my stomach---losing the fat---help

[debm]

Anyone have any luck losing fat in their stomach? Do situps *really* help? I would do good to lose about 25 pounds but much of my self-conscientious is about my stomach. I am training to run the 1/2 at Disneyland and at 37 years old I am feeling in pretty good shape. I'm not worried about finishing it now and training is going well. However, I've actually gained weight overall although my legs and rear are much firmer. I feel my stomach fat and lose skin there is due to mostly my 3rd and 4th pregnancies. My stomach got really really big. Anyhow, I feel like I'm starting to fit my clothes better except for the stomach thing---if I could just flatten it, it would help so much!! So anyone have any suggestions? I know when I did Atkins I always lost first through my stomach but I definitely don't want to do Atkins while I am running so much. Thanks! My husband is just shaking his head as he looked over my shoulder while writing this. Hey! This stomach thing really bothers me! I need help!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Deb,
I hope someone else has a move positive response...

First off, there is no such thing as "spot reduction". Your body loses fat where it sees fit. Second, the lose skin will probably not go away without surgery. I speak from experience. I gained 75 lbs with my first pregnancy (I was a size 6 prior). I gained mega weight during the year 2003 and have lost 85 lbs since. (currently 12 are back on ). My abs were pretty defined prior to the 12 lb gain, but the lose skin was another story. Bascially from my belly button down just sagged. It just hung there (yuck).

The positive note is: the more strength training and toning you do for your core (abs & back) the better your tummy will look, even with lose skin. Running is actually a great ab strengthner. I also do TaeBo, pilates and the ab machines at the gym.

HTH,
Sunny

 

[scoolover]

From what I have heard, there is no solution for the loose skin except for surgery. That is the boat I am in right now having lost a lot of weight. The stomach just flops around as I run. Another year and I will have it taken off.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I must say that I definitely understand your stomach flap concern. I have a family heritage of that myself. I've not found the solution and have at a moment or two WISHed I could just have it surgically repaired. I don't see me ever doing it, but I can still WISH.

What has been said so far is pretty much my experience. When I am losing and toning, it at least helps me to feel better with the overall size reduction and general toning.

Hope you can resolve this within you and find some satisfaction.

Keep on keepin' on.

 

[Cruella de mom]

HI

I lost a great deal of stomach when I did a modified version of the South Beach Diet. Like you, I didn't want to cut too many carbs while running so I was just very picky about what kind of carbs I ate.

I cut out as many sugars as I could - to the point that I craved salads because the salad dressing was slightly sweet. I cut out all the junk food and sodas (even diet).

I did not cut out "healthy" carbs like carrots and corn. I ate massive amounts of vegtables, mostly steamed or stir fried. I also switched to cheese as my main snack food. If I wanted a sandwich, I used whole wheat bread. I also switched to whole wheat pasta which limited my portions because it just didn't have the same texture.

The weight did not "slide" off - At first I lost no weight although my clothes fit better and better. I lost a couple inches in my waist and hips. The best part was that I felt so much better.

Then I had surgery right after Thanksgiving and comforted my pain with all my long lost friends (ice cream, cookies, coca-cola). Guess where they decided to hang out? my stomach.

Good Luck!

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

Pilates, Pilates, Pilates. I try to do pilates 2-3 times a week at our YMCA. There is nothing like it for abs in my opinion. I've tried running and a personal trainer in the past. Still running/walking, but Pilates really starts to strenghen your core and pull everything in. Amazing difference after a month. BEen doing it 4-5 months now.It is not easy, but my instructors give modified exercises as you build yourself up. I don''t think I will ever have a truly flat stomach after having kids, but it is a big improvement. I am actually addicted to it now. You walk taller, have more balance, flexibility etc. I can grab my toes now easily and I probably was not flexible enough to do it for 10 years