No More Diets

I have lost 10 lbs in the last 3 months. I am now at a healthy weight according to my BMI although I would like to lose 10-15 more. My question is, why when I look in mirror do I feel like I look exactly the same as I did when I was heavier? Especially my stomach feels like it sticks out and is untoned even though I have been doing stomach exercises.

Those BMI weights are just a guide for what makes a healthy weight for an average adult. Most of us look better in our clothes and feel better when we are slightly lighter than BMI (while the more muscular types will look good at a weight higher than the average BMI). It’s a case of finding out the best weight for you - the one that is both healthy and makes you feel good.

A 10lb weight loss spread over your whole body will have a subtle effect on your shape but is rarely enough to make a difference which is very noticeable to others unless you are already very slim.

Re your stomach - at times, your rounded tummy may be due to bloating, water retention or excess carbs. Just look at your tummy after a high carb meal versus a lighter one and see the difference. If you are still carrying excess fat however, it’s one of those facts of female life that it tends to gather in one place (and generally in the place where we don’t want it to gather). If you tend to put weight onto your stomach it will be the first place fat goes and the last place it will leave. This is where the final few pounds of effort will probably make a difference especially if you keep up the toning exercises. Make sure to always do toning exercises properly to really work your muscles deep down (and to avoid straining). Pilates and yoga are great for tummy firming if you would like to have a go at them.

Also don’t expect to get a completely flat stomach. Women’s tummies (especially if you have had kids) are usually a little curved - that’s quite natural - and just as lovely as the washboard flat stomach of a teenager.