Operation Bikini - 2 weeks and counting

You could say that I started Operation Bikini back in March 2009 when I began the 30 Day Shred. And it's true. I've lost just about 45lbs in the last 10 months.

But even though I'm even below my pre-pregnancy weight, that doesn't mean I'm prancing around in bikinis at the pool or beach.

Yet.

So, maybe I've sported some lingerie (and cropped shirts - thanks to my MIL), but if you notice, my stomach is always covered.

Of all the things on my body (and don't laugh, we all have them), I'm most self conscious about my stomach. Since I stopped ballet right before I left for college, I've always had a pouch of fat over it (over my belly button), and no matter what I do, it never goes away.

And now, there's the extra saggy skin, that while seems firm when you look at it, definitely still jiggles.

I really have no idea what to do about that. And I'm pretty sure that it won't matter how many sit-ups I do. That skin will still be there. But I reallllllllllllly want to wear a bikini at the beach. And I want to get over my hang-up.

But I also want to firm up my tummy.

Now it's a matter of figuring out how to do that - through both diet and exercise.

Who's got suggestions?

Comments

[Daisy]

I know this isn't along the lines of wearing a bikini BUT jCrew & more have some truly cute and fun one piece suits out right now.

[Kimberly Place]

Have you tried Pilates? I teach at a studio next to Atlanta Ballet's Cobb location on Windy Hill. We also have a studio near Emory. In addition to private and group Pilates, we also have this nifty new thing called ActiveCore. It helps you activate dormant muscles and amps up your Pilates workout that much more. www.studiolotus.com

[Dawn]

I don't have any tips, but I am right there with you. My stomach was always the one part of my body I was happy with till I had my daughter. And now 16 months later, I still have that little pouch of lose skin and it drives me crazy!

[Erin]

I am dealing with post-baby belly issues - even down 20 pounds - so I'm interested to see what works for you!

[mayberry]

Is there any truth to that Flat Belly Diet stuff? I think it involves certain foods to eat/not eat...

[Aimee]

Right there with you, ladies. Three babies later, I wish I had appreciated my six pack when I had it. Now, I feel like I'll never get it back.

I'm a working mom of 3 boys, and I don't have too much gym time. The Shred was damned close to a miracle for me, and I do a lot of walking and jogging, as well. My weight is not pre-preg, but my quads are HUGE now, so I think that's part of it.

While the Shred - and a high protein vegetarian diet - brought my belly down significantly, it still ain't pretty. I'm not sure if anything will work (I've heard walking is best, though) and I'm wondering now if I should just consider the belly flab a "battle scar" and learn to be proud of it!

I've heard that detoxes make a difference. Has anyone tried Jillian's? Curious to see what's worked for others.

[Kristen]

I'm going to check out the belly diet, Cathy. My guess is that it cuts down on the sugar for sure - probably even fruit too.

[Erica]

Kristen, I have the exact same issue with that stupid above-the-belly-button spot (and I've never had kids). After losing 70 lbs and toning like mad, I have no ass left but my stomach doesn't seem to care. It drives me batty.

I, too, am starting to wonder if cutting down on sugar might be the right kind of magic. I'm wondering if switching to savory snacks would be a good beginning to weaning myself off sugar fixes (but in the battle of sweet fruit vs. bland veg, I choose fruit every time).

[kelly]

Tummy tuck is the way to go. I know, it's surgery, but after several kids there's just so much you can do to get a flat tummy.

[Felicia]

Did anyone try the book Lose Your Mummy Tummy? I've heard mixed results...

[Kimberly Place]

Has anyone tried this?

http://www.physique57.com/