With your running, do you run consistenyly at one pace? If not, may be worth running intervals of varying pace. May be worth posting up a couple of average days food diaries to see exactly what's eaten?

Thanks Mark. I generally run at the same pace and keep my Heart Rate at same level (approx 70 - 80% max)

My food intake is very simple as its the same every day.

Breakfast none or 2 boiled eggs.
Lunch - Tuna Salad
Supper - Salad and baked fish
Snacks none - sometimes nuts.
It doesnt vary too much other than what sort of fish i eat.

Ahhh we've fodun the possible cause. Although you are eating healthy food options there are a number of possible causes. I'm just off to train a client, but if no further info is added, I'll try to add more tomorrow.

You should definately eat breakfast. Your body has not consumed food overnight, and your metabolism is running slowly. By missing breakfast or having very little it will go into starvation mode and will hold onto fat supplies. Definately eat breakfast, maybe some fruit as well.

Also variation. Your body changes and adpats to variation, this includes both exercise and nutrition. |Eating the same stuff day in and day out, doesnt get the body/metabloism etc working to it's best, and certain nutrients will be missing. How much water do you drink a day?

If you get no further info, email me and I shall help out further as best I can.
regards
Mark
:)

First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. I appreciate it a lot.

I have been keeping a food diary for the past couple of weeks, so i can try and understand the root of my problem. However, I am now going to make a concerted effort to eat breakfast (yoghurt and fruit). A year ago, due to not being able to shift weight of my torso I began a high protein/low carb diet, which worked well for quite a while, however, despite eating the same and exercising the same, i have put weight on again.

I drink on average 4-5 pints a day.

I have tried adding L Carnitine to my diet. Approx 3g and CO Q 10, and L Glutamine. Is this a waste of time/money ?

thanks, em

Do you do any weights at all? Not only will weights 'shape' your body, but extra lean muscle burns calories, so will help with some fat loss. Maybe try cutting your CV work down to 4 days a week, and maybe a max of a 1 hour run.
I've got a feeling you may not be consuming enough calories either, especially if you are running 4-5 times a week.

With regards to the Carntine, I have never used this. Glutamine I have and hvae never notice any real benefits with it! I would look to add some weight bearing exercises into your sessions, and cut back to 3-4 sessions at week with a max of 1 hour. Eat slightly more carbs on a workout day, possibly a bit more fruit and veg as well. Give this a try for a 4-6week period and see how that goes. Feel free to post up any further questions.

Up until 6 months ago, I used to do quite a bit of weight work and i guess was losing weight at that point. Perhaps i shall make my thurs and fri sessions at the gym weights only and then jog (outside) on Mon and Tues eves, and a large run on the weekend.

I dont think i'm eating enough calories for the exercise i do, but am concerned that if i increase my calorie intake then i will of course pile on more weight. What arer yor thoughts on high protein Low carb diets - should i knock it on the head?

I shall let you know how i get on.

Thanks Mark. Much appreciated.

Also one last Question, what are your thoughts on abdominal work - i generally do sit ups, but worry i'm just building up muscle underneath the fat which is of no use. Do you recommend i regularly do sit ups and if so how many should i aim for ?

I dont personally like high protein/low carb diets, although for some people they work. The majority of your energy will come from carbs, and with insufficient amounts you will not be productive, nor will the body be able to fuel/repair itself correctly. Would stick to standard foods. The big misconception is that carbs make you fat. WRONG, excess calories make you fat!! The amount of exercise you are doing will be find for energy expenditure.
You are quite right about situps, core work would be better, planks and cable work. Ask a PT/instructor at your gym for some core cable work. (might be interesting what they suggest!) Situps/crunches on a fitball are ok. Aim for say 2 x 20, twice a week. If you are doing freeweight exercises, incoporate as many as you can on the fitball, and you will be indrectly using your core muscles, and so they get a workout there.

Hope it goes well, keep us informed, and feel free to ask further....

Goodness, 'Planks', 'Cable work', 'Fitball' ... i have no idea what they mean but will try and find out and give them a go. I shall definitly let you know how i am getting on and appreciate your help and advice. I'm keepign a strict exercise and food diary so shall report back.
thanks mark.