How can I shift the weight from my middle

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

My boobs and hips I'm happy with.
I've got a size 12 bum and some rather impressive (in the right bra) size 14 boobs.

But the waist/belly is sadly letting the side down

The basics are:
47yo, 2DC
I have back problems (flares up time to time) and injury to both arms last year.
So no weights or sit ups.
I can't risk contact sports or horseriding.
I work P/T 3 days so very busy then.

Today I went swimming and my neck and shoulders felt quite 'pulled' but fine now.
I'm aiming to do an adult swim (boring, lengths) once a week and a swim with DD (so shorter swimming lengths but more time in pool) once a week.

I've got a very old Slendertone device . Used it a few times years ago but they hurt. Is it worth digging it out?

Diet-wise: I don't drink or smoke and I'm vegetarian. Cutting down on sweet things but I don't want to give up everything,
Drinking more water too.

TIA

[theresmoretolife]

Hula hooping (yes I'm serious!)

[MadameGazelle]

Cut out sugar - you will see a difference around your middle within a couple of weeks

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Hula hoop eh? Cheap enough to buy and even some as unco-ordinated as me should manage a bit.

All sugar ? sob.
I cut out chocolate for the 6 weeks of Lent last year and really saw the benefit. Then 6 weeks before Christmas but didn't see as much.
I know the sugar -> insulin-> laying down of fat cycle (especially with 2 diabetic parents) so I'll have to bite the bullet.

[CointreauVersial]

Cut out carbs ( tricky for a veggie, tis true).

My midriff shrinks instantly.

[CeeceeBloomingdale]

I'm a similar size and shape. The only thing that works for me is eating less junk. I need to start following my own advice!

[CorrieDale]

Pilates will strengthen your core under the fat and help your back.

Low carbing. It is possible as a veggie. It's not a bundle of fun but that's mostly because of all the planning and cooking you have to do.

Taekwondo can be non contact. You won't win any tournaments but you'll get through the first few gradings and by then your back may be stronger.

[MrsDoomsPatterson]

No bread, white pasta, sugar, alcohol. It's worked for me.

[FeijoaVodkaLovesHokeyPokey]

If you hula hoop make sure you get a heavier adults one, not a light children's one or it won't stay up.

[SaltedCaramels]

5:2 diet - works like magic! DP and I have both lost inches from our waists in 2 months. You get used to the fasting days really quickly and can eat normally on the other days. Check the 5:2 board on here under weightloss.

[SundaySimmons]

Cam on here to say hula hoop and see it was the first answer!

[cowmop]

I've got a bad back and find hula hooping really knackers it, but my problem is lower back. The pain management chap I saw said Pilates and swimming, but not breast stroke. I've seen a real difference around my middle with the pilates and it helps my back. I just need something to tone my wobbly thighs!

[YoniTime]

out the lowcarb bootcamp threads: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/low_carb_diets/1842916-Autumn-Low-Carb-Bootcamp-The-Preparation-Thread

If you're going to cut out sugar, then eating this way will help because it will reduce your cravings for it!

[YoniTime]

Oops, I don't know what happened there! Real link.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/low_carb_diets/1842916-Autumn-Low-Carb-Bootcamp-The-Preparation-Thread

[MrsDavidBowie]

Agree with everybody else re carbs and sugar.
I have lost 10lbs since April and have maintained it.....don't need to lose anymore (am now 11stone and 6feet tall) but I have dropped back to a size 12 trouser, and have a defined waist.

And I do have wine! No carbs though.

[ImATotJeSuisUneTot]

Low carb.

I have been losing weight by calorie counting since April, had lost 20+ lbs, but not the tummy.

Low carbing for two weeks, I've lost an additional 7lbs, and my stomach is flat - my size 12s are too big.

[Jemster]

I too am struggling with the tummy a year after having dd. it makes finding clothes to fit so hard as the rest of me is back to my usual size.
I think we eat a lot if carbs as a family. What sort of things would I eat as main meals if not having carbs?
It's tricky trying to think of things to suit the whole family.
Sorry for bit of a highjack OP.

[missmartha]

Hula Hoop, no sugar and cut down on carbs, plus clean your teeth standing on one leg.

It really really works. You can feel those core muscles having a workout honestly.

[teta]

I've had good results cutting out gluten and dairy.If I eat them accidentally my stomach looks 6 months pregnant again.I was exercising 5 times weekly without changing the shape of my stomach.

[teta]

I've had good results cutting out gluten and dairy.If I eat them accidentally my stomach looks 6 months pregnant again.I was exercising 5 times weekly without changing the shape of my stomach.

[CointreauVersial]

Jemster, you cook the usual food for the family, but instead of the spuds you have extra broccoli, instead of pasta you have courgette ribbons, leave the pastry when you eat pie etc. etc. Eggs for brekkie instead of cereal and toast. I don't do seperate meals for me, I just adjust things.

There is oodles of advice on the low carb threads.

[TallulahBetty]

Only have brown carbs works for me - pasta rice and bread. TBH I only like brown carbs anyway so it suits me!

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

OK , read all these posts and considering it all.

I think (IMO) my way foward is with excercise rather than restrictions in diet TBH . I can cut out the 'junk' food. It won't be easy or particularly pleasant but do-able.
My stomach muscles are really meh and I need to tighten them up.
Not gassy or bloaty though.
I can't cut out dairy or carbohydrates to any degree , my diet is restricted enough.
I can switch to wholemeal (which I don't like) but I'll give it a go.


Since I've come back from holiday, I'm not watching Corrie or Emmerdale (I missed 2 weeks) so thats an hour of my life a day I've got back

DD and I are going to try an evening swim. I'll carry on with my adults swim (so I'll do two swims a week).

[TallulahBetty]

Sounds good OP, I believe that it's not realistic or healthy to cut out whole food groups.

[Kezztrel]

Pilates - tones up the core to hold your stomach in but v gentle on your injuries. You needs to do it properly though, its v easy to turn up to a class and get nothing out of it. A few one on one lessons (usually at least £35 unfortunately) really help to start you off. Then you can go to classes or do it on your own. Your stomach muscles should kill afterwards if you've been doing it right!

[Lazysuzanne]

Another vote for pilates and I also found some personal sessions helped me to really get it.

When you've learnt some of the exercises you can lie on the floor and do it while watching corrie/emmerdale (or whatever is your poison:o)
2 birds with one stone