I am so sick of my squishy love handles!

[boston340]

Can I whine for just a sec?  In 2012 I lost 30 lbs and felt so great about myself.  I've continued to run, lift weights, yoga, and eat well and I still have a squishy tummy and love handles.  I know the answer is to just "keep on keeping on" - but man it's tough!  I'm 5'5" and weigh 120-124 lbs.  Waaaaahhhh....I want firmer abs and no muffin top!

Any tips?  I know a few ladies here have had tummy tucks - is this my only option?  If I lose 5-8 more lbs would that help?

[wambam]

Usually fat around the middle (the plane of the belly button) is cortisol related. Are you getting sufficient, very high quality sleep? Are you stressed? Do you drink excess caffeine? I would definitely look into other lifestyle factors before you jump to surgery. Let me know if you have additional questions about this, I can point you to some resources that may be helpful.

[boston340]

Jul 12, 2013 9:09:43 GMT -5 wambam said:

Usually fat around the middle (the plane of the belly button) is cortisol related. Are you getting sufficient, very high quality sleep? Are you stressed? Do you drink excess caffeine? I would definitely look into other lifestyle factors before you jump to surgery. Let me know if you have additional questions about this, I can point you to some resources that may be helpful.

Oh wow, very interesting!  One of the benefits I found after losing 30 lbs is that I sleep so much better now, especially after days with hard workouts.  I get about 7-8 hours of sleep per night.  We don't have children and both work reasonable jobs, so could get more sleep if you think it would help.  I drink about 12 ounces of coffee in the morning.  I definitely want to research more about this suggestion, thanks for the idea.

[boston340]

I have a physical scheduled with my family doctor in mid-August and could inquire with him about this issue as well.

[wambam]

boston340 - Here are some links regarding cortisol issues.

robbwolf.com/2012/04/09/real-deal-adrenal-fatigue/
www.marksdailyapple.com/cortisol/#axzz2MDhqRBFS

[boston340]

Thanks Wambam - these articles look fascinating. I will read them thoroughly.

[D2M]

I also have a fluffy midsection. I was overweight for so long that I don't think I'll ever have rock-hard abs. But I've definitely tamed the fluff in recent months through pilates; my stomach and sides have kind of scooped in a little bit since I started taking classes. My stomach also looks better when I'm about 5 pounds under my current weight but the cost of maintaining that 5 pound shrink is just not worth it to me. Celebrate that 30 pound loss. I bet you look better than you think you do!

[Bob Loblaw]

This is my problem area as well. I have to put in a LOT of work to make my stomach look flat - cutting out alcohol, most carbs and sugars, and daily core work - in addition to running 40-50 miles a week. I have learned that it's just not worth the sacrifice so I just deal with my jiggly stomach.

[sadlebred]

Yep, the muffin top means your pants don't fit right. You might want to try higher or mid rise pants. Sounds like you are just a woman like the rest of us with curves and flaws. Do you have extra skin from your weight loss? Could that be some of the fluffiness?

FWIW, I've had two FTT's to get rid of excess skin.

[boston340]

Jul 12, 2013 13:41:08 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Yep, the muffin top means your pants don't fit right. You might want to try higher or mid rise pants. Sounds like you are just a woman like the rest of us with curves and flaws. Do you have extra skin from your weight loss? Could that be some of the fluffiness?

FWIW, I've had two FTT's to get rid of excess skin.

No, no extra skin but I do have stretch marks from when I lost weight (which suuucks).  Thanks for the insight - I'll embrace the curves around my midsection.  

[zoidberg]

Jul 12, 2013 11:48:36 GMT -5 mr+ms said:

If it's not visceral fat but subcutaneous (the type right under your skin), you should also consider that the natural shape of a healthy, adult woman can include fat on the belly, hips, thighs, butt, etc. It's not all that normal for a woman to have a totally flat belly with visible ab muscles. Certainly, it's doable and it's a popular look in fitness media but you might have to sacrifice good health to achieve that look. 

If you only have muffin top with pants on then it's the pants' fault I know it can be difficult, but search for pants that fit your shape or have your favorites tailored.

Yep. I have a little fat pad right around my belly button that has been there since puberty, no matter how thin I have been.

[sadlebred]

FWIW, a TT won't cure love handles on your back. You would need liposuction or a full LBL (lower body lift).

[trigal]

I'm with you! I train for Ironman and I do Pilates and other core work, but I still have the layer on my tummy. I'm sure it's due to my diet, but I figure that I'm pretty fit and healthy and I'd rather enjoy the body I have than to struggle to get the body I think I want.

ETA: I want to add that I love the fact that my core is very strong.  I don't mind the layer of fat so much since underneath it is my muscle that helps me with so much.

We are imperfect creatures.  Focus on what your body can do, not what it looks like!  (I know...easier said than done!

[joenali]

Jul 13, 2013 11:26:50 GMT -5 trigal said:

I'm with you! I train for Ironman and I do Pilates and other core work, but I still have the layer on my tummy. I'm sure it's due to my diet, but I figure that I'm pretty fit and healthy and I'd rather enjoy the body I have than to struggle to get the body I think I want.

Me too!!

[zoidberg]

Jul 13, 2013 11:26:50 GMT -5 trigal said:

I'm with you! I train for Ironman and I do Pilates and other core work, but I still have the layer on my tummy. I'm sure it's due to my diet, but I figure that I'm pretty fit and healthy and I'd rather enjoy the body I have than to struggle to get the body I think I want.

ETA: I want to add that I love the fact that my core is very strong.  I don't mind the layer of fat so much since underneath it is my muscle that helps me with so much.

We are imperfect creatures.  Focus on what your body can do, not what it looks like!  (I know...easier said than done!

App like.

I have spent too much time (in my 20s) hating my body and trying to get something that is just not physically/genetically possible for me to have. Fuck that.

[jillybean222]

I have 3 kids, but even before kids i still carried a little extra belly fat. I think some people are just built that way. i used to really let it bother me but now i just use the kids as my excuse and embrace my extra fluff while enjoying an ice cream cone or a beer

[joenali]

The one thing I keep hearing from friends during this whole ironman training is that I look so strong, even with some flab in the belly area. I WANT to look and feel strong! Who cares about a little extra flab when I know I am in the best shape I have been in, in a long time!!