Fat On Hips

[chikster]

Hey Everyone.
I've been doing pilates now for a week or so and can notice a difference already in my abdominals. Although my abs are taking on a shape, the fat on my hips hasn't shifted! I've tried ab workouts, lots of cardio, eg bike riding, running, walking (approx 2hrs a day) but nothing seems to do the trick. I've heard that you can't 'spot' train, but how come it works for my abdominals? Im wondering if the "fat on the hips" problem is more associated with my diet. Does anyone have any success stories or advice? Thanks heaps! Chikster xx

[cursor]

Originally Posted by chikster

Im wondering if the "fat on the hips" problem is more associated with my diet.

There's no doubt that your diet is a major factor. What are you eating now (and on what schedule)?

[chikster]

Originally Posted by cursor

There's no doubt that your diet is a major factor. What are you eating now (and on what schedule)?

At the moment, I do not have a set meal plan, mainly because, I don't know what to eat when! So this is mainly just an approximation

Meal 1: 1bowl cereal w/ light milk
Protein Shake

Meal 2: 1 Apple
2 handfulls of nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts etc)

Meal 3: 2pce Multigrain Bread w/cottage cheese (mixed with pineapple)
2 handfulls of nuts

Meal 4: Not sure about this one yet.. Something with vegies, cottage cheese?
1 pce of Fruit

Meal 5: Fish, Vegies, Noodles. Perhaps have another Protein Shake here?

I'm about 5'6" I weigh 148 pounds (68kg?) I'm a swimmer, although I've been out of the water due to injury for 3 months. Just starting to get back into it, nead to lose fat, particularly around my middle. I've been doing cardio for 30-60mins 6x/week, Pilates and not really any weight training.

Cursor would you be able to suggest what I'm doing wrong and how to correct it? I think I need some help with an exercise plan. Thankyou for your time. Chikster..

[Lady C]

Add weight training!!!!!! Where is the injury? Can you do shoulder, chest, back, abs and leg work? Cardio and pilates will not increase your muscle mass - muscles will burn fat. See me, that is how I did it.

Your diet is OK. You could tweak it some. Since you are not swimming you should be careful eating noodles as your last meal. You probably need more protien. Have you added up your calories? Try fitday.com to help you.

We can guide you into forming a diet and exercise plan but you have to do most of it. That is how you learn. Tell us what you can and can't do.

[cursor]

Do yourself a favor and lookup stuff that Laura has posted here. She has a great Journal (and just started a new one).

Right off the bat, I think you'll agree, your meal plan needs a little attention. Additionally, as Lady C (my wife) suggests, you should definitely incorporate heavy weight lifting into your exercise plan.

We can help with the details if you like.

[chikster]

could you perhaps at least suggest what im doing wrong in my diet? I have changed it from the things I've learned, like adding in more cottage cheese, and protein drinks, what else should i change?

[cursor]

Originally Posted by chikster

I'm about 5'6" I weigh 148 pounds:
Meal 1: 1 bowl cereal w/ light milk, Protein Shake
Meal 2: 1 Apple, 2 handfuls of nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts etc)
Meal 3: 2 pcs Multigrain Bread w/cottage cheese (mixed with pineapple), 2 handfuls of nuts
Meal 4: Not sure about this one yet.. Something with vegies, cottage cheese?
1 pce of Fruit
Meal 5: Fish, Vegies, Noodles. Perhaps have another Protein Shake here?

Note that you're consuming minimal protein throughout the day. Add a whole boiled egg to meal 1.

Four handfuls of nuts is probably excessive (I don't know how bit your "handfuls" are). Just one quarter cup will supply about 14 grams of fat. While some is good, going overboard will not help you reach your goals. Consider substituting an apple and a small chicken breast for meal 2.

For meal 3 the cottage cheese is fine. Try about 1/3 cup blended with some frozen strawberries (about 5 or 6 whole). Adding about a half a scoop of quality protein powder would help immensely. My wife and I use AlltheWhey isolate.

Meal 4 might include some baby carrots (perhaps 8-10) instead of the fruit.

For that last meal of the day, have a protein serving (like the fish that you've mentioned) with steamed veggies (light in carbohydrate density: cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, etc.). Alternatively, consider a nice salid of greens w/ tomato, cucumber, a few pine nuts ... topped with slices of roasted, skinless chicken breast.

What you eat and when you eat it should ideally be meshed with how active you keep your body. When your body is amped up, like post-exercise, the conveyor belt that hauls nutrients to your thirsty/hungry body parts is running faster. If you supply the right food, at in the right amounts, then you'll optimally benefit.

Psst ... in what part of Australia do you live?

[chikster]

Okay, thankyou very much that's just what I needed.
I live in New South Wales of Australia..about 1hour north of Sydney
Have you been to Australia before?? :

[cursor]

My wife and I were touring various parts of Australia for about month, a couple of years ago. We really enjoyed ourselves.