Quote:
Originally Posted by rawbanana
Sacha-I do a sit up routine 3x a week but I probably need to do more-its a long routine and usually takes 20-30min to get thru but I dont fatigue my abs enough when I do it I think...
As far as protein, I try to get 50-75g a day or more...my breakfast alone is usually 20-30 grams...do I need more?
|
I believe I've found the problem
To
retain muscle when losing fat, you'll want 1g/pound lean mass of protein (you have more than 50-75lbsof lean mass, more likely, I would up your protein intake to 100g/lb minimum). As you've been running so much and eating so little (I did that elimination diet too!), you've lost a lot of muscle along with fat. So you are lower scale weight, but same composition.
Your 'strength' routine needs a lot of work. Your full body compound movements (ie. with an Olympic barbell) such as squat, deadlift, press, will work your abdominals far more than a bunch of situps. MUCH more. Imagine strapping 100lbs on your back and attempting to squat that - imagine how hard you must use your muscles to balance that. I used to have a 6 pack (my baby is quite young too), and I actually never did a situp. Ever. Heavy compound lifts were all I needed.
I suggest looking at the book "New Rules of Lifting for Women" <- it will help dispell a lot of myths about lifting AND help you break out of the "skinny fat" mode that you have entered (low body weight but higher body fat and still unhappy).
Good luck!
PS you do not have to give up running, but I suggest that effective cross training be a more important element in routine.