belly pooch

ap517

i'm getting married in just under 3 weeks and my belly is sticking out like crazy.  I had tried my dress on 6 and 2 months ago and it looked fine sans spanx, but I tried it on 2 weeks ago and it just stuck out like crazy WITH spanx.  I've always had a teeny pouch, even when I was in high school running XC but never stuck out this much.  but now it's just totally bloated.  and my face feels really puffy and warm (possibly due to Retin-A).  last week i was on my period, so this is always my "skinny" week.  i was also incredibly bloated before this last period.  I workout 6 days a week, for 30-45 min/day, lift 2-3 days a week, eat between 1200 and 1500 calories.  whole wheat/grains.  no red meat.  yogurt.  fruits/veggies.  I do crunches daily.  I haven't lost any pound weight because I think it's all muscle that I'm gaining.  So I'm just really bummed.  I've been sleeping poorly, and probably not drinking enough water.  Any other tips?  cleanses?  detox? I feel like I'm gaining weight, not losing!  so frustrating!!

heatherk_11

Do you drink any soda? I've heard even diet soda will cause the belly pooch and bloating with all of its carbonation.

MrsJG2Be

If your salt intake is high it could lead to bloating. Maybe you're not eating enough on the days you workout or you can try increasing the intensity of your workout. Unfortunately there is no way to spot reduce either.

raynes

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_belly-pooch?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:d1ef0e3c-3c16-42bb-b362-7b46e54d532ePost:d7f499c4-a708-4a9f-8c81-0b5cae93cbf6">belly pooch</a>:
[QUOTE]i'm getting married in just under 3 weeks and my belly is sticking out like crazy.  I had tried my dress on 6 and 2 months ago and it looked fine sans spanx, but I tried it on 2 weeks ago and it just stuck out like crazy WITH spanx.  I've always had a teeny pouch, even when I was in high school running XC but never stuck out this much.  but now it's just totally bloated.  and my face feels really puffy and warm (possibly due to Retin-A).  last week i was on my period, so this is always my "skinny" week.  i was also incredibly bloated before this last period.  I workout 6 days a week, for 30-45 min/day, lift 2-3 days a week, eat between 1200 and 1500 calories.  whole wheat/grains.  no red meat.  yogurt.  fruits/veggies.  I do crunches daily.  I haven't lost any pound weight because I think it's all muscle that I'm gaining.  So I'm just really bummed.  I've been sleeping poorly, <strong>and probably not drinking enough water</strong>.  Any other tips?  cleanses?  detox? I feel like I'm gaining weight, not losing!  so frustrating!!
Posted by ap517[/QUOTE]

*ding ding ding*  We have a winner.

Not drinking enough water will definitely cause bloat, especially if you're drinking soads and consuming more sodium than is necessary.

Start by upping your water intake (at <em>least</em> 8 8oz glasses a day, more is better) and cleaning up your diet.  Cut out as much processed food as you can and quit adding salt to things.

ap517

hi everyone,
I don't drink soda, maybe a diet coke 1x/month.  i dont add extra salt to anything.  I track my diet and my salt intake is anywhere from 800mg-1700mg (that day I had chips, guacamole, and an amy's burrito).  the only processed foods I eat are low sodium soup (1x/week) and 3 slices of natural turkey lunch meat (60 cal).  haven't had wine in 3 weeks.  I'll def bump up the water intake though, that's for sure.  how much water is too much?

JessiTess

Lately I've been battling the same problem.  I've started keeping a food journal to see if I'm taking in more salt than I realize somewhere.

I'm not sure you can drink too much water... Most physicians recommend 64 oz a day, and if you are perspiring a lot due to travel, exercise, etc. then you should take in even more to compensate for fluids lost during sweat. 

If you're having any digestive problems, then I might suggest a detox, or at least an increase in your fiber in-take.

Good luck!

msange727

you almost can't get too much water, especially with warm weather and exercise - notice i said almost though. try for around 2 or 3 liters a day (using a nalgene or water bottle with the measurements down the side is so helpful!) but don't go overboard, with like 2 gallons or something crazy! (you'll just be spending a load of time in the bathroom.)

also, along with everything that raynes said, do you chew a lot of gum? it sounds weird but the chewing makes you swallow air which bloats you, and most gum nowadays has artificial sugars which will cause bloat.

miguelhilary2010

Coffee can cause abdomen bloat.  Stress of the impending wedding may be increasing your cortisol levels.  The heat/humidity recently may be causing swelling (in your skin, not at the muscle/organ level).  Depending on your body, the whole wheat products could be causing bloat too.  I agree with pp to increase your water intake, and try to relax (if that's possible).  You may have to play with your diet a little, but don't do anything drastic like a cleanse/detox.

raynes

It's realllly tough to drink too much water, at least in the too much sense that will kill you.  Your stomach just isn't big enough.  I ran the number a while ago, and it was a ridiculous amount of water.

Are you constipated?  Maybe move fibre (along with more water!) could help.

Ginabean2011

I'll go along with the other posters and say watch your sodium and increase your water to combat bloat. Any cleanse type diets are bad news. Switching up your work outs could help a lot as well.

Callie Koehn

As much as I hate to say it, I've found that cutting carbs is the only way (for me) to lose "pooch" and "rolls." When I quit carbs and sugar cold turkey, I usually see results in how the waist of my pants fit in about a week. Downside: all veggies and meat can really constipate! Be sure to drink lots of water! (regardless of carbohydrate intake) ;D  Good luck!

MarinesPrincess89

eating fruits like melon and watermelon are great ways to get natural sugar and plenty of water..squeeze in a few drops of lemon in ur water if you want..find tiny details that can make it different. And they sleep thing is a huge factor..i should know i dont get much but  now since things have slown down a bit in school ive been geting more. Also when working out if your looking to trim down try smaller weight and more reps..make sure to keep them slow and steady no matter how light it might be..also a lot of caardio works..when i was in my class my teacher always told us to do some cardio before doing any sort of workouts because it gets your heart pumping and helps you burn more calories..im telling you all this in the hope that it helps someone who reads it..including myself..i chose to take another strengh training class cause i have a treamill at home..good luck ladies and i hope all of you the best of luck with your marriages!
the soon to be..Mrs. Asencio..