Losing weight everywhere but belly

Question
Hi there,
I would like a bit of advice regarding my weight loss problems.  I am 24 years old, 5"3 and weigh 135 lbs.  I am not unhappy with my body except for my 'spare tyre'.  I eat a fairly healthy diet of porridge, soups and salads and dinner varies but I try and avoid junk food (an average dinner would be jacket potato, tuna and salad or sausage and mash).  I try and keep my calories to about 1,500 a day.  I go to the gym twice a week and do a mix of weights and cardiovascular exercises. I have slim legs and arms and a small back but what I would describe as a fairly large belly (sometimes I can fit my whole hand underneath it and it hangs over my trousers).  My question is - why is it that my healthy diet and gym work pays off on my arms and legs but not on my stomach? I don't eat bread and try and limit my carbs so I feel like I'm doing everything right but my belly never changes size - through changing my diet I recently lost 5lbs that I've been able to keep off but the size of my belly hasn't changed at all.
Could you give me any tips? It would be really appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Rosie

Answer
Hi Rosie,

Your question is amongst the most common problems my clients come to me with. luckily, those who take on the advice manage to change their belly shape!

You are doing a lot of correct and good things like gym, and avoiding junk food and bread. Now, the belly fat is one of the most difficult areas to lose. This is because it is very susceptible to emotions that result in fat being deposited and becoming resistant.
Sometimes, it is not just the physical effort we put in but also our mental state.

You haven't mentioned this area, so I'll just give my advice: use self-help CD's, books etc to allow you to rid any stresses and negative emotions. This won't happen overnight and is more about developing a good habit, a bit like going to the gym.

The other thing you can try is to lessen the amount of dairy products you eat (from cows). This can have a bloating effect like wheat. They are also an energy and immune system dampener.

Try to add more protein into your diet- from lean fish,chicken,meat,eggs,soy. You can also get more energy by having fresh veg every day- steaming is the best way to cook them.

As for the type of exercises, try to do more weights and make sure you are really pushing hard on the last rep of each exercise. Cardio for fat burning will only help if you stay in the 'zone'. Ask the gym staff how to monitor this.

I know this may sound a lot of changes, and if you feel it could be too much then hop onto my site and read up on nutrition drinks that are packed with the exact balance of nutrients for you.

Hope this helps and get back to me if you need more.

All the best.

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