That Darn Muffin Top

I agree with the others. Aim for mid-rise pants rather than low-rise and I bet you notice a big difference. I've found mid-rise holds you in in just the right places. Sounds like you're on the right track with diet and exercise, so keep it up!

Hula-hoop for 5 minutes every morning and night, then jump rope for 10. You will see a difference! lol.

Wear different pants.

Seriously!
Your body changes after kids. Sometimes you need to adjust your wardrobe (in addition to diet and exercise).

I have loose skin on my belly after 2 kids. I can't wear low rise pants anymore. The skin hangs over a bit. So I've had to get rid of some of my old pants.
I'm fitter than I've been in yeras, and I weigh less than I have since high school. But that skin is always there. I've just learned that I need to wear a different style of pants that flatter my "new" body. Makes a HUGE difference!

Mid rise pants all the way! They're not Mom Jeans...don't worry ;) I was petrified to switch to mid rise jeans. Then I tried them on and I was like "WHOA! I look GOOD!" LOL! You just have to get used to your new body.

What kinds or clothing are you selecting? When I choose to wear clothes that are lower on the waiste or on the hips or things that are really too tight for my current size or shorter tighter tops. I have the problem of looing like I have muffin top or probably do have muffin top. Doesn't really matter to me. When I select clothes that fit better, I feel better.

If you really want to eliminate that "muffin" top experience other than camoflauge it, weight training can help target and get that area in shape. Eating leaner foods and fresh fruits and vegetables will help too. Everyone isn't built the same it takes tons of work to get a six pack or even to eliminate the fat extending over the tops of pants.

I find that a combination of dressing better while I'm working on a fitness routine seems to really help. Best of everything to you.

If you are one of those that wear one size smaller than you should because you are embarrassed... don't be. For example, even when I wore size 3/4 in juniors I would still buy medium underwear because I hated the way the small size pinched my waist given me the dread muffin. If you look at any size chart - 3/4 is supposed to measure as a small size. I didn't care. I hate waists that are too tight even though they might be my size so I will go up in size if need be.... of course, as long as they still fit everywhere else. After two LOs I'm up to a size 7/8 and if the size 9 feels better, well, I'm a size 9 ;)

Along with exercise, I carry a pedometer - the goal is 10,000 steps a day and of course, plenty of water to help remove the toxins we accumulate daily. You want to watch your calorie, carb, protein ratio as well. I am currently using a terrific program that offers support, meal planning, a journal to track. You can watch a video here (about 13 minutes) - http://www.video.me/ViewVideo.aspx?vid=417658

Message me if you'd like more info.

Get some spanx!!

And keep doing what you're doing. In the meantime, spanx will help. :)

Have you tried cutting out all processed foods and eating mainly veggies and protein? I was working out like crazy, eating almost nothing and still gaining weight when I tried going on the Atkins diet (this was about 10 years ago) and the weight just started to fall off! I stopped it after awhile, but my husband is pre-diabetic, so we are now being so careful of any carbs at all. We eat mainly veggies and protein and I must say we are doing pretty well. We eat eggs and fruit at breakfast, a big salad for lunch, and some sort of meat with 2 or 3 veggies for dinner. The only carbs we eat (I still give my kids carbs) are whole grain organic. Like brown rice, stone ground corn chips or tortillas, Bread made with sprouted organic wheat, etc. I also make lots of soups using rich stocks made with bones and lots of veggies. It is a big change at first, but you get used to cycling through the fresh veggies and where to get the freshest produce. Good luck.

I agree with Minimes, the darn muffin top can take some time to go, but there is not need to suffer, I had to start buying a bigger size until I lose all, it suck (I was a size 0 before baby #2) but for me it was better look curvy and hot in a 6 then tight and showing my muffin with a 4.
Also, lower your sodium, since it retains water and just keep working out and eating healthy, it will go away.

Pilates and Yoga :-) in addition to the Zumba !! Good luck

please don't do the HCG diet. it only works becuase you're eating 500 calories a day. that is starvation. i study hormones and i don't see this diet as a good thing...adding a hormone into your body. it always comes down to exercise and eating good. not going to happen quick, but with time and exercise you should lose that area. i struggle too but i have no time to exercise which is making me crazy! good luck.

What do you do at the gym other than Zumba?

Hi Krys,

Mine came back when I had to take a 3 month hiatus from hiking. I've read that walking is the best remedy for the dreaded muffin top. Since I'm back to hiking every weekend, it's gotten firmer, not gone yet .. but my hopes are high!!

Good luck!

I'm glad you asked this b/c I always hear this term and I am not exactly what a "muffin top" means. Does it mean belly fat, or just "love handles" around the stomach? If it has anything to do with belly fat or love handles, you need to do a LOT of ab exercises - not just sit-ups, but a lot of different kinds of ab exercises. Please let me know what a muffin top is!

wear leggings more instead of pants. Spanx are also amazing and can help hide the muffin.

I have seen HGC work for many people. It is a very strict diet, but it's only a 3 week regimen. People are loosing 1/2-1 pound a DAY! You may want to look into it.