Just needing some support...

[iLovePiNotPie]

So I'm new to NerdFitness, but I've been reading it diligently for about 3 weeks now soaking up as much knowledge as I can and now I'm in overload.  One thing that has stuck out in my brain is the need for support through my journey so I'm trying something different and reaching out to you fine people.

 

I'm a 5'0" 23 year old female and don't actually know what I weigh.  Around 115lbs I believe, give or take a couple pounds.  Most people look at me and say I don't need to lose weight, that I'm tiny, that they wish they were as small as me.  Which sometimes makes me feel silly for trying so hard.  I tell them I work out and eat right because I want to get strong (which is true) but my honest goal is just losing that pouch around the middle.  The little love handles hanging off the side.  I bought myself a crop top a few weeks ago with the goal of having the confidence to wear it this summer.  It's hanging up in my bathroom as a reminder and it's the background picture on my phone.  I've worked out on and off in the past, even taking a weight training class one semester in college, but this is the first time I'm really trying to stick with a program and get the body I want.

 

I've been eating relatively healthy for the past 5 years.  I only eat 100% whole wheat bread, I've switched to brown rice, I buy the veggie pasta, drink V8, veggies with most every meal and even make my own kale chips.  I rarely have fast food (once or twice a month max), don't buy myself desserts, and when I eat chocolate it's almost always dark.  I've cut soda out and really only drink water, coffee, and green tea with the occasional alcoholic beverage.

 

My new fitness plan has been to strength train 3 times a week and I've done that for 2 straight weeks now.  I've found a system I like, and have set goals.  Just today I started working in some incline pushups and incline rows with the goal of eventually being able to do pullups.  I feel myself getting stronger, my arms are starting to be more defined and I think I'm ready to move from 10lb free weights to 12.5.  

 

And yet with all of this, my belly still stays the same.  I'm really just looking to know if what I'm doing is right?  I've done tons of research on macros and intermittent fasting and calculated everything from BMI to BMR to TDEE and I'm no more knowledgeable on what to do.  I really can't count calories.  I have tried before and even with a tracker program I can't do it for more than 3 days.  I want to be able to eat without tracking.  I tried my first week of strength training to just eat less and be calorie deficient but I was starving after a week and couldn't take it.  It ruined my mood.  Is there a diet plan that doesn't require so much work on tracking every little thing?  Is my strength training enough?  Should I be doing cardio as well?  

 

And my biggest question, when can I expect results?  I'm sure 2 weeks is a little premature, but every other part of my body is reacting except the mid section where I most want it.  Maybe knowing some type of time line will help me not fall off the wagon.

 

This post was probably way too long and if you actually read all that I appreciate you.  I think part of me just needed to vent a little.  I'm not totally discouraged yet, but I'm afraid I will be soon and all that will do is cause me to backslide and feel even worse.  Getting it all out saved me from that for at least another week.  So again, thank you and good luck to all of you and your goals.  Know that I'm with you and encouraging you not to give up either.   

[peelout]

I've been eating relatively healthy for the past 5 years.  I only eat 100% whole wheat bread, I've switched to brown rice, I buy the veggie pasta, drink V8, veggies with most every meal and even make my own kale chips.  I rarely have fast food (once or twice a month max), don't buy myself desserts, and when I eat chocolate it's almost always dark.  I've cut soda out and really only drink water, coffee, and green tea with the occasional alcoholic beverage.

 

My new fitness plan has been to strength train 3 times a week and I've done that for 2 straight weeks now.  I've found a system I like, and have set goals.  Just today I started working in some incline pushups and incline rows with the goal of eventually being able to do pullups.  I feel myself getting stronger, my arms are starting to be more defined and I think I'm ready to move from 10lb free weights to 12.5.  

 

And yet with all of this, my belly still stays the same.  I'm really just looking to know if what I'm doing is right?  I've done tons of research on macros and intermittent fasting and calculated everything from BMI to BMR to TDEE and I'm no more knowledgeable on what to do.  I really can't count calories.  I have tried before and even with a tracker program I can't do it for more than 3 days.  I want to be able to eat without tracking.  I tried my first week of strength training to just eat less and be calorie deficient but I was starving after a week and couldn't take it.  It ruined my mood.  Is there a diet plan that doesn't require so much work on tracking every little thing?  Is my strength training enough?  Should I be doing cardio as well?  

 

And my biggest question, when can I expect results?  I'm sure 2 weeks is a little premature, but every other part of my body is reacting except the mid section where I most want it.  Maybe knowing some type of time line will help me not fall off the wagon.

You will get a ton of different advice and just have to determine which to try.

 

Yes, 2 wks is an unrealistically short time to expect any results in your shape or muscular development.

 

Exercise has little to do w/ losing wt when compared to diet.  Diet is at least 80% and probably even more than 90% of losing wt.  Exercise is about getting fit.

 

I looked at your diet and did not see anything about protein and fat.  You need both.  Maybe you just did not mention it.  I lost basically by cutting way back on simple sugars and starches, adding more fat and protein.  I'm don't strictly follow Paleo of Atkins, but tend to agree w/ what they advocate when it comes to wt loss.  I just don't follow them as strictly.  

 

Some people here count everything and have an app for everything.  I have never counted anything.  I go by the scale, the tightness in my pants at the waist, my energy level, and whether my lifts are progressing.  Too each their own, but you don't have to be in to calculating.  I just finished losing my last 8lbs.  

 

Like I said, you will hear a lot of differing view points.  Don't take anyones word as law.

 

Last bit of advice - those who are consistent generally succeed.  Those who aren't, fail.

[Noname123]

Hi there! As peelout said it depends on what you want to do but the pouch IS diet related, so whatever you try I'd encourage you to start there.

 

I'm a counter. I count calories and macros. I've only been doing this the last few months as before I was able to drop 20 lbs pretty easily and start building muscles but felt 'stuck'. I increased exercises and had a healthy diet but didn't see progress. So I decided to start tracking and graphing everything....and it's super slow but I'm now seeing a steady change that I can track across macros. It's the first time I can predict at a decent rate what I will lose and wake up each morning with a pretty solid idea of what I'm going to eat throughout the day. That being said, I am a creature of habit. I can eat pretty much the same stuff daily for weeks on end and not be bothered one bit. A lot of people can't do that, but still manage macros as they use it like a diet puzzle daily. 

 

Not sure where most stand on here but I'd step back from V8s (unless it's the straight vegetable juice-I'm talking about the fusion and fruit series) and Naked type juices. They're high carb/high sugar/calorie dense for a nutritional value that's not worth it. If you want a smoothie it's better to blend your own with fresh fruits imo. If you're working on building muscle protein is VERY important, as are carbs for your energy levels. 

 

Lastly, my stomach is the last bit to see results as well. I'm on month 2 of my cut and I'm barely seeing results as is ab wise for the lower part of my stomach, it's just a very very slow process. Unfortunately there is no such thing as spot reducing fat so just keep at it and stay consistent, you'll get there! Focus on strength training and you'll see amazing results, especially in the second and third month from newbie gains, don't get discouraged. And just remember you wont see change until it smacks you in the face. You may not see it today but you might wake up tomorrow and bam, all of a sudden you notice a change in your body you didn't see before. I take weekly pictures too, that helps a little more than the scale. Just keep in mind, it's a lifestyle not a diet and it could help with the falling off the wagon mentality. 

[mischief-managed]

everyone's giving good advice it seems. Most women have issues losing fat from stomach, hips etc. as said above its the last place that your going to see progress - but if your seeing progress in other areas then keep going and the extra bit of belly may be next. If your not a calorie counter why not give paleo a shot...there are a fair few articles on it here if you search. 

Good luck

[Endor]

What you've been told are the right things are the wrong things. Cut out bread and pasta. Read up on paleo.

[jadynrayne]

i agree try paleo! i'm amazed how good i feel! venting is goodsometimes,now you can have a good week! keep up the good work,you'll see results!

[Sambalina]

I agree with what's already been said regarding diet (and not taking anyone's opinion as law!).

Are you on a low-fat diet?

Also, if the rest of your body is slim, are you sure your tummy is fat and not bloating? If you have a food sensitivity, it can lead to a pretty bloated tummy. One of the easiest ways to identify bloating vs. fat: does your belly ever feel or look smaller? Like in the morning or if you've not eaten for a while?

[Kinger138]

Lots of good advice here.    I'm also going to advocate Paleo/Primal.  I track in addition to adhering to those principals.  Fairly convinced it helps, but try it for yourself, N=1. 

 

I'm a nutritional ketosis Primal guy for the time being, but plan on just being Plain Ole Paleo/Primal once I get my weight low enough to ditch things like medicine and other nasties.  Don't get discouraged.  Everything takes time...more than any of us would like.  Patience, self experimentation, and a healthy bit of research to postively reinforce what you're doing will lead you down the right path.

 

Best of luck!