The Fat Girl's Guide to Living

One of my “resolutions” for 2010 has been to get re-focused on finding/developing great dinner recipes that don’t take a lot of time to put together. There’s nothing better than a really great meal on an otherwise “regular” day, but most weekdays we find it really difficult to come home and spend an hour and a half in the kitchen cooking dinner. Too late, too tired, too hungry… if there’s not something easy in the queue, it’s highly likely we’re going to skip cooking and go straight to take out or pizza.

A recent favorite is a more sophisticated take on tacos — Cumin-Crusted Pork Soft Tacos, a take on a recipe from FGG’s beloved magazine, Cooking Light. These beauties satisfy any craving for Mexican food, and I love the freshness of the corn-tomato salsa (which you can easily assemble while the pork cooks). Sometimes we eat them with black beans and rice, others we just have tacos with a side of margaritas; but no matter what you decide to accompany them with, they’re pretty amazing for something that comes together in about 20 minutes.

Cumin-Crusted Pork Soft Tacos
(adapted from Cooking Light)
Pork:
2.5 teaspoons  ground cumin
1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2  teaspoon  salt
1/4  teaspoon  black pepper
1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut in half crosswise into two, 1/2 pound pieces
1  tablespoon olive oil

Salsa:
1/2  cup frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
12 grape tomatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons red onion, diced
1 1/2  teaspoons fresh lime juice

Chipotle Sour Cream:
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, minced

8  (6-inch) corn tortillas

To prepare pork, combine first 4 ingredients. Rub cumin mixture over pork. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork; cook 4 minutes or until browned on all sides. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 15 minutes until a thermometer registers 155°. Remove pork from heat; let stand 5 minutes. Cut pork across grain into thin slices.

To prepare salsa, combine corn and next 3 ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

To prepare chipotle sour cream, combine sour cream and chipotle.

Wrap tortillas, 4 at a time, in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high 20 seconds. Place about 1 ounce pork onto each tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons salsa and a dollop of sour cream. Fold in half.

Yield: 4 servings

Jennifer Rice, owning it on the dance floor

Music and dance are universal among every human culture, and some of the most memorable moments in our lives  and in our favorite movies involve dance. (Scent of a Woman, anyone? Or perhaps you’re a Singing in the Rain kind of girl).  Like music and singing, there’s just something that connects us when we see the human body move, either in time with other bodies or with grace or fiery intensity on its own. While the dance community isn’t quite renowned for body acceptance (yet), times are changing and new forms of dance are evolving along with them, in the arts (check out The Big Ballet), fitness (or do you prefer Vixen Fitness?) and just for fun (Heard of hooping? Read on to learn more). Maybe you’ve always wanted to dance but never took the time. Perhaps you’re shy about putting yourself out there, or worried about any physical limitations due to your size or what shape you’re in (or aren’t). Girls, this is the guide for you.

What will people think of a fat girl dancing?

You know what we’re going to say to this one, right? Nobody puts Baby in a corner! Sure, we make it sound easy to just get out there and shake what your mama gave you when in reality, it isn’t. It’s scary wondering if we’ll be the biggest girl in the room, or unable to move with the rest of the class because we’re novices. We’re all frightened of people mocking or questioning us–it’s human nature.

But taking chances on our own behalf is invigorating, and the more often we nudge our toes past our carefully padded comfort zones, the easier it becomes over time. “We women need to have as much joy in our lives as possible,” says Jennifer Rice, a former competitive swing dancer, curvy girl, and founder of TailspinHoops.com, a site dedicated to “hooping,” a relatively new dance form using – you guessed it – hula hoops. “With all of the obligations we have these days, we need to get back to doing the things that fuel us emotionally and spiritually,” she adds. “If you really want to learn how to dance, denying yourself the joy you’ll feel and that you know in your heart you were meant to experience is to deny one of the reasons you were put on this earth.”

What type of dance should I choose, and are there any forms I should avoid?

“There are two ways to approach this,” says Rochelle Rice (no relation to Jennifer), author of Real Fitness for Real Women and a fitness and dance instructor for plus size women.  “Either try a few things to see what feels right for your body and abilities, or try some of the curvier dance classes, like African, Bollywood, or belly dancing. In Bollywood especially, the movement is slow and centered on the pelvis and the arms, providing a nice way to connect with the body.”

Either way, go for something you think you’ll have fun doing or that you’ve wanted to try for a while. “The best dance styles are the ones that fit your personality and your body,” says Vanessa Isaac, a dance and fitness instructor who created the popular Brazilian Dance Workout. Isaac’s favorites for beginners include: ballroom, belly dancing, modern, salsa, Brazilian, samba (and Latin dance in general), and Nia.

As far as styles to avoid, “hip hop can be hard on the joints, especially if you have an instructor who teaches dance combinations with a lot of level changes (like quickly popping up from a squatting position),” says Jennifer Rice. “Lindy hop, a form of swing dancing, can be tough on the knees for a larger girl because there’s a lot of swiveling involved.” That’s not to say you shouldn’t try these dance forms, but if you aren’t limber in certain areas or have knee or other joint issues, talk with your instructor first and ask about modifying certain moves.

Where should I take lessons, and what should I look for in an instructor or class?

If you’re just starting out, look for beginner level classes – local park districts, recreation centers, and community colleges usually offer beginner level courses that allow students to get a feel for a particular style. Always research what the class is about and the background of the instructor–credentials, how long he or she has been teaching, etc. “The best teachers are the ones with good fitness experience and education, are members of national associations, and are professional dancers themselves,” says Isaac. Talk with students to get a sense of either the style you’re interested in or a specific instructor or studio. If there’s a feeling of community and support in a class, that’s a good sign, says Isaac.

“Make sure to have an open dialogue with your instructor so he or she knows your individual needs,” says Rochelle Rice. “Even if they have limited experience with plus size students, if they’re good, they should be able to figure it out from an anatomical perspective and make modifications you can do instead.” So don’t be afraid to speak up in your favor if you’re unsure about any aspect of a class. “Remember that the right class for you exists and you’ll feel at home when you enter the room,” says Isaac. “It may be uncomfortable at first, but the energy of the people and the instructor will make you feel welcome.” Instructors should be responsive and attentive; if they’re more into themselves than you, or don’t seem receptive to having overweight students, move on and keep looking.

How should I dress?

“First and foremost, get a supportive bra like an Enell or a sports bra,” says Rochelle Rice. “This protects the breasts and makes it easier to move while doing turns and other moves.” Rice often sees women overdress for dance classes, which leaves them feeling overheated and flustered instead of focused on the movements. “Leave the sweatpants at home,” she says. A breathable v-neck tee and leggings that aren’t too thick are great for starters. Call ahead to ask what you should wear, since every type of dance will have its own attendant gear, from tap shoes to ballroom dance shoes with smooth soles that allow dancers to glide across the floor.

Are you ready to try this, girls? Please come back and tell us about it if you do. And remember, “It’s not just about getting out there and doing something new, it’s about holding your head high and owning it,” says Jennifer Rice.

That’s the FGG spirit. If that’s not enough inspiration for you, here’s a glimpse of how much fun it can be to get up, get out there, and dance, courtesy of Jennifer Rice:

Once upon a time, I was shy about wearing knee socks

While we’re lucky enough to have readers around the globe, it’s cold and gray where I live in the midwestern U.S. While I love winter, once the snow disappears and the sun goes into hiding for days on end, I start hankering for color. As a treat,  I bought some new nail polish in a shade I never wear: pearly pink. I couldn’t stop peeking at my beautiful toes – that one tiny choice just lit up my whole weekend, and I got such a thrill from stepping outside of my tried and true, earthy matte palette.

That’s where the challenge comes in: try on a new color you never wear, whether in your hair, on your nails, or in your wardrobe. Maybe you’ll find some tights or shoes in an awesome new color. Perhaps it’s time to hit the salon to finally add that vibrant red or funky purple to your hair. Maybe that tattoo you’ve been wanting for years is in order, or you can play around in photo editing software to give yourself a new eye color. Post a link to a photo (or add it to our FGG Girls Flickr Group and link to it from there), and tell us about your adventure with a new-to-you color. We’ll pick the challenger who steps the furthest outside of her comfort zone to win a prize.

Photo by Mike Baird

This question landed in our inbox this morning, and because time was of the essence, we decided to (ahem) gallop with it:

Hello! I was wondering if you could help me out. I’m going horse riding for the first time for a hen’s weekend and am more than a little anxious about it. I’d really appreciate any and all advice.”

This isn’t the first time we’ve received a question about horseback riding, particularly whether a bigger gal might be too much for a horse to handle. We poked around online a bit and found that there is some controversy in this area; obviously people of all shapes and sizes can and do ride horses, but in the equestrian community, opinions can be pretty strong about how big is too big, but reading between the lines it seems that it is possible to ride responsibly if you’re overweight.

We spoke with Mary Midkiff, founder of Women & Horses,™ which covers female-specific training with an eye toward the care of and empathy for the horses while riding. Many big, tall men ride horses, and we wondered whether this was analogous to a 250-pound woman mounting up, and Midkiff agreed. “You could hurt the horse if the horse is too small,” she said. “For a person of that size, I’d want to see them on a draft horse or a draft type horse–in other words, a heavy-boned, bigger horse.” Before riding, call and ask if there are any weight limitations for riders, because every place will have horses of different sizes and abilities, and every stable will have different preferences about riders’ ability levels and size.

What to wear

We’ve all seen cowboys riding horses, and cowboys (and girls) wear jeans, right? Not if you’re a beginner, says Midkiff. “They’ll rub you around the knee, calf, and upper thigh, and the seams at the crotch can be uncomfortable over time.” She suggests investing in a pair of plus size riding tights, or if you’re not sure you’ll be riding often, wear pants with a straight leg that stretch well with some padded bicycling shorts underneath. “Some women are embarrassed to wear riding tights because they are tight and they do show a lot, but you can wear a longer shirt or jacket over them,” says Midkiff. Skip the yoga pants or boot cut jeans if you’ll be riding English style (as opposed to Western style–read about the differences here), to prevent getting caught in the stirrups.

There’s a reason cowboy boots have heels, and so should your footwear when riding. A shoe or boot with a 1″ heel will keep your foot from sliding through the stirrup, so leave your gym shoes at home. Some Western saddles have toe guards, but unless you know your stable will have them, don’t count on that. Midkiff insists on protective headgear, too: “There are equestrian-specific helmets that meet the safety standards for riding and run in the $30-50 range,” she says. Most, if not all outfitters provide helmets, but Midkiff suggests bringing a bicycle helmet along just in case. Finally, here’s where having an Enell or similarly structured, high impact, minimum bounce sports bra will serve you well, because there will be bouncing–even more if your horse decides to trot, canter, or is spooked.

Before you ride

Horseback riding doesn’t just bounce your jiggly parts, it also works your inner thighs in ways most other activities don’t. Therefore, stretching the inner thighs is important and warming up the core muscles with some pelvic tilts is a good idea, too.  “Always ask your outfitter for a mounting block or to stand on a hay bale – something secure and sturdy – to help you mount the horse,” says Midkiff. “For one thing, you don’t want to stand on anything unstable where you can lose your balance, and if you mount from the ground, you torque the horse’s back.” A good outfitter will demonstrate how to mount and then help you properly–and safely–climb aboard.

After riding

If you’re sore after riding, Midkiff recommends a hot bath with bath salts to soothe aching muscles. Expect soreness in the inner thighs, glutes, and piriformis muscles. “You’re doing a lot of gripping with the inner thighs just naturally while riding,” says Midkiff. “So when you get off, you’ll feel like one of those bowlegged cowboys.” For bruises, she suggests arnica gel or lotion, which you can find at most natural or health food stores.

Girls, share your own experiences with horseback riding in comments, and if you love horses, too, consider contributing to an organization right in Toni’s back yard, the Hooved Animal Humane Society.

Comfortable in my own pants

I love yoga. The reasons are many: it’s a low impact activity (perfect for my myriad prior injuries), practice can be adjusted to suit just about any ability level (no need to take one of those overachieving “power yoga” classes to reap its benefits) and body type (I am a master at adjusting poses to suit my ample lower belly), and it makes me feel fantastic, inside and out (I leave class feeling both relaxed and energized – unlike anything else physical I do, except maybe for sex!).

Let’s face it: yoga pants are inexpensive and easy to find at just about any major retailer. Those yoga pants are just fine, and fortunately, you don’t need any specialized equipment to practice yoga. But if you want comfortable, well-made, sturdy, flattering yoga pants that will last you for years, check out these beauties from Land’s End. The fabric wicks away moisture from your body and prevents the growth of bacteria–distinct advantages if you’re a sweaty Betty like me. They’re also nicely insulated–I never feel the cold when walking to and from yoga in our freezing Illinois winters–and I just love the thickness and firm flexibility of this fabric.

The only down side to these yoga pants is the price: $48.50 for plus (IX and 2X) and tall sizes (where regular and petite pay $42.50). However, my pear-shaped, size 20-but-pushing-22-for-a-while-now bod fits into their regular XL (listed as an 18-20). Also, I only buy these on sale, and they are marked down once or twice a year–sign up for email deals on the Land’s End home page (they arrive almost-daily but there are new offers all the time) and become a fan on Facebook, where unique specials sometimes pop up. Finally, check your local Land’s End at Sears stores for in-store sales that aren’t advertised on the web and the Land’s End Outlet stores if you have one in your area (I once found the yoga pants for $28 at a Sears store).

Whatever your budget (and as a feast-or-famine freelancer, I love a good bargain), it’s always a good idea to have some items that really work in your wardrobe and are built to last. If all this yoga-in-comfy-pants talk has you excited to try yoga, check out the Fat Girl’s Guide to Yoga, and look for an upcoming Stuff We Love on yoga tops soon. And as always, share your fave finds in the comments section.

Incomplete Self byTinyBeauregard

This one was just fun. And cool. And the fact that the printed image (what we see) was less of herself than the negative (what’s really there) was a nice metaphor for how we often see ourselves vs. how we truly are.

What funky image can you create of yourself that speaks to the subject of body image? Get your photo in at the FGG Girls Flickr group before next Sunday for a chance to win January’s prize. If you need a little inspiration, Jamie Bates and MidnighteSkye are already hot on that trail with some great examples.

Most nights, a couple of hours after dinner, I find myself thinking about dessert. Scavenging around the kitchen looking for something sweet, I discover I have a few choices: skip dessert, grab a big glass of water, and try to distract myself; sniff out the nearest chocolate bar or bowl of ice cream and indulge just a little, or find something in between – balancing sweetness with responsibility.

Depending on the day, any of these options are perfectly acceptable in my world, as long it’s a conscious decision rather than mindless eating (my downfall). However, I try to choose the middle road and throw together something that satisfies my sweet tooth and might even provide a little nutritional benefit, too.

One of my fast favorites for a reasonable dessert option is actually also something that’s a breakfast favorite – a yogurt parfait. For about the same calorie intake of a half cup of ice cream, I can have organic yogurt with a punch of protein and antioxidants, and get a little more fruit into my day. Win-win? Yep… and I’ll save the chocolate bar or the ice cream for a day when I really need it.

Blackberry and Granola Yogurt Parfait
1/2 cup lowfat, organic vanilla yogurt, divided
1/4 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen, unsweetened – thawed)
1 tablespoon granola
4-6 raw almonds

In a small bowl, layer in 1/4 cup of yogurt, blackberries, another 1/4 cup of yogurt, granola and almonds. Relax and enjoy!

Yield: 1 serving

Looking for more great recipes? Visit my blog at
http://culinography.wordpress.com