Feeling down about weight and body

[Theresalwaysmoneyinthebananastand]

I am not overweight or close to it, but I feel like I spent half my life bloated due to menstruation, heat waves, and so on.
Just sick of having a big bloated belly, wobbly huge thighs and bottom heavy.
I used to be a size 6 and wore skirts, shorts and so on, now I cover up all the time which is a shame.
I am big chested too so have to be careful which sorts of tops/dresses I wear, find myself trying to cover them up usually.
For breakfast I eat either porridge or Greek yoghurt with honey and fruit.
Lunch a wholemeal sandwich with protein or a jacket potato with cottage cheese for instance, and a packet of low fat crisps or nuts.
Dinner can vary, but tends to include protein, carbs and vegetables.
I snack on small pepperami sticks, cheesestrings etc as they're low carb and high protein.
I do treat myself each day to a couple of biscuits, or a brownie or something.
Don't drink any alcohol at all.

I do exercise, i don't constantly do high intensity workouts but I do weights, walk a lot, bike etc.

Today, I ate porridge with honey for breakfast, and an apple.
Morning snack- cheesestring.
Lunch- falafel and bean wrap.
Afternoon snack- pepperami.
Dinner- pasta Bolognese with veg and some cream custard biscuits for dessert.
Snack- baked crisps.

I don't think this is a horrendous diet, it's not absolutely perfect but I don't see how I could be so out of shape.
Appreciate any feedback and suggestions.

I do get hungry often so I try to eat little and often.
So many eating plans out there, low carb, 16:8, slimming world and so on. Not sure what's best to follow.
I know this seems ridiculous as I'm a healthy weight, I am just not what I used to be and feel insecure about my legs and thighs in skirts and so on

If you’re a healthy weight, then you don’t need to diet.

Sounds like you need to get weightlifting! That will transform your body shape. Is doesn’t have to mean building bulky muscle, but you will get lean and toned.

If you can afford it, book a few sessions with a personal trainer and develop a programme personal to you, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can sculpt your body!

Good luck!

I'm also sick of the constant weight gain before and during my period, it makes you feel like you've been overeating when you haven't, as I say it's about half the month every time and I feel like there's little that can be done about it sadly.

How tall are you, and how much do you weigh? What size clothes are you wearing now?

Thank you, I could try and step it up.
My thighs are so out of proportion with my calves and plus I've got quite short legs despite being 5'7. Well not short, but short for my height.
I live in long dresses now or leggings with long tops, it's a shame really.
I probably could do with the gym more

I'm literally just under 5'7.
I weigh 62kg this week but I'm usually around 61.
Clothes size varies depending on the shop lol

Don't want this to offend anybody it's just everyone carries weight differently and looks different with it

I've got that sort of body where if I overeat a bit one day I'll be bloated and wobbly for about 3 days after it

You are a perfectly healthy weight then.

Whats your water intake like?

Probably the equivalent to one small bottle a day maybe more.. no tea or coffee.
Yes I'm in the healthy weight category but it's more about how my body feels. Sick of having a big pregnant belly each month because of periods and my thighs feel huge.

Some of the food you are eating sounds quite salty, so you could have some water retention because of high salt intake. Are you drinking enough water?

Here's my stomach just so you can see how bloated I get

Yes maybe it is a little too salty. I thought I was drinking adequate water but I will try to up it

Is your stomach always like that, or does it go flattish when you're not bloated?
If only sometimes like that, then definitely try water first. If that's not it, keep a food diary and try to find out what's causing the bloating. It could also be lifestyle/exercise related. I bloat if I flop on the sofa after dinner for example! I need to move!

I'm like you (very similar height and weight). In the morning my stomach is fairly flat but as soon as I start eating I bloat right up! By the end of the day I look 5 months pregnant. I suppose I should try cutting out foods that bloat you (wheat, dairy?) but I love bread and cheese! I think I'd rather have a bloated belly than live a life without bread and cheese. I'm also 47 and have heard it can be related to perimenopause too - however I've had this as long as I can remember.

My stomach is always a little bloated to some extent, but it's usually this bad when I have my period which is now. I'm sick of it but don't know how to get rid of it.
I will try the water and food diary definitely.

You are very very slim.

Yes you could have healthier diet but absolutely should not lose weight!

You may have body dysmorphic disorder?

Probiotics, prebiotics and feed them well.

Agree on salt and drink way more than small bottle. This is not a weight issue. It's health issue with probably not so well ticking digestive and too little drink. I used to be always bloated until I started eating more for the gut health

Is this all you drink all day? You should be drinking the equivalent in ml to the calories you eat generally, so 2000ml for a normal 2000cal food intake. Honestly drinking water is amazing what it does for your body in terms of reducing bloat, feeling healthy and energised! You don’t need to diet or lose weight but please up your water intake! Maybe try a multivitamin too 😁

I’d up your water intake if you seriously meant you drink one small bottle of water a day and no other liquid, that’s not enough for anyone of any age/size! Weight lifting and running are great for losing belly fat.

No sorry I meant that's how much water I drink, I also drink fruit juice, diet sodas (i know) milkshakes, etc.
I take multivitamins and I'll start probiotics again.

Agreed I'm nowhere near overweight, I just can't believe the size of my stomach.

My legs are a little short for my height too which has never helped

If your legs and bum are out of proportion (can't tell from pics) have you looked at lipodema?

Bingo. Not enough water. You need to treble your intake, at least. Try to cut down on processed food and eat more green salad instead.