Why won't my stomach EVER slim down?

take measurements and progress pics. i feel the same way, but my stomach is actually shrinking - not nearly as fast as i want it to, of course, but it's happening! stay the course - you'll get there!

What sarah said, weights

I feel the same way, I seem to lose weight in my face, chest, arms, waist, but never in my hips. I have been taking measurements and the hip numbers have changed but ever so slightly. I think it will be the last thing to go, your body needs to adjust to the weight loss. Good Luck keep at it!

I have the same problem, but I think it is due to being post menopausal. That darn roll is welded in place. LOL

Exercising is great - keep up the good work. To see maximum results for the stomach, try eating vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower, which will help your digestive system in a big way. You may have food in your large intestine that is just sitting there that needs to be excreted. I had the same issue you note, and read an article about effective foods to eat to reduce belly fat and doing this has definitely aided my tummy loss. Drink plenty of water as well.

I agree with Sarah, weight lifting will help you burn fat all over and add definition to your arms and legs so you'll feel more proportionate. Try eating more lean protein and cutting back on processed foods and sodium, which make you bloated. Also, the best core exercise for tightening your middle is planking. (crunches don't really work)

Hope that helps!

Kerri

Cut down on your carbs and add strength training like was mentioned. I find that when my hubby and I eat too many carbs, we bloat back up and lose our abs. Make sure you are drinking enough water and tracking your sodium too.

totally agree !! I cut out all processed carbs and added sugar and limited my dairy - upped my fiber and veggies and my "pooch" is starting to shrink. that and I do strength train 3x wk.

good luck.

I'm having the same problem but I agree with her about taking before and after pics and I also measure too. I am losing I just don't feel or look to myself like I am. Maybe it's the same thing with you? Keep doing what you're doing tho and I'm sure you'll see results soon! Good Luck

I've been reading about an OLD video and have ordered it. It uses a type of exercise called Callanetics named after Callan Pinckney. It's supposed to do wonders for the midsection. As I am an apple and have never in my life had a flat tummy I am willing to try this and Core Fusion and Tracy Anderson - all in the name of a trim tummy.

I'm the same ... my tummy is always a bit tubby! My miracle cure is pilates :-) Buy yourself a home dvd and in a month or so you'll notice a difference. Do take photos though - it's hard seeing progress in the mirror!xx

bump for later, too

I posted this before - TOning up the entire body will affect abs and you can get rid of excess fat:
Cardio, in particular kickboxing, boxing, some ab work outs and a strict diet within your suggested range (I do high protein & complex carbs). Be conscious throughout the day to contract your abs, say sitting at the office desk. It works!

P.S. Complex carbs - e.g. German Vollkornbrot/Mueslibread (Wholefoods) - helped my skin elasticity, so I got my 6-pack back 2 months after I gave birth to my daughter and C-section!!

P.S. 2 If there is lose skin it may be extremely hard to get a visual six pack (ask a doc). I have a friend who got a tummy tuck (also aerobic instructor) after the birth of her kids and she still doesn't have a 6 pack (bummer, wasted all that money and had to recover forever).

I feel your pain! I've had a fat roll below the belly button since I was about 6 years old, was actually underweight for my height, and had such a lean torso that you could see the outline of my ribs. As I got older and was at a normal weight and then overweight, the belly fat roll got worse and worse. Like you, I've always wondered how all of these women with big hips, arms, legs, and face, can have a slightly soft looking but basically FLAT belly. I had emergency abdominal surgery when I was an infant and they made a big incision and cut through lots of muscle. I've sometimes wondered if that's why I have such stubborn belly fat. I'm about 6 pounds from my goal weight and have an almost gaunt looking face, skinny legs, lean hips and arms, and a lower belly that looks like I just gave birth to a 9 lb. baby yesterday (I have no children, BTW). Once I reach my goal weight, I'm going to get it lipo'd off and be done with it!

you've had a lot of excellent suggestions & i wish i could add something valuable for you, but i struggle in this area too. i know if i could lose my belly, i'd be 20 lbs lighter lol. damn thing.

i did read somewhere that it takes approximately 12 weeks to see visible results, so even if it isn't working right off the bat, stick with it! your hard work WILL pay off.

also.. i've heard planks help a looottt, more so than the average crunches. i haven't tried them yet but i am hoping to soon.

best of luck!