Stomach size

Question
>the size of your stomach (inside) doesn't have anything to do with having a "pot >belly".

If it isn't the size of the stomach that causes the "pot belly" effect then what does?

>Increase whole grains, lower animal products and drink lots of water, juice and >no calorie beverages to keep 'flushed' (not tend toward fluid >retention).

I would typically eat a tin of kippers for breakfast (high in Omega 3 which I'm led to believe is good for me and high in protein which keeps me feeling full), a granary/brown roll and tuna/mayonaisse for lunch, plenty of water thoughout the day and steak meat and veg for dinner and numerous cups of tea in the evening (sugar free).

Is this diet ok or should I drop the fish and red meat to "lower animal products" ?

Thank you very much for your speedy and informative response.


Graeme :)

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Followup To
Question -
Hi, I'm kind of on a diet, its more of a change of eating habit and a change in the type of food and the quantity I eat.

I believe I am losing weight, but what I want to know is will my stomach size decrease in size if I eat less?  I have read on the net that the only way to decrease stomach size is to have surgery:

http://www.annecollins.com/weight-loss-support/shrink-stomach.htm

other sites say that the stomach is elastic like and will spring back to its original size.

The problem I see is that I will be able to lose the fat but I'll still look pot bellied because the stomach size won't decrease if I assume that the above site is correct.

Can you clarify this for me?

Thank you very much in advance for an advice you can share.


Graeme
Answer -
Even a very obese person's stomach is only about the size of their fist when empty. Stomach's are "elastic" and their stretchability does depend on how much the person normally eats - but the size of your stomach (inside) doesn't have anything to do with having a "pot belly".  

Just think: People who have had stomach surgery STILL have big abdomens for many months, or even years afterward - even though their stomach 'organ' is surgically reduced to the size of a walnut.

By the way, even with stomach stapling/reductions, it's found that without constant diet, stomach's DO re-stretch and can return to normal size (again, the size of a fist) with capabilities of overeating once again.

So, to tackle the problem of a "pot belly", you need exercise combined with a reasonable diet (don't eat too little or you'll bloat and make this area even worse). Increase whole grains, lower animal products and drink lots of water, juice and no calorie beverages to keep 'flushed' (not tend toward fluid retention).  

Finally - if having a thicker middle is the way your family is, then having "6-pack abs" or an exceptionally flat tummy isn't likely.  However, you CAN  have a fit form with a bit extra effort.

Check my site for real information and guidance about diet and weight loss; NO sales, NO promotions, NO signing in.

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Answer
Be sure the total percentage of fats you intake each day is no more than 30% of the total daily calories.  Fish-sourced 'fats' are good for you, but even they need to be within that 30% limit.
A 'serving' of red meat is visually about the size of a deck of cards, or two audio cassette tapes.  We often have much more than this don't we?

Lack of abdominal muscles is what causes most "tummy bulge" or "pot belly" and of course, just hereditary body build.  If you see large middles on many of your family members (mom, dad, aunts, uncles) then you're likely to have the same tendency.  Just remember, even though we have this tendency, doesn't mean we can't still be the best we can be with extra efforts!

High fluid intake and whole grains helps keeps our systems 'regular' and not prone to bloating or swelling that frequently settles in the abdomen area.  Remember, fruits can provide fluids and bulk too!

Your typical sit ups will help tone this area, but so will just plain "holding it in" while you do everyday activities.  This exercises and strengthens those muscles more than most people know.  Weight resistence training and aerobics can be as easy to get as brisk walks (for 15 minutes or longer) again, while holding muscles taut (don't hold your breath, just your muscles!).

How about starting your day with some whole grain cereal or oatmeal and piece of fruit.  Have your kippers (well drained or packed in water) for a midday meal; and if choosing tuna, again, packed in water and with low fat mayo.  Another 'trick' is to mix half mayo with half non-fat sour cream or non-fat plain yogurt (this cuts the calories and fat), or just learn to use half what you'd normally put on.  

Increase fruit and vegetable intake for overall wellbeing and health.  

Don't give up if you don't see results right away.  It could take up to 3 weeks for your body to adjust to this new lifestyle and for the abdomen to show more 'flatness'.

Write anytime!  I'm here!  

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