[Lauran]

Hi,
Im 24 year old female. I have a healthy BMI (normal). I don't eat a lot and I had been working out in the gym doing both weight and cardio about 3 time a week. However, I am still looking very fat. How come ? I am not obese under the BMI range and I eat very little. How do I make myself look slimer ?

Regards
Lauran

[Clough]

If you are working out at a gym and eating healthy things, then I would give it some time. It can take many months of training to get to look better and to be the weight that you want. Please be patient. It sounds like you are on the right track to accomplish your goal.

I would also get with a trainer to see about exercises and weight training concerning the toning of the appearance of your body.

[lovelesspa]

It is possible to gain weight in the first few weeks when you start exercising,( because of a gain in muscle mass can be 2-3 lbs.) Another change is an increase in blood volume, our bodies increase blood volume so more oxygenated blood can be supplied to muscle. So be patient with this. The cardio and weights are great that your doing. Small changes, it takes only a 500 calorie deficit below your BMR to loss 1 pound of body fat per week. Create a 250 calorie deficit through your diet and exercise. Don't weight yourself every week. 2-3 lbs aweek loss is good, work out for 2 weeks, weight yourself, if you haven't lost 1 lb, lower your intake, Drinks tons of water also. Try walking also, work up to a mile 2-3 times a week. Make sure your cutting out the fatty foods, high sodium or sugar foods, and white flour. Smaller portions, eat 2-3 oz of protein with every meal. And most importantly, read nutritional labels, and really stick to the one serving size... of everything per meal! Just give it time, you'll get there!

[1busymaniam]

Hi Lauran ,
Sounds like you do some things right . Clough had some good words about patience , time and trainer . Lovelesspa always can discuss nutrition quite thoroughly . Now me in the equation .
You typed " had been working out " as in past tense . Have you stopped working out ? You worked out 3 times a week . You may require 4-5 workouts a week to see an acceptable weight loss ? Of course you need to drink 4-5 liters of water every 24 hours . Don't forget the sittups , crunches , ball , etc. to look slimmer .
Good luck... Russell

[templelane]

Hi the other posters all gave great advice but here is another approach which I think may be applicable..

Perhaps you only look fat to yourself? I'm not saying you have an Eating Disorder but perhaps there is some other emotional issue here that you are projecting onto your body. Sometimes you have to believe the scales. It seems to be very common (with the people I know at least) for how people feel to influence how they think look.

Perhaps extending your focus onto other things i.e. charity work will help you feel better about yourself. Do things to improve yourself esteem - join clubs, go out with friends etc.

When you look in the mirror and think you look fat- ask yourself why. See if you can figure out the underlying issue - and remedy that.