Girls, can I have you advice on diet please?

[Anonymous]

I've always had a thin-ish build, but over the last few years, I've been lazy and got a bit of stomach fat. I'm thin everywhere else, it just goes straight to my stomach so I think I look terrible and not appealing to women at all. I was doing no exercise at all and drinking every day during this time.

Recently, bit of a new years resolution, I've stopped drinking during the week entirely and only have a few at weekends. I also now do 20 minutes cardio a day and some weights and pushups every other day. I also make sure to get up earlier and eat breakfast and I've been eating better.

I've been doing this the last few weeks but haven't noticed any difference other than I feel fitter. I still have the stomach fat. Just wondered if any of you have experience on how long it takes to notice a difference and any tips for me? I do plan on keeping this schedule up. I know 20 mins cardio isn't much, but I was doing zero before and drinking heavily. I was hoping quitting the drink and doing 20 minutes, I'd notice a difference.

Thankyou

Updates

+1 y

No girls got any diet advice? :(

[ninetynine]

Although it's been said that you can't target fat loss in specific areas, I believe running is the absolute best way to slim down in general. Try to increase the amount of cardio you do per week. Push yourself and aim for *at least* 30 minutes of intense cardio per session a few times a week.

It sounds like you've generally been eating healthy which should help a lot. Make sure you're not drinking soda, juice, or other sugary drinks -- in fact, I think it's best to stick with only drinking water.

Limit the amount of snacking you do throughout the day; don't snack on junk food. Healthy snacks include yogurt, fruits, nuts, and veggies. Replace white bread with whole wheat.

A good rule of thumb for finding healthy foods is looking at the nutrition label and not seeing an insanely long list of ingredients (the shorter the better).

[Asker]

I know that, but I never gain weight on my arms, legs, rest of my body, it's only ever gone to my stomach. If I lose any weight, it'll no doubt come from there. I don't really have any fat to lose on my arms or legs! That's why I'm doing muscle training in those areas.

I get self concious about running in public because I've got social anxiety. I just use an exercise bike at home. I might try going out hiking more. I know it's less intense, but I enjoy that.

Ok, I'll try to ramp it up to 30. It shouldn't be a problem since I feel much fitter now. I just get bored if I'm on the bike too long lol. I like to watch tv or something while I'm on it to pass the time!

Yeah sugary drinks was harder than booze to stop! I hardly eat any snacks, only fruit. I know there's lots of sugar but it's part of my eat healthier thing :p

Thanks for the advice, it was helpful.

[ninetynine]

Hiking is a great idea! You could also go biking or swimming. You know, it's possible that you're being a bit hard on yourself. Different people have different areas of their bodies that carry extra weight. For me, everything is really thin on me except for my thighs.

If you're living a healthy, active lifestyle then I would try not to worry so much about some stomach pudge. It's fairly normal.

[Asker]

Yes, a lot of it with me is attitude and motivation. Nobody likes a depressive person, so I've decided to take some initiative. I think hiking would be a good idea to get me out of the house. I used to go with my girlfriend all the time but we broke up, so I sort of was just in the house doing nothing but drinking.

I think my stomach looks bad because the rest of me is pretty slim, it just looks out of proportion. I actually envy larger people who seem to put their weight on everywhere rather than just one place. Some women put weight on their thighs yes, but I think that looks really nice on a woman personally. Beer belly though, not quite so attractive haha.

Anyway, you gave good advice and cheered me up so MHO for you :)

[9mfeo]

How long have you been doing this for? It takes a few months for you to lose an appreciable amount of weight.

[Asker]

True. I have no unrealistic expectations. I know a few weeks isn't enough, I just wanted some reassurance! I think it's been about 3 weeks, but I don't plan on stopping.

I also don't want to lose a massive amount, maybe 10-15 lbs. Just want to notice a difference. So do you think I will see some difference in a few months?

[9mfeo]

Healthy weight loss is about 1-2 lbs per week. I would guess that it will take about six months at the very least.

[Asker]

If I lose a pound a week, it'll only take me 10-15 weeks, so 3 or 4 months? Half that if I do 2.

I'd assume I was losing a pound a week at least, I occasionally do HIIT training on an exercise bike and feel pretty exhausted after, also I was getting so many calories from alcohol that I'm not getting any more.

I don't actually own any weighing scales though lol. I just look in the mirror and get depressed at my flabby stomach!