and then moving onto another exercise but I've found if I do a set of 10 then work another muscle then come back to the squats and do another set for a total of 3 sets it seems to be more effective as I'm giving the muscles a little rest in between and I guess the break helps me push more
yeah i have tried that before and it's quite challenging. i really feel the "burn" so i guess it's effective!0 -
I'm pear shaped and also lost top to bottom. I had to lose around 15lbs more than my original goal weight, to lose my hips/butt flab (started in the 170s, goal was 135 and I'm now maintaining 120-123).
I'd get to your goal weight and then reassess. You can always make a new one!
congrats on finally reaching a weight you're comfortable maintaining at! i was just wondering HOW did you get those last 15 lbs off. for me it seems like THE HARDEST thing to do.0 -
thanks everyone for all the input, MFP is seriously such a great community!0
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I am wondering if you have ever heard of callanetics. Not callisthenics - that's an old fashioned, jump up and down, type exercise programme.
Callanetics uses a system that lengthens and slims muscles down rather than bulking them. Thus it's good for girls who want to be strong, but not big. It involves using the entire muscle to exhaustion while it is extended.
so you extend to the end of a stretch, and then you move, an inch forward and backward, over 100 times. Your muscle down near the tendon is the first to be used. it gets exhausted so the part of the muscle closer to the centre takes over, and so on and so on until the entire muscle has been worked.
I used to do it when I was young. Heh.0 -
If you're losing weight your diet is fine. You don't get a fat *kitten* or fat gut from what you eat you get it from excess body fat which is caused by excess calories. If your body has excess protein it gets stored as... fat. if it has excess carbs it gets stored as... fat. If it has excess fat it gets stored as... fat.
Generally people lose FILO - First In Last Out... eg: where you gain first is where you lose last.... gut and butt for women, and gut for men... it's actually a biological function, from when that kinda thing mattered... protects your core organs, helps keep you warm, etc.
Looking "thin" is also a function of muscle tone, so make sure you aren't neglecting those areas when you exercise.0 -
I am the same as the other poster here ( Site wont let me quote - temporarily down for maintenance, grr )
I have big ribs regardless of my weight, and now my ribs, collar bone and hip bones are visable.
But my thighs are still roughly the same size as 20lbs ago! ( not in my head, I have a progress picture ) Last time I lost 2.5 stone, I worked my legs out obsessively on the stepper and at the gym, no noticeable change after 6 months. I think my hip condition has done something to the composition of my muscles or something along those lines as I can look too skinny on the top and overweight on the bottom.
This time I just intend to stick to my deficit and even if it takes a YEAR for those final few lbs to drop off my legs I will be happy.0 -
I would recommend a weight training schedule if you dont already. All over dont just spot train. Focus on muscle strength. Everything should fall into place. Make sure your eating enough protein and calories to sustain any muscle growth.0
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Being lean you need more calories because you have less body fat reserves to provide energy. So try upping your calories by another 300 to hit 1500 calories to start. Second it takes time. The more lean the longer it takes. Third weight train more and less cardio. At this point look for more composition changes rather than weight. Resistance training will provide those results. And last calories are more important than eating clean or carbs by a specific time. So get dirty and eat up. In fact there are no weight loss benefits of eating clean or eating carbs in the morning. In fact I end each night with an ice cream bar.
On a side not I generally recommend macros to be around 40% carbs and 30% fats and protein. For the most part this will allow you to hit 1 g of protein and .35g of fats which is recommended.
i'm just wondering.. how will weight training (i.e. dumbell presses, bicep curls..etc) help me to lose weight off my stomach and thighs?
It will change the shape and fat ratio. Remember, it took some time to get where you are. Toning muscles helps by raising your BMI, reducing your fat percentage, and changing your overall shape. Lunges help your legs. Also are you doing the same kinds of HIIT exercises? Changing those up would help as well. If you want a more athletic body you'll have to do more athletic moves. As far as diet you might check out zig-zag on MFP site subjects. Lots of folks have broken through plateaus with the zig-zag approach.0 -
More muscle means more fat gets burned and the fat burn lasts longer than it does if you just do cardio
this...more weights ( more than 8 pounds) , you don't get bulky, you lose inches and burn more calories0 -
One other thing that helped me after the birth of my son--yeah, I had "the tire"--I got an old Nordic Track ski machine and used that for about 30-60 min 5 times a week for a few months. It really helped tone my waist area and shape my thighs in just the right areas. I found it helped more than running or any other cross-training did. My husband also has thin legs and arms, but a larger mid-section, and the Nordic Track helped slim his mid-section down too. (Granted, neither one of us had ripped abs, but the tone was definitely better!) I'm pregnant again (due in a month) and will do that again as soon as I'm able. I will run again too. For me, logging on MFP, running 20-40 min a few days a week, plus doing the Nordic Track 5 times a week worked. Keep it up--you're doing great!!!0
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I must live in either a different universe or the weight loss gods must like me. I have no loss in cup size after almost 40 pounds. And I've lost slightly more on my bottom half than top half... but it's been fairly uniform throughout my entire body.There is a law of the universe that demands that the first weight you lose will be off your tits.
The next lot will be off your face. Then it drains slowly downwards. It's quite insufferable. Your top half will shrink... and then slowly your bottom half will shrink with this terrible lag.
good luck.
AHAHAHAH OMG this is hilarious and also sadly true :')0 -
Check out LorinaLynn on MFP--she has great before/after pics--some with her at a lower weight, then at a higher weight with strength training, where her muscle tone is improved. Huge difference!0
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One other thing that helped me after the birth of my son--yeah, I had "the tire"--I got an old Nordic Track ski machine and used that for about 30-60 min 5 times a week for a few months. It really helped tone my waist area and shape my thighs in just the right areas. I found it helped more than running or any other cross-training did. My husband also has thin legs and arms, but a larger mid-section, and the Nordic Track helped slim his mid-section down too. (Granted, neither one of us had ripped abs, but the tone was definitely better!) I'm pregnant again (due in a month) and will do that again as soon as I'm able. I will run again too. For me, logging on MFP, running 20-40 min a few days a week, plus doing the Nordic Track 5 times a week worked. Keep it up--you're doing great!!!
interesting.. i honestly don't think i can buy a new machine rn but if i ever go to the gym ill check it out!0 -
I would recommend a weight training schedule if you dont already. All over dont just spot train. Focus on muscle strength. Everything should fall into place. Make sure your eating enough protein and calories to sustain any muscle growth.
what kind of weight training schedule do you suggest? and how heavy should the weights be? 20 lbs? 25?0 -
I'm pear shaped and also lost top to bottom. I had to lose around 15lbs more than my original goal weight, to lose my hips/butt flab (started in the 170s, goal was 135 and I'm now maintaining 120-123).
I'd get to your goal weight and then reassess. You can always make a new one!
congrats on finally reaching a weight you're comfortable maintaining at! i was just wondering HOW did you get those last 15 lbs off. for me it seems like THE HARDEST thing to do.
It actually wasn't intentional-when I reached goal at 135lbs I was really burned out from the whole weight loss/dieting thing. I was ok with my body and I had gone from a size 14 jean to a size 6, even with the extra oomph I still had in my bottom half. I called goal and transitioned into maintenance, which I discovered was way more challenging than trying to lose weight :grumble:
I was totally clueless on how to maintain, and there's very few resources out there for how to make the transition and keep the weight off (there's a 95% FAILURE rate with long term weight loss). It was a really stressful time for me-I wanted to keep the weight off so badly, but I didn't know how. Through all of that I really became interested in how food/nutrition plays a role in good/bad health and longevity of life. I gradually started changing my diet to a whole foods, plant based one and I also started eating intuitively (the book Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch is a great resource for this). I also started walking-started at 1/2 mile a day and worked my way up to my current regiment of walking 10-12 miles briskly and running 3-4 miles a week. Throughout all of this the extra weight just started falling off, which was really surprising because I no longer tracked anything. Finally, about a month ago my weight stabilized in a three pound window, at 120-123lbs. I now wear a size 2 jean and no longer have the extra oomph 0 -
Stunted growth from malnutrition, can't be rectified, unfortunately.0
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If you want to begin lifting I highly recommend New Rules of Lifting for Women. There are also other respected programs and books. Just do a weight training search in the forums.0
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I'm pear shaped and also lost top to bottom. I had to lose around 15lbs more than my original goal weight, to lose my hips/butt flab (started in the 170s, goal was 135 and I'm now maintaining 120-123).
I'd get to your goal weight and then reassess. You can always make a new one!
congrats on finally reaching a weight you're comfortable maintaining at! i was just wondering HOW did you get those last 15 lbs off. for me it seems like THE HARDEST thing to do.
It actually wasn't intentional-when I reached goal at 135lbs I was really burned out from the whole weight loss/dieting thing. I was ok with my body and I had gone from a size 14 jean to a size 6, even with the extra oomph I still had in my bottom half. I called goal and transitioned into maintenance, which I discovered was way more challenging than trying to lose weight :grumble:
I was totally clueless on how to maintain, and there's very few resources out there for how to make the transition and keep the weight off (there's a 95% FAILURE rate with long term weight loss). It was a really stressful time for me-I wanted to keep the weight off so badly, but I didn't know how. Through all of that I really became interested in how food/nutrition plays a role in good/bad health and longevity of life. I gradually started changing my diet to a whole foods, plant based one and I also started eating intuitively (the book Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch is a great resource for this). I also started walking-started at 1/2 mile a day and worked my way up to my current regiment of walking 10-12 miles briskly and running 3-4 miles a week. Throughout all of this the extra weight just started falling off, which was really surprising because I no longer tracked anything. Finally, about a month ago my weight stabilized in a three pound window, at 120-123lbs. I now wear a size 2 jean and no longer have the extra oomph
wow that's amazing tho! congratulations!!! 120 lbs is my goal weight, hopefully i'll get there soon0 -
i'm gonna ask you guys for a diff piece of advice.
so this is a picture of my body. as you all can see, my calves aren't fat; they're actually muscular and toned and they're probably my favorite part about my legs. my thighs, though, are DISPROPORTIONATELY large and they stick out from the front. any tips for toning my thighs and getting rid of that fat in the front? (and yes, it is fat. not muscle) what kind of exercises should i be doing?
http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o531/akvanilla/535957_101696580013996_781456749_n.jpg
<a href="http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/akvanilla/media/535957_101696580013996_781456749_n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o531/akvanilla/535957_101696580013996_781456749_n.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 535957_101696580013996_781456749_n.jpg"/></a>
i'm not sure if this is how uploading pictures works...0 -
i'm gonna ask you guys for a diff piece of advice.
so this is a picture of my body. as you all can see, my calves aren't fat; they're actually muscular and toned and they're probably my favorite part about my legs. my thighs, though, are DISPROPORTIONATELY large and they stick out from the front. any tips for toning my thighs and getting rid of that fat in the front? (and yes, it is fat. not muscle) what kind of exercises should i be doing?
http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o531/akvanilla/535957_101696580013996_781456749_n.jpg
<a href="http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/akvanilla/media/535957_101696580013996_781456749_n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o531/akvanilla/535957_101696580013996_781456749_n.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 535957_101696580013996_781456749_n.jpg"/></a>
i'm not sure if this is how uploading pictures works...
It hates you but I followed the link. Your thighs are definitely podgy but only in comparison to the rest of you. I wonder if you just need to lose those last few pounds.
Otherwise try wearing skirts. They're incredibly flattering if you have a slim waist. Honestly: i know you feel like thunderthighs but they're not thunderous by any stretch of the imagination. You're still a nice slim girl. 0 -
It hates you but I followed the link. Your thighs are definitely podgy but only in comparison to the rest of you. I wonder if you just need to lose those last few pounds.
Otherwise try wearing skirts. They're incredibly flattering if you have a slim waist. Honestly: i know you feel like thunderthighs but they're not thunderous by any stretch of the imagination. You're still a nice slim girl.
honestly i hope that it's just that i need to lose the last few pounds! i totally feel like i have thunder thighs. i'd be okay if they were muscular but they're not, they're fat
thank you though 0 -
I still have the same size stomach that I did when I was over 70lbs heavier. It's never going to leave me. I guess it's one of those things with some folks.0
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