Stubborn stomach

[zoeb]

What is everyone's thoughts on stomach fat, I've looked up on it, and apparently it's better to not do sit ups, and crunches, it's better to just excersise as a whole, and does anyone have any information on foods that should be avoided, for the bloating reason

Zoe xx

[Jackie_M_Reid]

Hi Zoe,

The tummy ...

Regular running has helped me to manage this I run 3 times a week usually at a steady pace for between 30-50mins. Yoga, Pilates, Callanetics or a Body Balance class (a combination of the first three) is also good for abdo strength.

As for diet I opt for low carb at lunchtime you'll be amazed at the changes you see in 6 weeks

Good Luck xxx

[JCS44]

This is interesting - I am awaiting hip and knee replacements and exercise is painful. When the weather is OK I garden on the allotment, but that is it - even walking is difficult. Stomach fat is my main problem - I am a stone overweight and would like to lose it. So what kind of food would you recommend?

[Zenette in reply to JCS44]

Not only the kind, but also the quantity is important. Nutritious, low-carb food in small enough quantities should enable your body to burn the fat.

[Zenette]

I think that stomach exercises are good, to strengthen your stomach and core muscles.

They won't do anything for stomach fat though, which will only disappear if you eat fewer calories than you need, so that your body will burn it for energy, You could exercise and have great muscles, but as long as they are buried under fat you won't see them.

Different foods cause bloating for different people, so it is best to monitor your bloating against what you eat, so that you can identify those foods. Some people are lactose intolerant, so dairy may cause bloating; others are fructose sensitive and fruit can cause it. Also, food that your body struggles to digest can cause it, like high fat food. Starchy food like flour, potatoes, wheat etc. can also cause bloating, as gas is produces while digesting them.

[JCS44]

great - those two links are really useful - will give it a go!!

[Katgauden]

I found that bread and pasta bloat me so don't eat them.

Also doing site ups and crunches do work but you need to get your heart rate up first then finish off doing ab work.

Hope this helps you.

[JBarton]

Hi Zoe - as I understand it, stomach fat is known as white fat. Brown fat (that on babies) is provided for warmth and is easily shed with age. White fat, however, is not easily shed and usually builds up around the lower abdomen area. To remove this white fat, the most effective way is controlling your diet and yes, the dreaded word, exercise. Also, it is well known that the main cause within a diet for stomach fat is the amount of sugar consumed, it is the excess of sugar that gives, what I like to call, a 'pouch' (the build up of fat around your stomach area). Once again, the best way to shed this is through exercise and cutting the level of sugar intake in your diet. Crunches/sit ups are a great way of toning your stomach, but to rid of this stomach fat pre-toning, the best form of exercise is cardiovascular. I hope this helps. Happy New Year and good luck!!