At my wits end
kashmiridibber
Posts: 17 Member
Hi!
I started my real weight loss journey about two and a half years ago. I say real because before that I was rather wishy washy about sticking to something long term or doing anything really healthy on a daily basis. I'd manage to pack on some serious pounds thanks to stress and school, and I only got the wake up call when I realized I could no longer fit into anything in my closet. Fast forward to today, I'm still trudging along, but am frustrated. I know I've made a lot of headway, but I just feel as though I should have more to show. I started this journey with some friends, and they all reached their goals within six months of starting, even though I ate cleaner and trained dirtier. I regularly change up my exercise routine, add on heavier weights, push myself, and eat a high protein moderate fat and low carb diet. My mom is a dietitian, so I know I'm eating well, and I make sure to engage in HIIT and strength training at least twice a week. So why, for the love of God why, do I still have this unsightly pudge?!? I HATE being an apple. All of my friends are pears or rectangles. No one gives much notice to a little extra junk in the trunk, but you have a flabby midsection, and everyone is out to poke it. And it's still a rather unhealthy amount of fat layered over my lower belly. My upper abs look decent, toned even. But go past my belly button and hello jello! At my waist proper, I am 30 inches, but the lower pouch rings in at a cringeworthy 35! There is no more fat on my body. It's all there. My ribs are starting to show, my shoulder blades stick out, my collar bones are basically cereal bowls, but I still look out of shape thanks to my tum. My labs are fine, and it's not genetics. You should meet my family. They eat as they want and still look good. I think I was adopted.
Wow. What a rant. I'm sorry. I'm just going insane. I want to wear a nice dress, or a cute top, but I cannot find anything to fit. I hate shopping. If I had my way, I'd move to some mountainous region and just be bundled in sweaters all day to avoid having to wear anything form fitting. Has anyone else had this issue? I need advice, a boost, anything! I'm sick of these tires
I started my real weight loss journey about two and a half years ago. I say real because before that I was rather wishy washy about sticking to something long term or doing anything really healthy on a daily basis. I'd manage to pack on some serious pounds thanks to stress and school, and I only got the wake up call when I realized I could no longer fit into anything in my closet. Fast forward to today, I'm still trudging along, but am frustrated. I know I've made a lot of headway, but I just feel as though I should have more to show. I started this journey with some friends, and they all reached their goals within six months of starting, even though I ate cleaner and trained dirtier. I regularly change up my exercise routine, add on heavier weights, push myself, and eat a high protein moderate fat and low carb diet. My mom is a dietitian, so I know I'm eating well, and I make sure to engage in HIIT and strength training at least twice a week. So why, for the love of God why, do I still have this unsightly pudge?!? I HATE being an apple. All of my friends are pears or rectangles. No one gives much notice to a little extra junk in the trunk, but you have a flabby midsection, and everyone is out to poke it. And it's still a rather unhealthy amount of fat layered over my lower belly. My upper abs look decent, toned even. But go past my belly button and hello jello! At my waist proper, I am 30 inches, but the lower pouch rings in at a cringeworthy 35! There is no more fat on my body. It's all there. My ribs are starting to show, my shoulder blades stick out, my collar bones are basically cereal bowls, but I still look out of shape thanks to my tum. My labs are fine, and it's not genetics. You should meet my family. They eat as they want and still look good. I think I was adopted.
Wow. What a rant. I'm sorry. I'm just going insane. I want to wear a nice dress, or a cute top, but I cannot find anything to fit. I hate shopping. If I had my way, I'd move to some mountainous region and just be bundled in sweaters all day to avoid having to wear anything form fitting. Has anyone else had this issue? I need advice, a boost, anything! I'm sick of these tires
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Replies
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Kash, do you weigh your food and track your calories? You can work out all you want, and eat 'clean' but it won't matter if you're not in a deficit. https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10257474/starting-out-restarting-basics-inside#latest0
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I weighed 97 pounds at one point for about a year (yes, I know I have an unhealthy relationship with food/eating - way up or way down) and couldn't even sit on the floor because it hurt too much - no padding - and yet my tummy still stuck out. No weight loss or exercise made a difference. I'm afraid that's just how I was made. I wish better for you, but there is an extent to which you have to accept that your body is designed a certain way and it's possible that it won't get much better in that area (since you say your skeleton shows elsewhere).0
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Lower belly is very difficult to remove. You will need some overall muscle mass for that section to go away which means eating at a deficit with weight training preferably heavy. It will take time you cannot rush this process.
I know it is frustrating but I promise you if stick with it for 6-8 months you will see great process. You will have to be disciplined and motivated but you will get great results.0 -
blankiefinder wrote: »Kash, do you weigh your food and track your calories? You can work out all you want, and eat 'clean' but it won't matter if you're not in a deficit. https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10257474/starting-out-restarting-basics-inside#latest
I am strict with my calories! I track every little thing, and ensure I am always at a deficit.
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Lower belly is very difficult to remove. You will need some overall muscle mass for that section to go away which means eating at a deficit with weight training preferably heavy. It will take time you cannot rush this process.
I know it is frustrating but I promise you if stick with it for 6-8 months you will see great process. You will have to be disciplined and motivated but you will get great results.
I've been at it much longer than that...but I guess there is more to show for now, i really have to buckle down.0 -
mylittlerainbow wrote: »I weighed 97 pounds at one point for about a year (yes, I know I have an unhealthy relationship with food/eating - way up or way down) and couldn't even sit on the floor because it hurt too much - no padding - and yet my tummy still stuck out. No weight loss or exercise made a difference. I'm afraid that's just how I was made. I wish better for you, but there is an extent to which you have to accept that your body is designed a certain way and it's possible that it won't get much better in that area (since you say your skeleton shows elsewhere).
That's what I'm afraid of
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Have you seen a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues?0
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tashspring68 wrote: »Have you seen a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues?
Yes, all my labs are perfectly normal.0 -
You said you track every little thing, but are you weighing all solids on a food scale and measuring all liquids? What are your stats? Will you share height, weight and age--it will make it easier for people to help you!
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I lost the last 10-12 lbs from my lower midsection alone, practically. I really did lose very little from my spots that already had lost a great deal of weight, whereas I lost inches from my waist and especially my belly pooch. Some of my bones do show, but they are also just big (I'm wide-framed)!
Of course, everybody is different, but it might not be proportionate loss is what I'm saying I thought my legs might get too skinny by the end, too, but then I lost the last lbs from where I wanted to for the most part.
I did add a bit more muscle on my hips afterwards to get the hip measurement I wanted, but that's what's so good about glute muscles
They make nice butts and can be spot-grown! 0 -
You said you track every little thing, but are you weighing all solids on a food scale and measuring all liquids? What are your stats? Will you share height, weight and age--it will make it easier for people to help you!
I'm 5'10", 150 lbs, 24 years old. I don't weigh food, most of what I eat is pre measured.0 -
cafeaulait7 wrote: »I lost the last 10-12 lbs from my lower midsection alone, practically. I really did lose very little from my spots that already had lost a great deal of weight, whereas I lost inches from my waist and especially my belly pooch. Some of my bones do show, but they are also just big (I'm wide-framed)!
Of course, everybody is different, but it might not be proportionate loss is what I'm saying I thought my legs might get too skinny by the end, too, but then I lost the last lbs from where I wanted to for the most part.
I did add a bit more muscle on my hips afterwards to get the hip measurement I wanted, but that's what's so good about glute muscles They make nice butts and can be spot-grown!
Yeah I could afford to drop another ten pounds, so I guess that all is sitting on my stomach!0 -
The important thing is NOT to weigh yourself, because it can be discouraging. Keep working out and workout with a group of people so it's kind of a competition. Just stay positive in the fact that you are doing something0
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cafeaulait7 wrote: »I lost the last 10-12 lbs from my lower midsection alone, practically. I really did lose very little from my spots that already had lost a great deal of weight, whereas I lost inches from my waist and especially my belly pooch. Some of my bones do show, but they are also just big (I'm wide-framed)!
Of course, everybody is different, but it might not be proportionate loss is what I'm saying I thought my legs might get too skinny by the end, too, but then I lost the last lbs from where I wanted to for the most part.
I did add a bit more muscle on my hips afterwards to get the hip measurement I wanted, but that's what's so good about glute muscles They make nice butts and can be spot-grown!
Makes me feel so much better. Maybe there is hope for us yet
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The important thing is NOT to weigh yourself, because it can be discouraging. Keep working out and workout with a group of people so it's kind of a competition. Just stay positive in the fact that you are doing something
Yeah I only look at the scale the first of every month. Rest of the time I may take out measuring tape, but I try and stay away from it too unless I really feel like there is a difference. The group thing didn't really work out for me0 -
Most important thing to remember, you are your worst critic, I have had the worst self-esteem yet all my friends say they wish they had my body, look at the good things about you0
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Most important thing to remember, you are your worst critic, I have had the worst self-esteem yet all my friends say they wish they had my body, look at the good things about you
Yeah I try and stay positive, but it's hard when your friends can all dress and shop as they like and you're stuck hiding in a sweatshirt and jeans
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kashmiridibber wrote: »You said you track every little thing, but are you weighing all solids on a food scale and measuring all liquids? What are your stats? Will you share height, weight and age--it will make it easier for people to help you!
I'm 5'10", 150 lbs, 24 years old. I don't weigh food, most of what I eat is pre measured.
Start weighing it.0 -
Liftng4Lis wrote: »kashmiridibber wrote: »You said you track every little thing, but are you weighing all solids on a food scale and measuring all liquids? What are your stats? Will you share height, weight and age--it will make it easier for people to help you!
I'm 5'10", 150 lbs, 24 years old. I don't weigh food, most of what I eat is pre measured.
Start weighing it.
I measure out in measuring cups, weighing wouldn't help in most of what I eat.0 -
How frustrating! Could it be postural? I'm a massage therapist and I see this kind of thing a lot. Check out these articles:
http://woldfitness.com/2011/07/one-exercise-to-end-lower-belly-pooch/
http://www.hab-it.com/getting-rid-of-the-belly-pooch/0 -
I feel that every pound of my extra weight is in my mid-section too. I'm short and short waisted so it is more obvious too. I have no advice for you except to say that it is very likely that no one notices your squishy parts except you. Just be kind to yourself!0
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kashmiridibber wrote: »Liftng4Lis wrote: »kashmiridibber wrote: »You said you track every little thing, but are you weighing all solids on a food scale and measuring all liquids? What are your stats? Will you share height, weight and age--it will make it easier for people to help you!
I'm 5'10", 150 lbs, 24 years old. I don't weigh food, most of what I eat is pre measured.
Start weighing it.
I measure out in measuring cups, weighing wouldn't help in most of what I eat.
You might be surprised. Especially with pre-measured foods.0 -
My posture probably does play a role since I'd always slouch in school due to my height. I've actually been trying to correct that for the past year with the help of a corset, but I will look into these articles as well. Thank you!How frustrating! Could it be postural? I'm a massage therapist and I see this kind of thing a lot. Check out these articles:
http://woldfitness.com/2011/07/one-exercise-to-end-lower-belly-pooch/
http://www.hab-it.com/getting-rid-of-the-belly-pooch/
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kashmiridibber wrote: »Most important thing to remember, you are your worst critic, I have had the worst self-esteem yet all my friends say they wish they had my body, look at the good things about you
Yeah I try and stay positive, but it's hard when your friends can all dress and shop as they like and you're stuck hiding in a sweatshirt and jeans
Don't hide! You might feel more self-conscious at first, but if you want to wear more form-fitting clothing, just wear it! It sounds to me like you've got a great body, and if you let that show and let the compliments roll in (because I guarantee just wearing stylish clothes that you like will get the compliments rolling in), you'll feel more confident. And hopefully you'll reduce the stress you have over this issue...I think I've read that, especially for women, cortisol plays a role in storing fat particularly in the lower belly. So the lower your stress levels the better all around!
But aside from trying to feel good about your body as it is, I have some pragmatic advice too. You say you're apple-shaped, so I would try eating in a slight caloric surplus (focusing on quality protein, maybe adding some fat), and doing quad/glute exercises to build up the muscles in your legs and butt. Then, regardless of whether you actually lose fat off your lower stomach, it will look smaller. I'd even say your measurements are those of an hourglass-type figure.
Hey if you're ever looking for some body-positive inspiration, you should look up some photos of Marilyn Monroe. She's got the lower stomach pouch thing going on, and she's still thought of as one of the most beautiful women of the last century. We really are our own worst critics.0 -
FarewellBlues wrote: »kashmiridibber wrote: »Most important thing to remember, you are your worst critic, I have had the worst self-esteem yet all my friends say they wish they had my body, look at the good things about you
Yeah I try and stay positive, but it's hard when your friends can all dress and shop as they like and you're stuck hiding in a sweatshirt and jeans
Don't hide! You might feel more self-conscious at first, but if you want to wear more form-fitting clothing, just wear it! It sounds to me like you've got a great body, and if you let that show and let the compliments roll in (because I guarantee just wearing stylish clothes that you like will get the compliments rolling in), you'll feel more confident. And hopefully you'll reduce the stress you have over this issue...I think I've read that, especially for women, cortisol plays a role in storing fat particularly in the lower belly. So the lower your stress levels the better all around!
But aside from trying to feel good about your body as it is, I have some pragmatic advice too. You say you're apple-shaped, so I would try eating in a slight caloric surplus (focusing on quality protein, maybe adding some fat), and doing quad/glute exercises to build up the muscles in your legs and butt. Then, regardless of whether you actually lose fat off your lower stomach, it will look smaller. I'd even say your measurements are those of an hourglass-type figure.
Hey if you're ever looking for some body-positive inspiration, you should look up some photos of Marilyn Monroe. She's got the lower stomach pouch thing going on, and she's still thought of as one of the most beautiful women of the last century. We really are our own worst critics.
I have a hard time finding clothes that fit, but I appreciate your kind words Yes, I've been adding in more lower body exercises for that purpose. I intend on seeing some decent results by the end of the year, haha. I lead a very stressful life, and I try to counter that in my exercising by doing yoga and kickboxing. I just wish that this one thing would fix itself, it honestly would make me that much happier. It's something that I have been fighting for a long long time. 0 -
If you have fat on your belly, you need to continue to lose weight. In order to do that, you need to use a food scale. Believe me or don't, but that's what you need to do. Food scales are easier and faster than measuring, and less dishes to wash.0
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kashmiridibber wrote: »Liftng4Lis wrote: »kashmiridibber wrote: »You said you track every little thing, but are you weighing all solids on a food scale and measuring all liquids? What are your stats? Will you share height, weight and age--it will make it easier for people to help you!
I'm 5'10", 150 lbs, 24 years old. I don't weigh food, most of what I eat is pre measured.
Start weighing it.
I measure out in measuring cups, weighing wouldn't help in most of what I eat.
You might be surprised. Especially with pre-measured foods.
+1. Just because a package says there are 4 servings inside doesn't mean there is. Hopefully someone will come along and post the video about how much different using measuring cups and weighing can be.
OP, since what you are doing isn't working, try using a food scale. I was shocked by how many calories I was unknowingly eating by trusting package labels. You don't have to do it forever, but even doing it for a month or two will likely help you out. Good luck!0 -
kashmiridibber wrote: »You said you track every little thing, but are you weighing all solids on a food scale and measuring all liquids? What are your stats? Will you share height, weight and age--it will make it easier for people to help you!
I'm 5'10", 150 lbs, 24 years old. I don't weigh food, most of what I eat is pre measured.
I just loved your OP! You have a nice way with words, and your rant was very well-written!
You should watch this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjWPclrWVY 0 -
kashmiridibber wrote: »Liftng4Lis wrote: »kashmiridibber wrote: »You said you track every little thing, but are you weighing all solids on a food scale and measuring all liquids? What are your stats? Will you share height, weight and age--it will make it easier for people to help you!
I'm 5'10", 150 lbs, 24 years old. I don't weigh food, most of what I eat is pre measured.
Start weighing it.
I measure out in measuring cups, weighing wouldn't help in most of what I eat.
You might be surprised. Especially with pre-measured foods.
In both U.S. and Canada, is there an acceptable upper limit variance for the declared net weight? For example, if your declared net weight is 100 grams, can your package contain 130 grams and still be compliant? (December 2014)
In both countries, the allowable variance (both plus and minus) for the net quantity of contents statement depends on the declared weight or volume. For a package with a declared net weight of 100g, the allowable variance is +/- 7.2g for U.S. and +/- 4.5g for Canada.
In the U.S., allowable net weight tolerances are established in NIST Handbook 133, Appendix A, Table 2-5. See a previous Reader Q&A for more details on U.S. tolerances for net weight statements.
In Canada, allowable net weight tolerances are detailed in Section 38 of the Consumer Packaging & Labelling Regulations, Schedule I, Part III.
While it is generally a more serious offense to underfill a package than to overfill it, a 30g overfill for a 100g package is far outside the tolerance levels that have been established.
From http://www.foodlabels.com/q&a.htm#2014_dec
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I just used a Tablespoon for peanut butter... I guessed the amount at roughly 10g, but when I weighed it using a food scale, it was 30g!!
OP as everyone else has suggested, get a food scale 0
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