The Fat Girl's Guide to Living

Enjoying a first: lounging and reading at the pool

On the first day of summer, the solstice marking the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, I’d like to talk about laziness. Not the unproductive sloth that gets us into trouble, but some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Are you getting enough? I know I’m usually not, but this summer, my annual pool passes became golden tickets to be lazy on a weekly basis.

For years, I’ve gazed longingly through kid-made tidal waves at the women lounging poolside, napping or reading. Meanwhile, my boys required constant supervision, reassurance and modeling that hey, this putting our faces in the water deal isn’t so bad after all. But this is my year: not only did I purchase an adorable tankini on sale based on Angela’s recommendations in our Guide to Figure-Flattering Swimwear, but my kids are old enough to splash around in the zero depth pool without my help or encouragement. This means I’m officially one of the Lounging Moms, and it feels fantastic. Sure, I still jump in to splash around with the kids, but now there is a nice balance between getting cannonballed and catching up on summer reading while visiting with my fellow Lounging Moms.

What about you, girls? Do you have an unexpected license to be lazy this summer? What’s it like? And if not, how can you squeeze some lazy days into your summer?

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Wandering around my local farmer’s market, arms laden with treasures bound for my kitchen, I spotted them: plump, fresh blueberries. I hastily rearranged everything I was carrying to make room for a couple of pints, knowing there were scones in my immediate future.

Scones are one of those things that look a lot more complicated and fussy than they really are. They come together in just a few minutes and with a minimum amount of effort — all the better for impressing everyone the next time you have to whip something up for a bake sale, quick brunch, or afternoon tea. Just barely sweet, they’re perfect with a little butter or clotted cream and jam or – my preference with these monster blueberry scones – a dollop of lemon or lime curd. You can shape them into triangles as you see pictured here, cut them out like biscuits or even just drop them onto your cookie sheet in approximately quarter-cup dollops – no matter which option you choose, you’ll have a wonderfully light and fluffy baked treat in no time.

Many scone recipes call for a full cup of heavy cream, but I like to lighten mine a bit by using half heavy cream and half milk. I also like to use half whole wheat flour (for the added nutritional benefits) and half all-purpose flour (to achieve the expected texture). However, if all you’ve got is heavy cream and regular all-purpose flour, feel free to indulge.

We love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite type of scone? And what’s your favorite way to top them?

Monster Blueberry Scones
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, chilled and cut into pieces
1/2 cup milk (skim works fine)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
coarse sugar for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

Combine the flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in the bowl of a food processor or in a medium mixing bowl and pulse or stir until well blended. Add the butter and and pulse or stir with a wire whisk or fork until crumbly. If using a food processor, transfer the mixture to a medium bowl.

Add the milk, cream and blueberries. Stir gently just until the dough is combined, taking care not to break the berries.

For monster scones, pat the dough into a circle that is about 1” thick and 8”-9” in diameter on the prepared cookie sheet. For daintier scones, divide the dough into two parts and form two 4″-5″ circles.

Brush the scones with a little milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Cut the circle(s) into 8 wedges with a knife and separate them on the sheet so that they are at least two inches apart.

Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the cookie sheet.

Yield: 8 monster scones or 16 smaller scones
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Psst! Give the FGG team your two cents for a chance to win a $20 Walmart gift card! More here.

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Sacrifice for Beauty by JamieBates

Confidence comes from all different sources. Some girls draw strength from a personal mantra, a morning pep talk in the mirror, or a favorite song. Others feel their best when they know they’ve had a great cut and color, or when they’ve slipped on a favorite pair of shoes and a great lipstick color. And some of us find our confidence surging when our curves are shapely and smooth, letting our clothes drape perfectly.

In other words, some of us would like our fat to stay put when we move, so we’re free to focus on other things — like following all the steps in salsa dancing class or debating which World Cup team has the nicest-looking. . . uniforms. For our full-figured readers looking to keep the jiggle in check, this Guide’s for you.

Less body movement underneath your clothes

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the fact is that Spanx offers possibly the largest selection of body-shaping apparel out there. From shorts and panties in styles that cover varying portions of thigh and tummy to full-body slimming suits and a line of powerful compression gear, Spanx does a good job of offering something for almost everyone. And while nothing can sugarcoat the fact that Spanx = shapewear, plain and simple, there are things to love about them: The fat-girl-friendly sizing extends to 3X (equivalent of 26W-28W) on many of its clothing pieces and its hosiery is sized to accommodate heights of 6’0 and weights as high as 325. Plus, we love that locating plus-size products on the site is one-click easy.

Despite Spanx’s saturation in the shapewear marketplace, there are a ton of other options for all-over body compression or targeted support. Girls looking to minimize belly bounce might consider a waist cincher like this Rago Waist Nipper (available at HerRoom.com in sizes up to 8X), or a high-waisted, plus-size panty (available in sizes 1X-3X from SeamlessBody.com). All-over torso control can be found via a full-length bodysuit (you’ll want to shop around for the right fit in the torso, chest and butt) or by layering over a shaping camisole or tank.

If you’re a DD-cup or under, consider giving the Unbelievabra a whirl — and then report back immediately! Users (and Oprah) have raved about the all-over smoothing effect of this one-piece, band-less bra/shaping garment. The only downsides seem to be the unorthodox sizing procedure (though the site includes helpful videos), and the fact that larger girls in our readership might fall outside the size ranges offered.

Slimmer silhouettes in “problem” areas

While there are seemingly endless shapewear options for the belly, butt, hips and thighs, it’s a little trickier to find solutions that give a firmer appearance to upper arms or a smoother look to the sides and back. Because “back fat” and side rolls are often pinched and emphasized by regular bras, some women may feel more sleek in a bra that covers more of these areas, even if they aren’t into full-torso shapewear. Several lines now offer “smoothing” bras that claim to eliminate visible bra lines while smoothing back fat: Slimpressions’ Comfy Bralette comes in sizes up to 4X, the Lycra®-enhanced Back Smoothing Bra (of Lane Bryant’s Cacique collection) is available in sizes 36C-46DDD, and Woman Within offers a Comfort Choice® model that comes in a whopping size range of 36B-54G.

When it comes to arm jiggle, the options are usually embrace it (let your bat wings fly), hide it (under baggy sleeves or by avoiding sleeveless tops even in the hottest weather), or work like mad to tone it. Personally, I bought into the shame of waggly upper arms for many years — something I’m sure my mother’s well-intentioned “let’s cover those up” admonitions only reinforced. At some point, it clicked with me that sleeves can be cumbersome and too hot in the dead of a muggy Chicago summer, and that I was tired of confining my shopping choices even further than by size; waggly, oddly creased or not, my arms were going to see the light of day (and night)!

My route isn’t for everyone. I know plenty of girls who don’t feel comfortable even with many short-sleeved shirts because of where the sleeves hits their arms. If you’re not down with the “eh, whatever” approach and are looking for ways to tighten the appearance of those upper arms, try wearing a sleeve that extends well past the areas where you feel the least confidence — and see what you think about a tighter sleeve than you might ordinarily choose, and in a material a little thicker (i.e. nothing floaty or wispy). Before you panic, remember: a little tighter, not circulation threatening. You may be surprised to see the thicker material and closer fit working together to reign in errant ripples or jiggling. If you want more arm control and are willing to dress to accommodate, shapewear for arms (said to “reduce arm circumference by 1″-3″) does exist, in both short- and long-sleeve formats.

Physical activity: shake it without shaking everything

Whether you’re working it on the dance floor or breaking a sweat on the gym’s elliptical machine, the first rule of “less jiggle” when you’re on the move is a good sports bra. Our fitness experts and readers have all raved about the support and comfort provided by Enell bras, but readers have also championed the bounce prevention provided by the Maia bra from Moving Comfort and The Last Resort Bra from Title Nine. Glamorise® also offers a wireless, moisture-wicking sports bra that is designed to eliminate strap bounce and ride-up in back.

For the bottom half of your workout gear, consider skipping the loose-fitting shorts/capris and instead choosing more form-fitting bottoms like plus-size bike shorts. They help reduce the jiggle factor as you move, and you can always layer them under your favorite sweats (or buy pre-layered garments) if the idea of spandex makes you twitchy.

Finally, for a night out, and possibly some dancing, why not add some “WOW!” to your look while also keeping your midriff area from shaking every time you do? A dramatic, high-voltage corset (with either steel boning or plastic) will not only play to your sexy strengths from beneath an over-shirt or on its own, it will also help create a more defined waist and ensure that your midsection stays put while you move. For more examples of fun, sexy corsets, check out our recent Fat Girl’s Guide to Lingerie.

As with any apparel you purchase, be sure to check sizing carefully, as it almost always varies by retailer. And don’t hesitate to mix and match  different shapewear options until you find the combination of freedom and form that works for you. Because whether you choose to rein in the flesh or let it move au natural, the most important thing to remember about your skin is that you need to feel comfortable in it.

Have any feedback on these suggestions or other tips we couldn’t squeeze in here? Or experiences with shaping techniques you’d like to share? We’re all ears for your thoughts and theories on body jiggle — to tame or not to tame.

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Psst! Give the FGG team your two cents for a chance to win a $20 Walmart gift card! More here.

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We’ve answered your questions about everything from the best at-home workouts when you’re really out of shape to strapless plus-size bras to generously-sized ponchos, we’ve offered up practical guides on canoeing and fearless volunteering and hot-weather hiking when you’re overweight, we’ve even talked about sensitive stuff like chafing under fat rolls and sexual positions for overweight women. We’ve had a great time investigating all of these topics for you, and appreciate how much you’ve shared them in your social circles. Thank you!

This week marks FGG’s one-year anniversary (can you believe it?), and in honor of that we want to take the pulse of our readership, to find out who you are, what is and isn’t important to you, what you’d like to see more of, and any other feedback you’d like to offer. It’s a short survey, we promise — just 10 questions — and in thanks for taking a few minutes to fill it out, we’ll enter you in our random drawing for a $20 Walmart gift card.

You can find the survey here. We’ll close it up when we’ve got 100 responses, or on Friday, June 25, whichever comes first. The winner of the drawing will be announced on Monday, June 28.

Many thanks for helping us make FGG’s second year even better!

Sometimes, a traditional bra silhouette simply won’t do (Satin and Velvet by ktpupp)

It’s simple math, really. Warm temperatures + sleeveless tops and dresses + wedding season + an ongoing need for chest support = this timely question, which FGG editorial spotted in the wild on FatChic:

OK, we all can tell right away that this top needs a proper bra. While I’m certainly using my own resources to find one, if you know of a great strapless bra for a 46/48C, by all means let me know. I’d really like to own one that doesn’t require copious use of Hollywood tape.

Because every woman’s body carries a different combination of chest circumference, cup size and breast characteristics (shape, separation, and, er. . . deference to gravity), it would be impossible for FGG to identify The One Perfect Strapless Bra, Amen, and call it a day. What we have done to tackle this issue, however, is round up a variety of retailers that offer strapless bras with larger band sizes or larger cup sizes — as well as offer some reminders about how to choose a bra that fits.

Strapless bra fitting basics

For starters, the ideal game plan is to shop for your strapless or convertible bra in person, rather than ordering online. If possible, select a store that offers professional bra fittings. It’s important to not only try on the bra to ensure it fits without being visible under the dress or top you plan to wear, but also to make sure it stays invisible and provides complete support as you twist, turn, bend, reach, dance, and go through other event-appropriate motions. The band should fit snugly so it doesn’t slide or slip down while you wear it; any gaps between the material and your body mean you should be re-sized. Additionally, for women with large busts, molded cups and an underwire are going to provide the best possible support.

If you have the time and financial resources available to order several bra styles and sizes in search of The One, then your selection opens up considerably. Many online retailers offer sizes, styles and colors that might be more difficult to track down at in-person retailers. Additionally, sites like Big Girls’ Bras, BraExperience.com, and Linda The Bra Lady aggregate dozens of fat-girl-friendly brands into a searchable (by size, brand, style, color, etc.) hub for easy comparison and ordering.

Locating a strapless/convertible bra in your size

While strapless bras are definitely daunting to the more endowed among us, bra shopping can be just as challenging for women whose stature combines a larger chest circumference (42, 44, 46. . .) with a modest B- or C-cup size. For these ladies, finding bras that fit is often tricky for the same reason some dresses or low-cut tops are unwearable — designs for full-figured women frequently assume that plus-size = large breasts. And while that’s more than true for some of us, I have several friends who exemplify the pear or apple shapes and who don’t need their 46″ band size to come with a double-D cup.

The good news for plus-size girls of chests large and small is that options do exist, if you know where to find them. In addition to the sites listed above, possible online hunting grounds include Hips & Curves (which offers a four-way convertible style that extends to sizes 50B and 48DDD) and Bare Necessities® (this Goddess bra comes in sizes up to 46H or 48B-DDD). The usual plus-size fashion suspects carry some promising options as well, although in a less extensive size range: Torrid’s strapless options stop at sizes 44D-DDD, neither Lane Bryant’s regular strapless nor its plunge style bras extend beyond 44DD, and Avenue offers just one convertible bra, in sizes topping out at 44B-D or 46DD. (Avenue’s sister store, Jessica London, does offer a Glamorise style available in sizes that include 46C and 46F.)

In 34 years, I’ve owned one convertible bra (via Lane Bryant), which I wore with clear straps multiple times and as a strapless garment only once — under a spaghetti-strapped bridesmaid’s dress. To be honest, it was the completely wrong size for me at the time of the wedding, but I wore it extra tight on my ribcage because I was terrified my girls might come tumbling onto my dinner plate. Fortunately, everything remained contained for the duration of the festivities (even during a particularly spirited play-acting of “Paradise By the Dashboard Lights”). But if I had it to do over again, I’d love to try out this model from Elila, which claims to “hold even the heaviest busts while shaping beautifully.” Sounds like my DDD-cup of tea.

That’s your cue, readers: Share the secret of your magical strapless bra, including why it’s the best fit for your shape. Or tell us about the shenanigans that ensued the time you bought the bra that didn’t fit.

Homemade Peanut Butter by little blue hen

We are advocates of mindful indulgence here at FGG, as our Foodie Fridays columns demonstrate. And what’s more decadent than the rich, heady aroma and taste of really good peanut butter? Once relegated to lunch boxes with a dollop of Welch’s grape jelly, then avoided due to its high fat content in the “lite” fad era, peanut butter is ready for – and worthy of – the spotlight on anyone’s menu. All-natural and even homemade peanut butters are in vogue now, but this is a trend we heartily get behind due to the payoff in taste, texture, nutrition (great veggie protein source, no trans fats or excess sugar/salt), and satisfaction.

Tee is fond of grinding her own peanut butter at her local whole foods grocer; check to see if your natural foods store has a grinder for make-your-own peanut (and other nut) butters. I’m currently mad about Justin’s Nut Butters, which don’t require refrigeration like some brands and come in a variety of flavors even my picky kids will eat, like honey, maple almond, and even chocolate (a more subtle flavor than super-sweet Nutella, which goes better in desserts or over fresh fruit than as a snack or meal). My family brings Justin’s generously sized individual packs, mini bagels, and apples on hikes – a satisfying snack that isn’t too sugary.

For intrepid DIYers, Cuisinart makes a spice and nut grinder, but according to the recipe from little blue hen (results pictured above), you can use a food processor, too.

Tell us, girls: what do you think of natural or homemade peanut (or almond, or cashew) butters? Are these on your radar yet, or will they have to pry the Skippy, Peter Pan, or JIF from your old-skool-PB-loving fingers first?

Our air conditioning went out last week. It was 92 degrees outside and 85 miserable degrees inside and I quickly realized just how soft modern technology has made me. I wasn’t just hot, I was steaming. Had we not already gone out to lunch before arriving home to a surprise sauna, I’d have happily made the command decision that cooking was out of the question and we were going out to dinner–anywhere with air conditioning. But, since we try to avoid eating out too often, I faced the task of figuring out what to make that would involve the least amount of heat and kitchen time. I hovered in front of the refrigerator, surveying my options and enjoying the cool air, and decided on a Greek Quinoa Salad with Shrimp — partly because it’s wonderful, but to be honest, mostly because it only requires about twenty minutes of stove time (to cook the quinoa) and can be served at room temperature.

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has been getting some good press in recent years and easier to find as it’s become a bit more mainstream. If you have a natural foods store nearby, you’ll likely find it there and if you’re lucky, you’ll find it reasonably priced in the bulk foods section. It’s also pretty easily found anywhere that has a good selection of Bob’s Red Mill products. Or, if all else fails, you can order it online (I love Alter Eco). It’s totally worth any effort it might take to find, because this little seed is a literal food powerhouse. Though it looks like a grain, quinoa is actually the seed of a plant related to chard, beets and spinach that’s been around for more than 5,000 years. It comes in white, red and black varieties, but white is the most common. (I happened to have red on hand, so that’s what you see pictured above.) High in protein and gluten-free, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, pretty much solidifying its place in the “superfoods hall of fame.”

Easy and quick to cook, you can substitute quinoa in many of the places you’d normally use rice or couscous. There’s just one thing to remember: always rinse quinoa before cooking it. Quinoa seeds are covered with saponin (a naturally occurring chemical compound) and while commercial harvesting usually removes it, any remaining residue can lend a bitter taste, so toss into a fine mesh strainer and rinse well before cooking.

Looking for more recipes using quinoa? Why not get started with Quinoa Crusted Salmon, Warm Quinoa Breakfast Cereal or Seafood Stew Over Quinoa?

Greek Quinoa Salad with Shrimp
1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups water
2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 cups seedless cucumber, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, minced
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1.5 cups small shrimp, cooked and deveined (cold)
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Place rinsed quinoa and water into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for approximately fifteen minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow to cool approximately ten minutes while prepping the rest of the ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil until combined.

Once the quinoa has cooled slightly, remove to a serving bowl and stir in the spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers and onion. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad, stir and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the shrimp and feta cheese. Either serve immediately at room temperature or cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

yield: 4 servings

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