Petite w/ Post Pregcy Pooch

Question
Hi Ms. Beebe,
I'm age 41, 4'11".  Just had my 3rd C-Sect 9 mos.ago, so for years I've been used to that pooch as it's just a regular way of life.   But now the pooch has become a spare tire and continues to inflate.  Doctor says my body fat is not in line with body mass.  Cholesterol is getting up there but not dangerously high.  (Sorry i don't have the report for values.)  There's no alcohol or meds involved.     

For years I've been maintaining 116/117 lbs steadily.  Now am at 128, and this is moving fast.  Could wear it better if I were taller. :)

Just to give you an idea of current eating habit.  Too much starch no doubt.  Regular and sweet Breads, cereal, (not excessive).  But for lunch, a big bowl of pasta every day which sustains me for hours (sometimes until dinner at 6:30 pm).  If not, i hit the chips and salsa.  Normal portion.

I'm aware I need to exercise too.  But what I would appreciate is your advising (us all in this situation):  What are belly busting foods to focus on?  Please list specifics that are well known to not store up the fat.  It would be great to adopt a discipline to live by-- the foods that we can have and what we need to stay away from.

Thank you.

Answer
Dear Chris,

Unfortunately there are no fat busting foods and no diet that targets belly fat.
It's merely a matter of eating fewer calories and burning more, like getting rid of any other body fat.

You stated in your letter you eat too much starch and need to exercise more.... you have the answers!  For guidelines, I would suggest the food guide pyramid page at http://www.mypyramid.gov

You will need to establish goals for incorporating exercise into your lifestyle (such as going for a 30 minute walk 3 days a week), limiting sweets to a few days each week, starches to 6 or 7 servings per day, and get in more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to fill you up.

While you lose weight through a healthy diet and exercise plan, you'll feel far better from eating more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than you would just losing the weight alone!

If you want more individualized guidance visit my website at www.mycoachlaurie.com

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