Eating well & working out, stomach gets bigger

hugamime
hugamime Posts: 11
in Health and Weight Loss
I am 5'8", 120 lbs, an have a small frame. I have no interest in losing weight, my only concern is that my stomach consistently looks like I am 5 months pregnant. I have little fat on the rest of my body, however I have D sized breasts and my stomach sticks out farther than they do!

I eat clean, non-processed foods (usually oatmeal and fruit in the morning, lean meat and vegetables for lunch and dinner, and snacks of nuts, fruit or veggies throughout the day when I get hungry). I am usually around 1600 - 1800 calories a day. My work outs are not super intense since I am not aiming to lose weight. Usually 15-20 minutes of running and some basic weights (squats, dead lifts, etc.)

No matter what changes I make, I can not seem to pinpoint the problem of always seeming bloated. I've upped my water intake (was originally around 6 glasses a day) and I've tried cutting out gluten. I'm not sure what the problem is. Please help!

Replies

  • mschicagocubs
    mschicagocubs Posts: 774 Member
    Well...you cant predict where fat will fall off...so I would suggest to keep at it, eventually it will have to burn the fat in your stomach.
  • jardimgirl
    jardimgirl Posts: 522 Member
    In for answers. I'm in the same situation
  • henriettevanittersum
    henriettevanittersum Posts: 179 Member
    Lots of posts about this:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1218534-feel-bloated-after-eating-just-about-anything?hl=bloating#posts-19071145
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,321 Member
    I would suggest a heavy weigh program like Stronglifts 5x5 while eating around or a very small amount below maintenance since you have no desire to lose weight. It should help with body recomposition. Eating higher protein would also be a good idea.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    make use of your abdominal muscles. I'm pretty fit and trim...but if I let my abdominal muscle fully relax, I can easily look like a 40 year old pregnant woman.

    also bloat is a *****...
  • DrMAvDPhD
    DrMAvDPhD Posts: 2,097 Member
    You are underweight. If you have a lot of fat, then you need to focus on building muscle. There is also a chance that you are undernourished, which can lead to bloating.
  • this1bigdog
    this1bigdog Posts: 350 Member
    I've heard that certain people can develop allergies to wheat(gluten) after age of 20, and develop digestion problems . .maybe try going gluten free for 2-3 weeks and see what happens . .
  • hugamime
    hugamime Posts: 11
    You are underweight. If you have a lot of fat, then you need to focus on building muscle. There is also a chance that you are undernourished, which can lead to bloating.

    Any advice on how to eat more or what to eat? I feel like I eat fairly regularly throughout the day. I make a large amount of roasted veggies in the morning to snack on throughout the day and bring fruit and nuts in my purse when I go out. I'd say I'm eating something every two to three hours most days.
  • hugamime
    hugamime Posts: 11
    I've heard that certain people can develop allergies to wheat(gluten) after age of 20, and develop digestion problems . .maybe try going gluten free for 2-3 weeks and see what happens . .

    That's originally what I had thought, but I went gluten free for a month and saw no changes.
  • hugamime
    hugamime Posts: 11
    I would suggest a heavy weigh program like Stronglifts 5x5 while eating around or a very small amount below maintenance since you have no desire to lose weight. It should help with body recomposition. Eating higher protein would also be a good idea.

    Thanks for the tips. I'll try to incorporate more protein throughout the day and check out that Stronglifts
  • Kelly_Runs_NC
    Kelly_Runs_NC Posts: 474 Member
    You are underweight. If you have a lot of fat, then you need to focus on building muscle. There is also a chance that you are undernourished, which can lead to bloating.

    ^this
  • DrMAvDPhD
    DrMAvDPhD Posts: 2,097 Member

    Any advice on how to eat more or what to eat? I feel like I eat fairly regularly throughout the day. I make a large amount of roasted veggies in the morning to snack on throughout the day and bring fruit and nuts in my purse when I go out. I'd say I'm eating something every two to three hours most days.

    Eating vegetables and nuts every few hours?? That is not a well rounded or healthy diet. Incorporate some protein in your diet. You haven't specified that you are vegan, so that's as simple as adding meat (chicken, shrimp, fish are options). You can also add full fat dairy for a higher calorie-to-volume ratio if you are feeling too full. If all else fails, drink your calories. A glass of juice or full fat milk (add a scoop of protein powder to the milk).

    To get rid of the fat belly look, I suggest doing all of the above and adding full body heavy weight training 3 days per week (check out the book New Rules of Lifting for Women or online programs like Stronglifts). Your goal should be to GAIN 0.5-1 pounds per week if you are doing a good lifting program.
  • Rocbola
    Rocbola Posts: 1,998 Member
    Looks like you are doing pretty well. Nuts are high in fat, and so is meat. You could try and swap those out for something with a lesser calorie density. Also, how much green leafy veg are you getting? Try having a BIG salad every night.

    Do you exercise? Good exercises for body fat include weight training, jogging, walking and cycling.
  • hugamime
    hugamime Posts: 11

    Any advice on how to eat more or what to eat? I feel like I eat fairly regularly throughout the day. I make a large amount of roasted veggies in the morning to snack on throughout the day and bring fruit and nuts in my purse when I go out. I'd say I'm eating something every two to three hours most days.

    Eating vegetables and nuts every few hours?? That is not a well rounded or healthy diet. Incorporate some protein in your diet. You haven't specified that you are vegan, so that's as simple as adding meat (chicken, shrimp, fish are options). You can also add full fat dairy for a higher calorie-to-volume ratio if you are feeling too full. If all else fails, drink your calories. A glass of juice or full fat milk (add a scoop of protein powder to the milk).

    To get rid of the fat belly look, I suggest doing all of the above and adding full body heavy weight training 3 days per week (check out the book New Rules of Lifting for Women or online programs like Stronglifts). Your goal should be to GAIN 0.5-1 pounds per week if you are doing a good lifting program.

    Sorry, maybe I wasn't clear. My original post mentioned my meals (lean meat and vegetables) and this reply just mentioned what my snacks throughout the day are.
  • hugamime
    hugamime Posts: 11
    Looks like you are doing pretty well. Nuts are high in fat, and so is meat. You could try and swap those out for something with a lesser calorie density. Also, how much green leafy veg are you getting? Try having a BIG salad every night.

    Do you exercise? Good exercises for body fat include weight training, jogging, walking and cycling.

    I LOVE veggies, so that's what the majority of my diet consists of. Salads, brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, bell peppers, carrots, and the occasional sweet potato.

    I do exercise regularly, but really just for maintenance. Running a mile or two and doing weight training 4-5 days a week.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1161603-so-you-want-a-nice-stomach

    <---After having two very large babies while I was obese.
  • Rocbola
    Rocbola Posts: 1,998 Member
    Looks like you are doing pretty well. Nuts are high in fat, and so is meat. You could try and swap those out for something with a lesser calorie density. Also, how much green leafy veg are you getting? Try having a BIG salad every night.

    Do you exercise? Good exercises for body fat include weight training, jogging, walking and cycling.

    I LOVE veggies, so that's what the majority of my diet consists of. Salads, brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, bell peppers, carrots, and the occasional sweet potato.

    I do exercise regularly, but really just for maintenance. Running a mile or two and doing weight training 4-5 days a week.
    Seems like you are doing really well. It might just be a matter of swapping out a higher density food for a lower density one. Do you consume vegetable oils? They are the most concentrated source of calories on the planet, and it's very easy to get too much.
  • hugamime
    hugamime Posts: 11
    Looks like you are doing pretty well. Nuts are high in fat, and so is meat. You could try and swap those out for something with a lesser calorie density. Also, how much green leafy veg are you getting? Try having a BIG salad every night.

    Do you exercise? Good exercises for body fat include weight training, jogging, walking and cycling.

    I LOVE veggies, so that's what the majority of my diet consists of. Salads, brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, bell peppers, carrots, and the occasional sweet potato.

    I do exercise regularly, but really just for maintenance. Running a mile or two and doing weight training 4-5 days a week.
    Seems like you are doing really well. It might just be a matter of swapping out a higher density food for a lower density one. Do you consume vegetable oils? They are the most concentrated source of calories on the planet, and it's very easy to get too much.

    I do use EVOO when roasting veggies. Maybe I'll try cutting back and see if it makes a change. Thanks!
  • MrsG31
    MrsG31 Posts: 364 Member
    In for responses and advice


    but also.....have you ever been 5 months pregnant? You only have your profile pic, and given your stats of 5'8", 120, and 26 yrs old, you seem like a very beautiful woman! (just sayin') I wonder if the way your stomach looks to you is really in your head.....you probably look great in a bikini and no one else probably thinks you look preggo.

    Me on the other hand? I've been pregnant to full term, twice. And have had people ask if I was when I wasn't. I know what a big gut looks like on an otherwise small body.

    You seem to have some great advice here, and already a good routine and outlook- keep on trucking and doin' your thang!
  • joshirie
    joshirie Posts: 2
    At the risk of repeating something someone else has already suggested, I will make this short.

    One area of the human body that is often overlooked is the gut. Having waste in your intestine can cause the problems that you describe. You eat plenty of foods that contain fiber but trust me when I say, doing so is often not enough. In my opinion, the only thing that you should change is your eating habit. The change should be limited to adding a fiber supplement such as Konsyl, Benefiber or Metamucil to your diet. These supplements should not cause extreme changes in your bowel movement e.g. diarrhea but can increase flatulence. Since you enjoy vegetables such a broccoli, you probably will not notice a significant change in this arena (flatulence) either.

    Good luck to you but remember, if all else fails, consult your medical doctor. javascript:add_smiley('smile','post_body')
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,321 Member
    I didn't say it earlier, but should have, use a measuring tape as well. It will give a better gauge of your progress with your stomach than anything else but pictures, maybe even better than pictures people can often not see the progress that is actually happening.
  • Snap355
    Snap355 Posts: 9
    Track your macros and try some strength program. Try to hit your macros as best as possible. It'll be easier for you since you're not in the losing weight category.
  • michellewelch2010
    michellewelch2010 Posts: 147 Member
    Do you look 5 months pregnant when you first wake up in the morning? I am no expert, but I have had issues with this when I was at my lowest weight due to digestion issues. I found adding a fiber supplement helped. I really liked Greens+ because it was also full of vitamins.
  • NewLIFEstyle4ME
    NewLIFEstyle4ME Posts: 4,440 Member
    Hmmmmm....your issue may be THE OATMEAL?!?

    You post made me think of a book a I read a couple of years ago and every time I think about eating salmon or oatmeal...I forgot about the greek yogurt--I didn't follow the program--because it was so RADICAL against everything I've ever heard of or been taught about what's good for us to lose weight and become healthier, but I did get on the scale the day after eating salmon, oatmeal or turkey and EVERY TIME, consistently the scaled moved up higher the next day and I felt "bloated" after eating these things for sometime afterwards. Thanks for this post--I'm going to re-read this book again.... It's VERY controversial:noway: and totally goes again the grain of just about EVERYTHING what we've been taught about weight loss and healthy foods that have been ingrained into society that these fabulous foods that everyone touts as super healthy and good for us, but where she says these healthy foods that are making us fat...it's called:

    The Plan: Eliminate the Surprising "Healthy" Foods That Are Making You Fat--and Lose Weight Fast by Lyn-Genet Recitas...here's some reviews:

    http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Eliminate-Surprising-Healthy-Fat--/dp/1455515485/ref=la_B00DX87NQ0_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394736066&sr=1-1

    Here's a description:
    In this revolutionary, New York Times bestselling book, cutting-edge nutrition expert Lyn-Genet Recitas reveals the surprising truth behind what actually makes people pack on the pounds. Carbs and portion sizes, it turns out, are not the problem. Foods that are revered by traditional weight loss programs, such as turkey, eggs, cauliflower, beans, and tomatoes, may be healthy in a vacuum, but when combined with each person's unique chemistry, they can cause a toxic reaction that triggers weight gain, premature aging, inflammation, and a host of health problems including constipation, migraines, joint pain, and depression.

    Oatmeal, salmon, Greek yogurt. Think these foods help you lose weight? Think again!
    Cutting-edge nutrition expert Lyn-Genet Recitas reveals the surprising truth behind what actually makes people fat. Cookies aren't the problem - the supposed "healthy" foods are. Foods like turkey, eggs, cauliflower, beans, and salmon and oatmeal may be healthy in a vacuum, but when combined with an individual's unique chemistry they can cause a toxic reaction that triggers weight gain, premature aging, and a host of health problems including constipation, migraines, joint pain, depression and eczema.

    I'm not saying this is "the gospel truth" or anything like that...but check it out--maybe it may help! You may not want to follow the plan as the book describes (I didn't), but maybe try eliminating these items for a day or so and see if you notice a difference maybe.

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