I've always been naturally slim but am therefore greedy and lazy; I live in a big city and walk everywhere but I freelance from home (sedentary / too many cups of tea and biscuits).
All this means I am skinny fat/flabby, or whatever the expression is. I'm 5'6 and weigh about 48 kg - which has pretty much been my weight my whole adult life - but am out of shape. Although I look very slim dressed, I have quite a big tummy (look approx 5 months pregnant), flabby arse (can live with that) and worst of all, flabby bingo wings. I never, ever wear sleeveless tops or dresses in the summer, even though I would love to.
On top of all that, because I am overall skinny, I am really looking quite drawn and gaunt in my face. (I'm 48). I had some tests recently for gluten and lactose intolerance (still waiting for results) because of ongoing gastro-issues.
Gastro doctor says gastro issues are probably ibs and I should do cardio 3 times a week as stress-relief. I don't actually want to lose weight but I DO want to tone up. In fact, for my face, I would actively like to put on weight. But it seems that fat goes straight to my upper arms!
I'm confused. What do I need to do? I go round in circles in my head - I should cut down on carbs and sweet food to get rid of the flab. I should do cardio for my mental health. But I could do with putting on weight. If I put on weight and try to tone up my arms will they get even bigger?! I don't think I could bear it.
Any advice? Not keen on yoga but would be up for pilates. Really not keen on running but have done it and would do it again if it's the best thing for me. And food?! It's all so confusing.