A solution

[coccinelle]

Since I stopped smoking 3 years ago I feel I've been on a diet all this time in fact I've been eating healthily but now have this produding stomach but I'm not overweight . I am slim but this stomach makes me look out of proportion! I eat very sensibly, maybe too sensibly! Will I really have to lose 4 kgs to see a difference? This means dieting even more...

[Eve]

Is it fat or more bloating as, if the latter, you could try and find out what triggers the bloating.

If fat then toning may be the way to go.

Some medical conditions can cause such symptoms, far more likely to be something like lack or tone or bloating though but worth bearing in mind if any other problems.

[Gok Wan]

So which would you rather have - a bit of a pot belly or the increased chance of dying from lung cancer due to being a smoker? I know which I would go for...

[coccinelle]

No I'm not pregnant tonyted! and I know Gok Wan it's better this than risking lung cancer but I find this problem hard to accept. I'm very careful with what I eat but as soon as I have a meal (always small) my stomach protrudes.
Jenna I've tried cutting out dairy (I do like milk and yoghourt) then wheat (love wholemeal bread) but it just seems as though anything I eat causes the problem. I'm flat on a morning so I don't think it's medical.
Thanks for your answers, very much appreciated.

[DaisyMae]

It sounds like a muscle tone problem. Try a visit to the gym and talk to one of the trainers, they will suggest some exercises which you can probably do at home.

[coccinelle]

Thank you DaisyMae I think I will. My tummy is flat it's just the stomach!