[timarie]

You've made such amazing progress! I'd like to try to bulk up my bum as well, I mean it's bubble-ish shaped but flabby fat. I rather have it be a compound of fat and mostly muscle so I'm definitely going to try this and Let's see where I end up in a year and a half
One thing I'd really like to ask is if you knew anyway I could get rid of a lower belly pouch. It's slight but noticeable.

Hi!

I know the type you're talking about! That is a great butt to work with! If you typically gain fat in your butt first and lose it there last, you won't be losing all--or even most--of the fat on your toosh! Which is actually really GOOD news for you (if your goal is like mine, to get a big, perky butt-- just as you said, a compound of both fat and lots of muscle). If you keep the fat on your butt and build up muscle for more volume from underneath, your butt will get even bigger and perkier! For example, mine is a bunch of both So I am sure you can easily get these results!

As for your lower belly pouch: you wouldn't happen to be a natural hourglass shape, would you? Having a fatty bum and lower belly pouch are typical for natural hourglass shapes.
Since that is likely your trouble-spot, I would not try to cut on your caloric intake a whole lot, as you will lose fat all over before you lose it from that pouch! Now if you don't mind losing weight from all over for the sake of losing the pouch then sure, but I wouldn't focus on that method if I were you.

For your particular situation, I would recommend you try the stomach vacuum exercise. The key is to be consistent with it and to do it as often as you can throughout the day. This will help pull in your body's natural corset and tighten your core. Also, keep a high intake of fiber if you aren't already. Regular bowels are one of the best ways to help keep a trim tummy. You can also take a supplement called "CLA" that is proven to help lose fat around the waist. It is naturally found in all cow products such as beef and milk, and you can buy it at any vitamin store in gel capsules. Finally, you can try spot reduction for that little bit of stubborn fat that just won't go away. Keep in mind that it is tricky, though and will take some time to see results. See post #90 of this thread (where I answer another woman with a similar question as yours) wherein other references are made to the all other posts with the above listed recommendations discussed in more detail! Let me know if you have any other questions Good luck!