Exercising, eating better...stomach getting bigger

Okay, I'm starting to get very discouraged.  Over a month ago, I started exercising 5 times a week with cardio and strength training.  I have been pretty sedentary for about a year so I knew it had to be done.  I have seen great results in my mood, energy level, and muscle tone, however, my stomach is getting larger!  I am 52 and do NOT weigh myself because I am afraid to get discouraged anymore than I am.  I recently went off of the birth control pill and I am sure my hormones have a lot to do with it. I knew the stomach would be the last to go, but it is getting bigger.  I am not pregnant...lol.  It also has some muscle tone, but it is under fat.  AND my stomach can't be sucked in much anymore.  

Yesterday, I ate great and small portions. First thing this morning, I look 7 months pregnant.  Anyone???

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

I think you are suggesting about your abdominal girth by referring it to as "stomach".
You should go in a very calculated way, measure your weight, waist line and also your height. Calculate your BMI and then visit a dietician to prepare a neat diet chart. After getting motivated and proper food control you can go ahead vigorously.
By this you will be monitored by a dietician and also your trainer and you can go ahead properly. The hormones sure have lot of side effects and do not worry about what people think.
With sustained effort over a period of time you will lose weight and also your abdominal girth.

Take care!

[RNRita]

Thanks for answering.  The thing that is starting to scare me, is that I am eating much less, more healthy, and I AM losing weight in other parts of my body that do not need it as much.  I have very thin legs and arms.  This stomach looks like I am very pregnant and is firm. I do have some fat on it, but not as much as would cause it to look like this.  It starts from the very top and is round and distended, with no discomfort.  I have always had the ability to push it out and look pregnant, as did my sister, and one daughter, but this isn't funny.  Sucking it in only goes so far.  All my pants are getting tighter.  I think I better see a doc.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You can see a fitness expert and get yourself measured, but I can assure you that you will lose the abdominal girth with sustained exercise and some amount of weights training for longer period. Keep up your motivation and consult a doctor for second opinion.

Take care!

[SassyLassie]

Oh Rita! I can sure relate. I have that exact same problem. I, too, am 52 and the battle of the bulge is beating me. My tummy is so big, I look pregnant and I am eating well, exercising and doing all I should be. It just will NOT go down. Since last year, my weight has gone up 10 pounds and I have no clue as to why. I hate to get on the scale, every time I do, it is up and I get so depressed. I do not know what else to do short of starving myself. I have asked my doctor and she says not to worry that I am doing all the right things, but dog-gone it, I must be doing something wrong, or else, I would not have this tummy, everything else on me is pretty good, just the dang stomach. Geesh.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Diet is very important. Do not starve yourself and that will not be a good idea. Proper balanced diet should be consumed and visit a dietician to make a diet chart for yourself. Completely stop choclates, ice creams, deep fries, junk food, fast food, fatty food etc.

Take care!

[SassyLassie]

Hi Dr. Vinrod~I agree, starving never works, I would never do that, besides, having hypo-glycemia, I couldn't. I am working on stopping all desserts, starches unless they are of the veggie form, and junk food, beside, they are not healthy anyway. I will also try to increase my exercise as well.

Thanks for your reply.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Keep up the good work, feel motivated and over a period of time with sustained effort you would achieve your goals.

Yes veggie salads, veggie based natural junk food, sugar free products containing fat free and artificial sweeteners can be consumed sometimes.

Take care!