Losing belly fat

I am 14 years old and weigh 102 pounds. I have a huge pocket of fat around my stomach and I was wondering what foods would get rid of the fat. How many calories should I be eating a day to lose weight? Also, I've started doing 8 minute abs, does it work? Thanks! 

Maddie

I don't know what your stats are and you are a teen so things are a little different with you.

Since you don't need to lose weight, I would NOT recommend dieting.

One thing I know works for little bellies is running.  It's great for your whole body. There is not magic food that gets rid of certain body parts.

As far as the ab workouts, you will build and tone your abs, but you'll have to run off the access belly (also, please keep in mind that I don't know if you're underweight or unhealthy...I'm just telling you what I now about running, but not dieting). Keep eating and exercising...it's great for the mind and body.

I'm 5'2 and weigh 102 pounds. I go for a run about 3 days a week for about 3 miles, but I'm not seeing any improvement. Thank you for the advice!

You still have some growing to do (not just height), and you're at a healthy weight for your age and height, so calorie restriction would be a bad idea.  It would only lower your metabolism.

You're not too young to start weight training.  It's never too early to think about building muscle.  I've been weight training for the last 5 months and lost over 4 inches off my belly (and I've lost inches off the rest of my body as well, but that was the most dramatic change).  Granted, I've also been calorie restricting, but not severely, and I'm overweight.  I've lost just under 15 lbs, but from the comments I get, people think I've lost a lot more than that.

Building muscle will make you stronger and raise your metabolism.  If you start now, you're a lot less likely to have a weight problem as you get older.

Since you asked about food, while you shouldn't be "dieting," eating healthy foods instead of overly processed junk never hurt anyone.  Focus on getting plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, low fat dairy, and healthy fats such as olive oil, avacado and nuts.  There's no reason you shouldn't have a treat now and then, so long as the bulk of your diet is from healthy sources.

Hi, Tink,

I have a daughter who is 19 years old, 5'2" and weighs 105 pounds.  She is gorgeous.  I bet you have a dynamite shape.  She was complaining about her "tummy" to me, and I told her that no one under the sun would think she has a tummy problem! 

If I were you, I would ask a girlfriend who could be completely honest with you about what you think is your "problem tummy."  Ask your mom, or sister, or other women you might trust to be honest with you.

Some "curvature" of the abdomen is simply being a WOMAN.  We live in a society that sets very unrealistic standards for us.  Its on the TV, magazines, etc. 

Dont get into the habit of disliking your body.  Like what has been shared, eat healthy.  YOu need enough calories at your age to get sufficient nutritents and calcium, etc. to build a strong body.  Just eat healthy foods, and enjoy your body by being active.  But dont get obcessive.

With the height and weight you shared, I bet most girls your age would die to have your figure!