The Fat Girl's Guide to Living

The most gifted green thumb I know (Photo by Holly Mason)

All the green-thumbed ladies! (All the green-thumbed ladies. . .) Now put your trowels up!

Apologies, readers, as I’m working through a bit of a Beyoncé earworm today. But it’s the perfect time of year to crank up a favorite tune on your iPod and get outside to soak up the blue sky, sunshine and smell of the grass growing right under your feet. For girls with the aforementioned green thumbs (regretfully, I cannot count myself among you, since I can kill even a fake plant in two days or less), the season is also ripe for planting, weeding and all manner of earthy things that make me glad I live in a big-city apartment.

Overweight women sometimes struggle with activities like gardening because of joint problems, discomfort sitting or kneeling on the ground, or challenges lowering themselves down to dirt level and standing back up again without good leverage. And yet, many women appreciate the therapeutic nature of gardening — not to mention being surrounded by colorful blooms and enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of their  home-grown labors. As always, we at FGG cringe at the idea of putting off the things we love because of challenges in mobility or logistics — so consider today’s guide our love letter to each of you earth mamas who are ready get digging in the dirt, already!

Comfortable gardening apparel for plus sizes

While most women will agree that the garden isn’t the place for a fashion show, dressing for the elements is important. Footwear and gloves that protect from injury are a must — especially when handling chemical products (like enriched fertilizers) or thorny/prickly plants, or when working in soil that may contain sharp objects or recycled glass mulch. Before you reach for your Crocs, remember that although they’re ridiculously comfortable, water-friendly and accommodating for wider feet, they’re made from lightweight material that can be easily punctured by sharp objects. And depending on where you’re working, turning all of that soil can unearth errant nails, broken glass, sharp sticks, etc. Consider a tougher, more resilient shoe like a thick-soled clog or some waterproof galoshes — and don’t be afraid to get colorful. The Original Muck Boot Company offers durable, flexible and weatherproof clogs, boots and shoes in women’s sizes 4-13 (we liked the pink houndstooth and plum vine designs). Wide openings for tucking in pants can also be godsends for plus-size women with wide calves. The spring green cheerfulness of this pair from Sloggers (up to size 10) was almost enough to make me want to grab a Garden Weasel. Other fun finds include the Ladybug Clogs from Ranger (available in sizes 5-11 and in basic colors or bright, outdoorsy designs).

When it comes to gardening gloves, women with larger hands have lots of options for digging in safety and style. If your hands or joints are sensitive, a pair of ergonomic gloves in sizes S-XL, while pricey ($37.99), may be worth the investment. For a more festive day in the yard, Mud Gloves® come in loads of bright, fun colors and sizes from XS-XL. Plus, the breathability and coated palm and fingers for gripping traction are paired with features like UV protection and aloe moisturizers. Ultimately, selecting the right type of gardening glove is more important than the pretty design, so make sure you take into consideration the work you’ll be doing. You’ll want a different glove for handling poisonous plants or chemicals (choose Neoprene) than you will for rough yard work like extreme pruning and moving brush (opt for leather).

Lighten the load with ergonomic gardening accessories

Safe, healthy yard work and gardening involve more than just happy hands and feet. It’s easy to tackle too much or stay in a position that’s hard on joints without realizing the damage done until the next day. Stocking your tool shed with the right ergonomic gardening accessories can make a big difference and keep you feeling your best.

Rather than kneeling directly on the ground, protect your knees with a kneeling pad. Ergonomic kneeling pads can be as simple as a waterproof foam wedge you can purchase at most lawn and garden centers, or they can be more elaborate — and even include reinforced knee areas and a back support option. Some women may feel more comfortable using a kneeling bench or choosing to sit on a rocker seat — this one supports weights up to 350 lbs. Just be sure you try any product first to ensure you feel safe and stable on it.

If you’re moving soil, mulch, supplies or debris around the yard, look for a cart or wheelbarrow that’s easy to maneuver. My friend Holly, the gardening fiend pictured above (and who I swear is a plant whisperer — seriously!), raves about her green Duraworx garden cart from Lowe’s. If pushing is more your thing than pulling a cart, choose one that does most of the heavy lifting for you, sparing your back, arms and legs the stress. Sears offers the Triad™ heavy-duty wheelbarrow, which is said to combine the ease of a cart with the capacity of a ‘barrow. And you can feel good about your garden and yourself by picking a pink ‘barrow with a looped handle (better for pulling/pushing) that helps fund breast cancer research.

Easier up and down to ground level

The fact that most gardening activities take place at ground level can complicate matters for larger women who may have difficulty hunkering down to the ground or standing back up again without holding onto something sturdy for leverage. While every person needs to find the approach that’s right for her, some ideas for overcoming this challenge include wide-base canes or robust, portable step stools that you can grip with both hands and push down on while raising yourself off the ground. Placing a more substantial stool near your garden area may provide the same access to leverage. (Readers: This is a great time to share your own tips for improvising leverage to stand — be sure to hit the comments section at the end of this post!)

If the up-and-down of sitting & standing isn’t a possibility, or if your knees or other joints can’t accommodate extended amounts of kneeling, crouching, bending or sitting low to the ground, another great way to maintain your gardening hobby or passion is through elevated gardening. Constructing raised garden beds elevates the ground level of your soil and plants to make it more accessible from a seated position. Similarly, stand-up gardens (sometimes called tabletop gardens) can be accessed from a standing or sometimes a seated position, making them much more ergonomically friendly. And don’t discount all the creative possibilities that window boxes, planters and hanging gardens provide — you can even grow strawberries and tomatoes from a teeny section of outdoor space!

No matter what your mobility or comfort level, the Web is crawling with additional resources for making gardening more accessible (including dozens of message boards, construction plans, DIY kits and awesome sites like The Able Gardener. Mix and match tips and techniques until you find the garden design and accessories that are right for you. We look forward to hearing from all of our green thumbs out there as your summer gardens progress. . . Now put your trowels UP!

Green-thumbed girls: Share your best fat-girl gardening find, a tip about making yourself comfy on the ground, or a challenge you’ve faced in the yard. And don’t forget to upload your photos to the FGG Flickr Group or leave us a message and a photo on our Facebook page! Fame and glory (since I’m not in charge of prizes) to those whose tomatoes can make Toni’s mouth water.

The cautionary tale of Wounded soldier by twodolla

As my college friends gathered this weekend to help celebrate my birthday (thanks again, guys!), we excitedly planned our get-togethers for the next several months: Birthdays. Weddings and babies. Pool parties. Camping. All of this outdoor fun brought to mind an age-old fat girl challenge:

Where can I find a portable chair that won’t fold like a bad poker hand when I sit down?

Many of us know the only thing worse than mentally assessing the hip room of every portable camping chair at an outdoor gathering is perching daintily upon a cheapie version and praying that the recommended weight allowance is accurate to the ounce. Actually, there is one thing worse: that horrible moment when dainty doesn’t cut it and said chair unceremoniously dumps its occupant onto her bottom. Ladies, I have heard the sickening CRACK! of a breaking chair, and my goal today is to help ensure none of our readers ever has to do the same. So if you’re an outdoorsy girl seeking comfort, stability, and subtle design (read: NOT the chair equivalent of a muumuu), try taking a load off in one of these tush-friendly finds.

If possible, test Goldilocks-style until you locate “just right.”

Obviously, the best option is to check out your prospective chair using your body’s own specific dimensions. Fold & unfold the chair, try sitting in various positions (fully reclined, leaning forward, legs crossed or propped up, etc.), and stand up using the armrests as leverage. Pay attention to whether the armrests’ support bars or their grommets pinch or dig into your thighs; when they’re iffy after a five-minute test run, imagine how uncomfortable you’ll feel during an evening in front of a bonfire. Overall, look for a chair that feels stable no matter how you sit. And don’t forget to pack it back into its carrying case and try hefting it before you purchase — folding camp chairs shouldn’t be a “team lift” item.

Coleman makes several models that should accommodate plus-sized users without drawing attention to them, such as the Coleman Elite Cooler Quad Chair ($34.99, Target), which lists a weight limit of 325 pounds and features a cooler built into the armrest (brilliant!). You could also try settling into the Coleman Lumbar Chair ($21.88, Wal-Mart), which offers extra lumbar support and a weight limit of 350 pounds, or REI’s Comfort Recliner Chair ($59.50), with a 325-pound capacity and a seat back angle that invites you to prop your feet up and get comfy. The highest weight rating we found during a search of major retailers was the Coleman Max Sling Chair ($26.88, Wal-Mart), which accommodates 400 pounds. Unfortunately, the downside to in-person shopping is that selection may be limited; individual store locations may not carry these heavy-duty models, or may have just a small quantity or selection in stock.

If you can’t try it yourself, read specs & reviews carefully.

If you’re willing to gamble a bit with ordering online, the seating possibilities are almost endless — just be sure to research carefully and read any available customer reviews. Remember that it’s not just the weight capacity of a chair you need to assess, but its seat width and how the armrest support bars are positioned, as well. And to reduce the likelihood of chair legs sinking into soft ground, opt for models with wider “feet” at the end of each chair leg.

Online sellers offering robust chairs range from well-known retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods to LivingXL (which offers plus-sized products in many categories) to niche sites like Koolest Products, notable for a wealth of “extreme” merchandise. We liked the unassuming nature of the powder blue, heavy-duty Quik Chair from Dick’s, which subtly and inexpensively ($24.99!) seats users weighing 500 pounds. LivingXL offers a similar model with a few color choices and a higher price tag ($49.99), as well as the largest portable chair on the market — a 1,000-pound capacity model with 30-inch-wide quilted seat ($99.95, or $139.95 for the canopied version).

For truly indulgent R&R, go for the bells and whistles.

With a capacity of 400 pounds, LivingXL’s Suntracker® Swivel Chair ($169.95) rotates a full 360 degrees and includes a built-in sun visor. And the aptly named MaXXDaddy Monster Folding Chair ($149.99, Koolest Products) boasts two cup holders, a magazine pouch, a detachable/adjustable footrest and a pillowed headrest that cushions your noggin, hammock-style. All this, and it accommodates 800 pounds in an extra-wide, 25-inch seat, to boot. A friend purchased this chair (in purple) a few years back, and lo, it was good! At one point, I believe he considered ditching his couch and replacing it with a fleet of these puppies. The only downside was the rather prominent MaXXDaddy logo. . .  and the stampede that ensued whenever my friend vacated his seat for a beer run. With comfort that legendary, though, you may not want to leave your new chair, either.

Tried one of the chairs we mentioned? Want to share your experiences with a different model? Tell us in comments.

Yes, you can hike when it’s cold. It’s all about the gear, baby!

As fall color reaches its peak in northern climates, it’s easy to forget that we’re about to hit that lull before winter makes its frosty self comfortable. For many of us, that might mean heading indoors to work out, but I’d like to argue that time spent outdoors is both essential to our well-being and achievable year-round. I covered hot weather hiking earlier this year (see Part 1 and Part 2), but when temperatures drop, your comfort outdoors is largely dependent upon how you dress. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need before heading out for a brisk hike.

What to Wear

The phrase “dress in layers” comes up often in articles about outdoor activities. But what exactly does this mean, and how does one achieve proper layering for cold weather? ‘Layering’ simply means dressing to insulate your body from the cold without trapping too much sweat against your body or letting any rain or snow leak through your clothing (both of which could put you at risk for a serious condition called hypothermia). In very cold weather, this means a base layer of long underwear under warm clothing and a wind- and water-resistant jacket or parka. Your clothing and coat will vary depending on the season and amount of rain, wind, or snowfall.

The trick to dressing in layers as a fat girl is to balance staying warm and dry against looking like Randy from A Christmas Story. It can also be tough finding outdoorsy clothing and outerwear in plus sizes. I’ll share a handful of retailers I’ve had luck with, and always welcome reader suggestions for more resources in the comments section.

Long underwear - Look for non-cotton fabrics that will wick perspiration away from the skin. Junonia offers long underwear up to size 5X; the only down side is they only offer one style and weight in two colors. Lands’ End and L.L. Bean each have a small selection of plus size long underwear up to size 3X.

Winter Coat - Who says parkas can’t be sexy? (See photo, above). Okay, nobody–but that doesn’t mean you should wear a lightweight or dress coat that will let cold and water seep through while hiking. Ideally you should look for a parka or long jacket with vents you can unzip to allow heat to escape. Finding a plus size winter coat can be tricky, as many outdoor companies don’t offer much (REI) or anything (Title 9) in the plus size range (what’s up with that, outdoor retailers?). Once again, Junonia comes to the outdoorsy fat girl’s rescue, with parkas and jackets made for safe, warm outdoor fun in sizes up to 6X. The parka I’ve had the red parka in the photo above for about a decade, the Squall Parka from Land’s End, available up to size 3X, and their sizing tends to be pretty generous.

Snow or Ski Pants (optional) – I only wear snow pants when I know my legs are going to get wet, as when I’m sledding with my kids. (I found mine at L.L. Bean – their XL juuuust makes it over my size 20 bum). Unless you tend to run super-cold or know you’ll be in wet conditions, these are optional for hiking. I know I sound like a broken record but: guess who also has snow pants in extended sizes? Snow pants tend to be uninsulated and lighter, for those of us who tend to run hot, and ski pants are thicker and made for extended time outdoors.

Hat, Scarf and Gloves – You’ll also want a scarf, hat and gloves, in fleece, wool, or any other non-cotton fabric, because cotton retains moisture, which you don’t want happening while you hike.

Footwear – As our recent Ask FGG post about building strong ankles illustrates, preventing injury and re-injury to your ankles is essential. Wear sturdy, water-resistant boots with good ankle support when hiking in wet or snowy weather, or trail runners with sturdy construction in milder, drier weather. I’m a big fan of Zappos.com and their free, lightning-fast shipping on purchases, returns, and exchanges. Montrail is probably my favorite footwear brand, though I know many Merrell fans, too. Ideally, visiting a store with knowledgeable sales people who will help you find shoes and boots is the best move (REI is the best in this department). And don’t forget cozy socks (I love SmartWool and Thorlo) in a non-cotton fabric.

Ultimately, when choosing gear for cold weather hiking, know your own body and tolerance for cold. I tend to be a sweaty Betty, so I wear lightweight long underwear and avoid down jackets for more than just their Michelin Man effect on my upper bod. If you tend to run colder, look for mid- or even expedition weight long underwear and a heavier jacket. Either way, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you forget the cold when you’re properly decked out to enjoy it.

Safety and Etiquette

Food and water. Carrying a water bottle, granola bar and apple in a small day pack or fanny pack will keep you hydrated and blood sugar levels stable.

Pace Yourself. Winter hiking means trying not to work up too much of a sweat. Having a jacket with vents to unzip can help in this regard, but remember also not to push yourself too hard in cold weather. Picking up your feet to stomp through leaves or snow requires extra effort, so build that into your experience beforehand to avoid overdoing it on the trail by either going more slowly than usual or choosing a shorter route. Also, be watch for ice patches hidden under freshly fallen snow and consider trekking poles for extra stability, particularly in rougher terrain.

Be Aware. Know the symptoms of both hypothermia and frostbite and head back at the first signs of either condition.

Protect Yourself. Whether or not you’re hiking solo, always let someone know where you’ll be hiking and an estimated time of return. If there’s a register at the trailhead, sign in and out so park rangers will know whether to look for you. Make sure your cell phone is charged and consider carrying a loud whistle to signal for help or dissuade potential human or animal attackers.

Know the rules where you’re hiking. Many state and local parks offer multi-use trails that include cross-country skiers, and it’s good trail etiquette to not stomp over pre-existing grooves. Also practice leave no trace ethics, an extension of the classic hikers’ adage, “take only pictures and leave only footprints.”

Stateside readers can find local trails at AmericanTrails.org, and GoTrekking.com offers reviews of trails around the world. Also, remember that you don’t have to be hard core to hike outdoors, even in winter. To get a nice dose of the natural world, any municipal park will do, especially for beginners.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some gear and get ready for some cold weather hiking! And look for guides to snowshoeing, ski boots, and cross-country skiing later this winter.

Ask questions, share tips on where to find the best cold weather outdoor gear, and tell us about your favorite hikes in the comments section.

The mellow, warm color of pumpkins signals to me that fall is in full swing. This time of year, pumpkins are everywhere, from pumpkin patches, pumpkins on front steps, pumpkins in loaves, muffins and pies, and pumpkins carved and flickering in the night. However, for years – and much to the dismay of my husband – I’ve adamantly claimed that I didn’t like roasted pumpkin seeds. My friends, I was wrong.

Until very recently, I’d never roasted my own seeds. I’d tried them when offered to me, but was always perplexed that anyone would enjoy the strange texture of the hulls that apparently you were supposed to eat. Now I know: they weren’t full toasted! Properly toasted pumpkin seeds are crunchy all the way through and are a pleasure to eat (think sunflower seeds you can flavor as you wish without the mess of having to spit out the shells!).

Now, everyone knows that what you find on the inside of a pumpkin is, shall we say, less than appetizing. Don’t let that deter you! It’s pretty simple to separate the seeds from the rest of the insides – just scoop everything out and into your clean sink or a large bowl of water. Be prepared to get messy for this step; using a spoon or one of those scrapers that come with pumpkin carving kits helps. Swish the gooey contents all around in the water; the seeds will float and everything else will sink to the bottom. Easy!

Not only can you make roasted pumpkin seeds a hundred different ways to satisfy any craving of the moment, they also pack a decent nutritional punch (iron, magnesium and protein). They also contain phytosterols, which have been shown to reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. To be fair, heat does tend to destroy some of the nutritive value of the seeds – so a light roast is certainly better than dark – but they’re still better for you than that bag of chips that’s been calling your name. After visiting your local pumpkin patch, try this sweet and spicy version of roasted pumpkin seeds.

Spicy Candied Pumpkin Seeds
1 cup of raw pumpkin seeds, separated from the stringy insides and rinsed
4 cups water
1 tablespoons salt
1/4 cup natural cane sugar or brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine pumpkin seeds and 1 tablespoon of the salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine sugar, pepper, cinnamon and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. When seeds are done, remove from heat, drain and spread onto a paper towel. Pat dry. Pour onto oiled cookie sheet and coat all seeds with oil. Sprinkle with sugar mixture and mix to coat evenly. Arrange seeds into a single layer and bake for 12-18 minutes until golden (be sure to watch closely toward the end – they’ll burn quickly). Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.

Yield: 1 cup

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

Playing in the leaves, from happywalks

This is one of my favorite parts of fall – the blankets of leaves swirling at my feet and hugging the ground. I especially love when they start getting tinges of frost in the mornings. It’s not that far off here in the northern Nevada foothills.

We’ve got one more Sunday to go in our October fall photo challenge. Who’ll be next? At the end of the month, Toni and I will choose an October winner to receive a gorgeous, handmade book thong of their choice from Lonna’s Etsy shop.

Psst…need some self-portrait inspiration?

Candy Apples by markus941

From the moment Halloween candy first appears on grocery store shelves, something else wicked this way comes: “holiday survival guides” related to food and dieting lurk around every magazine, newspaper, and web page. Thus begins an entire season of treat avoidance centered around the sensible goal of preventing annual holiday weight gain.

I’d like to propose a different way of viewing the holiday season: sensible indulgence. After all, we’re here to thrive, not just survive, right? This philosophy can be easily adopted no matter where you are on the fat girl spectrum, from “large and in charge” and rockin’ the fat acceptance thing to the most emotionally-scarred chronic dieter.

FGG already advocates the mindful decadence approach via our delectable weekly Foodie Friday column (where Michelle is doing a fabulous job crafting recipes I actually use). I’d like to explain this philosophy a bit more as it applies to holidays where over-indulgence is an annual theme.

The idea is simple: life is short and food is delicious, so why not choose one or two things we truly enjoy and savor them instead of buying into the idea that deprivation is the only path to a balanced life or healthy body?

Have one or two really delicious seasonal treats and let the rest go. Trust yourself. Love pumpkin pie? Order a slice of the good stuff at a bakery instead of picking up a generic pie at the grocery store, enjoy the heck out of that slice, and look forward to having some more next year. I love caramel apples, but I don’t treat myself to those most of the year. Halloween is a great time to indulge in one or two, especially from a specialty shop like Amy’s Gourmet Apples.

Honestly, we’ve all broken into the Halloween candy meant for the neighborhood kids, or picked at our kids’ goodie bags when they’ve gone to bed for the night. But that way of eating isn’t any healthier emotionally or physically at any size, and I think the need to dig in comes as much from feeling deprived as it does from real hunger or craving. Making the conscious choice to treat ourselves allows us to appreciate some of the tastier things in life while also discouraging mindless eating.

What about you? How do you handle the succession of food-oriented holidays this time of year? If you’re looking for some ideas for mindful indulgence, check out this brilliant – if labor-intensive – idea for bite-sized hazelnut creme brulee. Or how about a box of four adorable Halloween truffles?

Share your own ideas by leaving a comment!

Photo by doug88888 on flickr

What are your favorite things about this season? What feelings and memories do the shifting sunlight and changes in wardrobe and leaves evoke? For me, it’s anything pumpkin-related – from recipes to carving to gazing at pretty pictures of them – and putting on sweaters and scarves to head outside for a hike.

There’s still time to join our October photo challenge, which is All About Fall. I roamed flickr to find this week’s entry because nobody’s taken our challenge yet. What are you waiting for, girls? You’ve already proven through your many entries in our FGG flickr group that fat girls are irresistibly adorable, so get it’s time to creative and jump in on our challenge!

There are so many directions you can go with this theme: raking leaves (or jumping into a big pile of them), lining up pumpkins or Halloween luminaria, or self portraits of you looking adorable in cozy jackets, boots, and knee high socks.

Each week, Tee and I will select a photo-of-the-week, and then at the end of each month, we’ll draw a prize winner from those. October’s prize: an awesome book thong of your choice from Lonna’s Book Bangles (an Etsy shop). These are as cute as they are practical, and Tee and I use them to feed our reading addictions. Because nobody’s joined the challenge so far, the competition is still wide open!