Stomach Fat In Your 50s - How To Lose Stubborn Fat From Your Stomach

Like many people who are over 50, I have a pocket of fat that will not go away without a lot of effort on my part. My stubborn fat is stomach fat in my lower abdomen. This is a common place for men to store fat. Other places are the waist and lower back - so called "love handles". Women tend to store fat on the upper arms, thighs and hips. This fat can cause a lot of frustration if you let it. If this is the case, either you have to get rid of the stubborn fat or learn to live with it.

I decided to live with my stubborn fat. I was happy with my exercise and diet and did not want to put much more effort into what I was doing. I would have liked to lose a few more inches off my stomach but I am not looking for the six-pack-abs look. In fact, all in all, I was in pretty good shape and in very good health. My objective has always been to maintain good health and mobility without becoming fanatical. So, my stubborn fat was here to stay - or so I thought. But then things changed.

I picked up a book at a book sale and decided to buy it for reference. The book was about how you could slow the aging process by eating the correct foods for your blood type. It sat at home for a week or so before I opened it up. When I started, I found it fascinating reading. I went through the list of foods I had been eating that created antigens in my body - an antigen is an element that causes the body's immune system to respond (I looked that up).

I was amazed that two of the main foods I ate - milk products and wheat - could cause my body to react as if it was being attacked. In addition to that, there was a long list of other foods - fruit, vegetables and nuts that I thought were good for me, which were working against my well being. I decided to change my food to fit the lists in the book. I changed to the fruits and vegetables that were good for my blood type. Instead of eating wheat or oats cereal for breakfast, I changed to small portions of lean beef and eggs. I stopped eating whole grain sandwiches for lunch. This had surprising results.

Over about a 4-week period, I lost 7 pounds (a little over 3 kilos) - I went from 154 pounds (70 kilos) to 147 pounds (67 kilos) and had to pull in my belt a couple of notches. My exercise regime has not changed, although I could be doing more interval training than I was, so the weight loss was really due to my change in diet. In addition to that, I am sleeping better and, according to my wife, I am not coughing as much at night. I had no idea I had been coughing, so I guess it happened in my sleep.

The loss in stomach fat, my stubborn fat, was a welcome side effect, as I did not set out to do that. Apart from that, I feel more energetic and alert. I thought I felt good before the change but now I feel even better. This weight loss and additional vitality has stayed with me and it is now about 4 months on. These changes are permanent because I will work to make sure they are.

This whole exercise has been a timely reminder for me to be open to new ideas and to be willing to change. Because I was willing to change I feel better and I do not have to live with that stubborn fat after all. Maybe you do not have to live with yours either.


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Losing that stubborn fat can be quite a challenge if you are trying to do it on your own. You will find tips on the right food and the right exercise program at http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-lose-stomach-fat-in-your-50s William Burnell has studied and followed a healthy lifestyle for many years and knows how rewarding it can be.