Being mistaken for pregnant!

[Sapphire18]

Still smarting at something that happened at the weekend - someone I had just met asked me if I was pregnant! I am feeling particularly sensitive about this as have had some weight gain recently so was wearing an empire line dress as it was one of the few things that fits me at the moment!
Any tips for reducing my bloaty tummy?

Sapphire There's nothing much you can do to 'target' areas for weight loss. It might well be that when you put on weight, you just hold it around your belly. Everyone's different. I tend to hold weight around my hips and arse.

Have you tried changing your diet to reduce bloating? I don't mean go on a diet as such but cut down on gluten, the amount of fizzy drinks, the amount of dairy etc.

Are you trying to lose weight?

Sorry to say but I think empire line dresses and tops are awful and, TBH, I tend to assume that people wearing them are pregnant.

I have 4 DC so have to be careful as my tummy is a tricky area.

I avoid anything that closely resembles anything that could be mistake for maternity wear, so smock tops and leggings and certain dresses.

I also wear spanx or the M&S all in one equivalent. I also don't eat wheat as it bloats me, or drink fizzy drinks for the same reason. Pilates is also fantastic.

It could well be because empire line clothes tend to either be or closely resemble maternity clothes, rather than your shape?

I love empire dresses but I think they're a very good fit for people with small waists and big hips. This is because they accentuate the waist while hiding the hips. So I think you should stay clear of them or any tops that draw attention to your waist (and also avoid belts over your middle).
Try more straight line dresses, that have a continuous pattern all over or colour blocking, V necklines or nice detail at the shoulder.

I cut out carbs fir a couple of months and noticed my belly bloating went down almost immediately. I wander if that was mainly from cutting out bread?

Yes I think I do need to cut down on wheat as it always bloats me. I get full very easily and sometimes uncomfortable after eating.
My big problem area (apart from resisting cakes!) is wheat free packed lunches - what to do other than sandwiches?

I buy those packets of pre-cooked rice. The brown is really filling so a whole bag lasts 2 days, so rice with salad and chicken and tomatoes, or with tuna and mayo or anything else that will go.

Cold Spanish omelette if I am organised enough.

Oat cakes.

Sushi if I am buying sandwiches from the supermarket.

Left over dinner from the night before.