The Fat Girl's Guide to Living

Squeeze every bit of fun into your amusement park trip (Great America photo booth ca. 1998)

Until I was 14, I was terrified of roller coasters.

Per longstanding tradition, our 8th grade class trip took place at Sandusky, OH-based Cedar Point. It was 1990 and the Magnum had just debuted. The sleek, orange monster boasted a 204-foot plunge at an angle of 60 degrees. Obviously, it was the only thing anyone cared about riding . . . with one very notable exception. While my friends racked up run after run on the coaster, I held people’s bags, wandered off with a random girl from my class to get lunch, and rode less stomach-turning attractions like the Scrambler and the Swings.

The kicker is that I wasn’t even fat back then. Certainly I weighed more than most of the girls in my class (and those extra 20 pounds may as well have been 200 in my mind). But what kept me off the Magnum wasn’t weight — it was just plain old fear. The following spring, goaded by my friends to the point of capitulation, I boarded the orange nemesis and screamed my head off during the famous drop . . . and I absolutely loved it. After that, some kind of adrenaline switch flipped inside of me and there wasn’t a ride in any park I wouldn’t try.

Viewing the photo at the top of this post — college friends all crammed into one of the photo booths that line the midway of every good theme park — actually makes me sad, because that was my last trip to coaster-ville. One thing or another has derailed every planned trip for more than a decade, until I’ve found myself asking the proverbial fat girl question: “Am I too fat for the rides?” This question is followed by its slightly less painful siblings, “Can I do all that walking?” and “Girl, don’t you remember how badly water-ride-soaked pants can chafe?”

For every overweight girl who’s asked herself the same questions, let’s see what we can figure out . . .

Plus-size amusement ride restriction policies

Given the highly publicized incident at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, where park staff turned away overweight patrons from one ride, theme park ride passenger size has garnered more attention than usual lately. And the very blunt truth is that for overweight patrons, it makes sense to review the park’s guidelines and ride restrictions before buying tickets or — worse — getting to the front of the hour-long Superman: Ultimate Flight queue and being turned away. Beyond just a weight restriction, many rides — certainly more than I remember! — now carry size restrictions based on the restraint harness or bars that hold passengers in place. Ultimately, the park needs to ensure the safety of all riders. So what’s the best way to inform yourself before your next visit?

Most parks provide at least some information on their Web sites regarding ride restrictions, although the verbiage is often vague or focused around minimum rider height. Cedar Point has gone the total transparency route by publicizing policies for passengers of “exceptional size” (including women weighing more than 200 pounds, or individuals taller than 6’2), as well as how the guidelines affect prospective riders on individual attractions.

To give real-world context to the online information, you can review other park-goers’ experiences on boards like Theme Park Insider, Coaster Critic and Theme Park Review. And overweight lifestyle blog GrandStyle offers an impressive round-up of ride logistics and plus-size park patron experiences from around the country.

Some parks have opted to take the proactive approach one step further by placing actual-size “test seats” along the queue lines for various attractions. Theoretically, this measure allows passengers whose size might not be compatible with the ride to self select out of the line, saving embarrassment for both passenger and park employee when it’s time to board.

And yet, it’s not as though the 19-year-old ride attendant is standing there with a scale or a measuring tape to disprove your ride eligibility. On my last visit to Six Flags Great America, I rode every single coaster and thrill ride in the park without issue. I weighed 240 pounds. Some of the harnesses were on their last click, perhaps, and my hips have never wanted to fit neatly into any ride seat. Despite these logistics, the only true moment of discomfort was while straddling the seat portion of a standing coaster, something my ridiculously short legs were never meant to do. As with the two-seat policy employed by many airlines, enforcement seems to be hit-and-miss, and patrons are left to the honor system to gauge their own ride eligibility, unless questioned by an attendant. Would I still have boarded the Wave Swinger, had I known about its 230-pound weight limit? Probably. Would I recommend the same action to a friend? Good question.

Finding theme park excitement at any size

Whether you’re coaster-phobic, skeptical about size restrictions, or just not a fan of motion sickness, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy yourself at a theme park if you’re not crazy about the rides. We’ve already established that photo booths are one of my favorite things on earth, but the midway is packed with other beckoning diversions. Duck out of the hot sun and into a theater for a show. Issue an epic skee-ball throwdown in the arcade. Channel your inner hussy and pose for some old-time photos in western barroom garb. Challenge your kids to some no-holds-barred bumper cars. Or be the people screeching off-key Spice Girls songs in the recording booth as onlookers shake their heads. (As someone who has witnessed a friend’s park-recorded “Kokomo” video from 1989, I cannot emphasize strongly enough the potential for hilarity here.)

The upshot is that there’s plenty to do, even if you’re feeling like the tag-along to friends (or kids) who are much more excited about thrill rides than you are. Coasters get the glory, but they’re just the tip of the amusement park iceberg.

Managing dietary restrictions at the park

When it comes to theme park meals and snacks, these days you can go as healthy or as indulgent as you choose. While the traditional midway fare (hot dogs, nachos, ice cream, fries, you know the drill) still holds court in parks nationwide, there’s a strong push to bring healthier, more wholesome choices into the mix — and to make options like water and fresh fruit accessible. When possible, check out the park restaurants online before visiting, so you know which area of the grounds will be the best bet for your ideal meal. Or, fill some lunch box coolers with your favorite munchies and eat your meals picnic-style (check the website of your park to make sure outside food and drink are permitted).

Remember that you’ll pay excessive park prices for everything from Diet Coke to a simple chicken sandwich. Combine that fact with the importance of staying hydrated, and it’s clear that a refillable water bottle is a must-have. Instead of dropping $3 every few hours, you’ll stay cool and flush by simply cruising past a drinking fountain.

Dressing for all-day comfort at the park

Let’s start with the obvious: You’ll be covering a lot of ground during your theme park adventure, so wear shoes that fit and provide long-lasting support. This isn’t the time to break in a cute pair of sandals, ladies; you’ll be hobbled with blisters before lunch. Beyond the comfy shoes approach, pack an extra pair of socks (two, and an extra pair of shoes if you plan to hit the water rides) for later in the day. You can always stash a bag with your extra gear in a rental locker.

When it comes to clothing, the two most important factors are weather and water. Protect yourself from all-day sun exposure with a water-proof, sweat-proof sunblock; don’t forget to apply even to your hair part if you don’t plan to wear a hat. And if you’re lulled by the water rides, either choose clothing that dries easily or pack an extra set for after the splashing good times. (Seriously, denim weighs about 10 times more when it’s wet.) A hot, sweaty day at the theme park is bound to bring out the chafing, so have your favorite remedy in place.

Theme parks can be a great place to face your fears (of heights. . . of crowds. . . of food on a stick. . .) if you let yourself give in and enjoy wherever the day takes you. At the end of the day, when your feet are sore and your throat is raw from screaming (either on a coaster or at the sugar-buzzed kids), hopefully the park experience will have been one to remember — even if you hope your own photographic evidence never surfaces on a blog a dozen years later.

Have you been to an amusement park recently? Tell us how you made it a fabulous experience — or what you’d do differently next time.

The mission: To blend in here (image by YoTut)

One of the best parts of receiving FGG reader mail is that it gives us a glimpse into how diverse your lives and interests are. In recent weeks, we’ve fielded questions on everything from cycling to sundresses to tennis clothes. And this week it’s all about Vegas, baby!

I have a bachelorette party coming up for my good friend, and it is going to be at Wet Republic at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. I have nothing but thinner friends who can walk around in bikinis and heels . . . . I’m a size 16 and I can’t seem to find a suit and a cover-up that makes me feel sexy like my friends look in their bikinis. Any tips on where to shop? I want to look stylish and be comfortable in a [swim]suit in a public place like that.

Before launching into shopping suggestions, let’s take a moment to acknowledge your decision to attend the bachelorette party with your friends, despite the concerns you’re having. Publicly wearing a swimsuit as an overweight woman can be enough of a mental challenge even before factoring in the club vibe of Wet Republic. Your decision not to let your weight dictate whether you attend, but rather to seek a way to rock your own killer curves at the celebration is what FGG is all about. Good for you, girl!

Sexy full-figured swimwear

Now the fun part: shopping! If you haven’t already read through our recent Guide to Figure-Flattering Swimwear, it’s a great place to begin getting ideas for fun, trendy swimwear in plus sizes (including some sexy swim dress looks). We also recently answered another reader’s question about plus-size sarongs.

Both posts offer a mixed bag of finds, both practical and sexy. With your specific goal of blending into bikini-land in mind, what about a one-shoulder design from Monif C.? The single-shoulder look is hot this season, and the suit still provides plenty of coverage, as well as the option to show more or less leg, depending on your mood. (For more secure bust support, you can add the optional second shoulder strap.)

For a bikini-like feel with more stomach coverage, check out the plus-size offerings from Bikini Sunshine. Their two-piece suits are ordered as separates, so you can mix and match for the best size combination of top (cup sizes A/B through DDD) and bottom (sizes up to 18). We were drawn to both the black matte and purple babydoll tankini styles, in particular.

FGG editorial also admits to an ongoing love affair with the suits from Pinup Girl Clothing. Several of their styles come in plus sizes (up to size 20) and they’re bold, colorful and sexy in ways that celebrate the curves not all bikini bods can boast. Frankly, should you opt for the new vintage-inspired sheath suit (in red, black or gold), it wouldn’t shock us if your bikini-clad friends envied you.

Choosing a stylish cover-up to match

The cover-up you reach for will likely depend on the cut of your suit, but there’s just enough flounce and movement in this bandeau, waterfall-style design (sizes 1X-3X, Always For Me) to help you feel sexy without being over-exposed. If that’s not your style, the same site offers plenty of other options, including flirty skirts with tummy control (1X-3X) to babydoll dresses in multiple colors (2X-3X). Or, you could go for sexy and simple by pairing a georgette sarong (1X-2X, Swimsuits Just For Us) with the Rio De Janeiro Twist Bandeau suit from Always For Me. Available in four colors and sizes ranging from 16W-26W, this gorgeous, curve-hugging suit is just begging for a trip to Vegas.

Whatever look you choose, be sure to read Peony’s thoughts on swimsuit socializing before hitting the pool, and remember that confidence is the sexiest accessory of all. Have fun and keep us posted!

Ladies: What fat-girl phobias have you conquered so far this summer? Tell us about the activity or social gathering you braved — or suggest another great pool-party fashion for this reader.

You never know who you’ll meet on a girlfriend getaway

It’s vacation season for many, with great weather and kids out of school as families head off to water parks, resorts, and campgrounds. For moms like me, it’s also girlfriend getaway season, because it’s easier to leave the kids with our spouses/partners/relatives without factoring in school schedules. For others, like our own Angela, it’s time to gather some pals and head north where the weather is divine to relax.

Each July, some of my besties and I rent a house somewhere and convene to . . . well, basically we laugh the entire time. One year, I remember going to bed with a sore jaw from laughing so much. Whether partaking in touristy activities, kicking back, playing pranks on each other, or stopping to meet roadside llamas, each gathering is a non-stop joy-fest and something that’s brightened my existence considerably. Pretty surprising for someone who didn’t have many close girlfriends until adulthood.

There’s something valuable about hanging out with people who are much like yourself, but just different enough to make things interesting. It’s also comforting to have friends who don’t judge you for never losing that baby or college (or whenever) weight, and who see you as beautiful and perfect–right here, right now. This is the stuff that great girlcations are made of. There’s even a magazine devoted to Girlfriend Getaways, which might inspire ideas for a traveling friend-fest of your own, because there’s simply no substitute for gathering with women who “get” you.

Have you done a girlfriend getaway? If not, why not? If you’re thinking of starting one, you know what we’re going to ask: what are you waiting for?

Every woman deserves to see herself as beautiful and sexy (image by JamieBates)

All women experience self-doubt. Actually, scratch that. All women — with the possible exception of the Jersey Shore cast — experience self-doubt. Not even the most seemingly together girl is immune. Despite appearing to have the perfect job, the perfect skin, the perfect curves, the perfect manicure perfect relationship. . . even she looks in the mirror and fixates on some body part she wishes were larger, smaller, tighter, smoother, or just plain different.

It’s a strange quirk of the female psyche, this tendency to put ourselves down — fat girls even moreso. Feeling insecure about our weight can hold us back from applying for a job we really want, pursuing a meaningful relationship, or trying a new activity or hobby we’ve been curious about. Negative feelings about our bodies can also affect our experiences with sex and intimacy, causing us to prefer “lights off, shirt on” sex or not allowing us to fully enjoy or respond to a partner’s affection.

While it’s unlikely a single blog post can resolve years of self doubt, if we can give you one or two real-world suggestions — or even some food for thought — that helps facilitate a positive change in your self-perception, then we’ll call it a successful day at FGG.

Stop deferring compliments

Let’s play a little game: Imagine you’re filling your water bottle in the office kitchen on Friday morning when a co-worker exclaims, “Your hair looks amazing today!” Or one of the other moms at the playground tells you how much she loves your shoes, or that your new shirt is fabulous. What about when your husband or date tells you that you’re sexy? What goes through your mind in those moments, and how do you respond?

Too many times, we brush off compliments because they make us feel awkward or unworthy. Or, worse still, we respond by putting ourselves down: “Oh, no! My hair is a disaster today with this humidity!” “Really? I think this shirt makes my arms look huge. But your shirt is adorable.” “Whatever. I’m sweaty and gross from carrying the groceries inside; there’s no way that’s sexy.”

Why can’t we stop pushing back and simply allow ourselves be appreciated? Hearing something positive about ourselves — especially about our appearance — doesn’t have to be transactional. We don’t have to automatically counter with something we don’t like, or to look for a way to even the playing field by complimenting the other person.

The next time someone praises your appearance, your body, your sense of humor, or any of your unique characteristics, there are three really simple things you need to do: Smile genuinely, say “thank you,” and believe the person who said it.

That’s it. The more accustomed you are to accepting compliments graciously, the better your chances for well-developed self esteem. You might even try writing down these positive observations about yourself, or repeating them back to yourself in the mirror or during moments of self doubt. Telling yourself “you’re attractive and desirable” might feel awkward at first — you might even laugh. But it’s been shown that self-talk is a powerful brain-changer, and you also might start to believe it.

Always play up your strengths

With your ears and mind open to receiving positive feedback, it should be just a short hop to identifying your strongest attributes — physical or otherwise. Even if it’s hard for us to express or show outwardly, each of us can identify something about ourselves that we like when we look in the mirror. Perhaps you have gorgeous eyes, or ultra-thick, shiny hair. Or maybe it’s your killer legs or a smile that lights up your whole face. My best friend is fond of joking that the headline of her fictitious online personal ad would read: “Possesses super-soft skin. . . and an 8-bit Nintendo.” And it’s certainly no coincidence that I prefer lower-cut, V-neck tops to turtlenecks.

Whatever your favorite parts, help them look their best with the right care and grooming, or the accessories to make them stand out. Give your pretty feet some pampering and a colorful summer pedicure. If you’ve got an hourglass figure, buy a dress that defines your lovely waist. Take care of your beautiful teeth with good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. Or experiment with different makeup techniques that make your green eyes sparkle or your brown eyes smolder.

Although neither confidence nor a person’s worth can be measured in body parts or physical traits, there’s something to be said for starting small and building up from there. Stepping out into the world feeling positive about even a few things about your appearance can be a seed for change in other parts of your life, too. In the same way crossing a couple of easy items off a to-do list can build momentum, knowing that you have a knock-em-dead [insert your fave trait here] can help make it easier to feel love — or even just acceptance — for the areas of your body that don’t make you as happy.

More than the sum of your parts

Beyond the bounce of a great hairstyle or the allure of impressive cleavage, there’s a whole body waiting to be understood and appreciated. Despite — or perhaps because of — the familiarity that comes with living in our own skin every day, many of us don’t often consider all the positive things our bodies do on a daily basis. What’s worse, we often try to hide, cover or ignore whole areas of our bodies because of the extra weight we carry.

But think about it: Extra weight or not, your body is both an amazing machine and a refuge. The same legs that feel “too big” manage to carry you through every day, up the stairs and down the street — even through exotic places and new experiences. For the moms out there, the stretch marks that become all you can see when you view your tummy are the evidence of loved and cherished children your beautiful body carried, nourished and birthed. And the arms you might feel ashamed to bare because of the way they flap or roll are the same arms your friends or family run to when they’re hurting, or scared, or need to be reassured. Wearing a size 8 or 28 is irrelevant in these situations, so why should size be so prevalent in how much we appreciate our bodies?

Tune in to your body

Of course, body confidence isn’t as simple as flipping a switch or we’d have done it already and I’d be talking to myself here. For some of us the process takes our whole lives and involves professional reinforcement. But activities that connect you to your body can also help foster the process. At FGG, we’ve talked about how everything from stretching to yoga to the great orgasms can enhance the mind/body relationship while also improving health and energy. Some women also find confidence through specific activities in which they feel they excel — or through which they just feel a comforting “I’m just like everyone else here” normalcy.

I’ve made no secret about the fact that the water is my happy place. And though I began taking aqua classes to improve my fitness, I’ve noticed other changes in the three months since I began attending regularly. I stand straighter now. I’m more conscious of the way my muscles work together. And, on very rare occasions, I actually feel the same fluidity in my body outside of the pool as I do in the water.

If you’re still searching for your physical happy place, try another FGG favorite activity to help access your body’s more subtle graces: The self-portrait project. Focusing regularly on locating new body angles to photograph can be a powerful tool in making peace with (and finding love for) your body. Seeing yourself from new perspectives may even help you begin to see what someone might mean when s/he says “You’re so pretty,” or even “You’re so sexy.”

Listen to your friends and family

This is possibly the strongest argument of all for self worth, and yet one that is grossly underestimated or ignored. No matter what our age or current position in life — married, dating, single, parenting or not, on top of the world or in a state of reinvention — each of us has some type of support network. Sometimes it’s a nuclear family; other times it’s an assortment of friends who fill the same role. The point is, we have people around us who see us for who we are and who love us.

I’ve often considered the double standard many of us are tempted to buy into: The notion that our plus-size friends or family members are awesome, beautiful, diverse, lovable people who enrich our lives — without stopping for a moment to consider that they likely feel the very same way about us. How is it possible to be so quick to see the beauty in others, yet so reluctant to admit it in ourselves?

The next time a friend shares that she loves how you look in a particular photo, try to stop yourself from immediately thinking she’s crazy because you had your eyes closed, or because it’s not taken from the most flattering possible angle. Instead of looking for double chins, try to see what she sees in the picture. Is it the joy spreading across your face as you break into laughter? Is it the glow of feeling loved by those around you? Is it the curl of your grin that indicates you just told a hilarious story? Or maybe it’s the pride you’re exuding upon accepting your college degree or while watching your child take his first steps.

Ultimately, beauty is more than perfectly straight teeth or cellulite-free skin. It’s the intangible light that glints from women of every size and shape, every single day. Sometimes it catches in ponytailed hair as she does the dishes, and sometimes it’s reflected in smoky, bedroom eyes. Where will someone see it today in you? And will you be brave enough to recognize and embrace it?

We want to hear your stories of self confidence and beauty. At what point in your life have you felt the most irresistible, and how did body image play into that experience? How do you tap into your reserve of confidence and desirability? Do the other plus-size women in your life realize their own beauty?

Padded bike shorts protect you where it counts. (Image by L. Marie)

Summer is prime cycling time, so it seems only fitting that FGG’s very own Tee posed this week’s question in the comments of a recent Guide:

I’ve got an Ask FGG question of my own. Are there any padded plus-size bike shorts? I’m taking a spinning class that hurts my rear end, and I can’t seem to find those.

It’s ironic, isn’t it? Despite the padding many of us carry in that area, it often still hurts like crazy to sit on a bike and pedal. I’ll be honest — when I saw this question, I fully expected the answer to be “nope!” But it turns out my inner skeptic was only half right; padded shorts do exist in extended sizes (thanks, athletic apparel manufacturers!), but you shouldn’t expect to find the pads in the buttocks of your shorts.

The primary functions of chamois padding in bike shorts are 1) to wick moisture away from the body and 2) to provide a buffer between seams and stitching and your skin, thereby protecting delicate body parts and minimizing chafing. For this reason, the placement of the pad runs from the crotch area back through the tailbone — in short, the shape of the pad mirrors that of an extended bike seat.

Designed for women by women, the Shebeest Triple S Shorts ($80) are available in plus sizes 1X-3X. In addition to offering extended sizes, Shebeest equips these shorts with SheLastic^TM Chamois Plus pads, which are customized to accommodate the size and pressure of a bigger biker. The company’s Pedal Pusher Tights are also offered in the same sizes, with the same padding.

For a less expensive ($44.95), more colorful ride, Aero Tech Designs offers women’s Pro Bike Shorts in sizes 3X (22/24) and 4X (26/28) and in five different colors. Aero Tech’s sizable catalog of plus-size cycling gear includes triathlon shorts, a wrap-around skirt and jerseys. But for our money, the  maximum padding comes in the form of Aero Tech’s thick-padded Century Short, designed with extra “butt pillow” (sold!) cushioning for long-distance bike rides.

Whether you’re planning a leisurely ride along the bike path or on sweating through a spinning class, be sure to follow the accompanying care instructions on your new pair of padded shorts to ensure maximum garment life and moisture-wicking properties. And check out our Guide to Cycling for tips on finding a comfy seat and ride. Happy riding!

Any cyclists or spinners in the readership? How do you stay comfortable in the saddle during long rides?

Swap Wheaton’s book (sorry, Wil) for one of these fat-friendly titles (image by Mingo.nl)

Some girls over-pack clothes or make-up when they travel. One of my best friends insists on lugging along what we’ve dubbed a “shoe-case” because it’s dedicated only to footwear. Me? I over-pack . . . well, everything, but especially books. In preparation for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, a four-day getaway with friends to Door County, WI, I’ve already chucked three books into the “take along” pile, while knowing better than to think I’ll have that kind of time. And yet, summer wouldn’t be summer for me without beach reads. As Toni touched on in her recent ode to lazy summer days, for many of us, few things are more intoxicating than a relaxing day at the pool or beach, splashing in the waves (or getting splashed by our kids), with ample time to devour a page-turner.

In honor of those lazy days and the upcoming holiday weekend, FGG has compiled a few ideas for books that feature plus-size protagonists — but they come with a disclaimer: Obviously, taste in books is incredibly individual, so we don’t expect each of these titles to have the same appeal to every reader. Further, it’s a tricky thing writing for a blog that doesn’t wholly identify itself in either the “fat acceptance” or “weight loss” genre, but rather seeks to strike a realistic and empowering tone for overweight women in general; that tightrope walk becomes more pronounced when attempting to recommend literature featuring plus-sized characters, because the genre is so controversial. There are as many “fat girl” and weight-loss memoirs out there as there are poorly drawn, self-hating or insultingly unrealistic primary or tertiary characters in fiction (Jemima J, I’m looking at you). For that reason, we’ve tried to list books whose overweight female protagonists are strong, unashamed and multifaceted, or whose struggles with their weight issues are presented in an honest and real way, without being condescending or insinuating that only through weight loss can one find love and meaning.

In short: Your mileage may vary, but we hope there may be something for everyone. So grab a beach blanket and enjoy!

If you’re in the mood to laugh

Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office (Jen Lancaster, 2006)

What to Expect: Unabashedly self-centered (hence the title), the plus-sized Lancaster draws from her riches-to-rags unemployment experiences in the post-9/11 economy to deliver gut-busting humor and a trademark snarky wit. This is the first of Lancaster’s best-selling memoirs, so if you dig her style, you’ve got all summer to gobble up her other four titles: Bright Lights, Big Ass; Such a Pretty Fat; Pretty In Plaid; and the recently released My Fair Lazy.

Good fit for your beach bag? Readers either can’t get enough of Lancaster’s humor, or seem to find her observations unrelatable and mean-spirited. Which category you belong to depends heavily on your feelings toward curse words and everyone’s-a-target humor.

Frangipani: A Novel (Célestine Vaite, 2006)

What to expect: The first in Vaite’s trilogy of novels following the relationships and antics of “professional house cleaner” Materena Mahi and her family, this novel is as chock-full of strong, diverse female characters as it is whimsy. The story centers on the relationship between plus-size Materena and her daughter, which allows Vaite to get maximum play from the Tahitian myths and superstitions that govern Materena.

Good fit for your beach bag? This lighthearted, quick read should appeal to readers seeking a different take on the age-old struggles between mothers and daughters. Plus, the gorgeous Tahitian setting is beach-worthy, for sure.

Good In Bed (Jennifer Weiner, 2002)

What to expect: Twenty-eight-year-old Cannie Shapiro faces what many of us would deem our worst nightmare: her ex-boyfriend has written an article about their sex life, titled “Loving a Larger Woman,” which appears in a Cosmo-esque national mag. Hilarity, tears and tequila shots ensue, as Cannie sets off on an ill-advised journey to lose weight and win back her jackal of an ex — before realizing she deserves better.

Good fit for your beach bag? There’s a reason this is a go-to novel for both plus-size chick lit and those looking for something a little more substantial: It’s a really enjoyable read that features a protagonist you can cheer for. Sure, there are plot points requiring a suspension of disbelief, but Weiner’s smart, sassy writing gives Cannie a believable, identifiable voice, and we appreciate the willingness to stray beyond “weight loss = happiness” as a takeaway.

If you’re in the mood for love

Love at Large (Anthology, 2005)

What to expect: Six separate stories of plus-size women finding love with men who think they’re scrumptious. Want more? None of these protagonists are clinging vines just pining for a man; they’re independent, strong and sexy — all of which their suitors find irresistibly appealing. Yes, literary world, men can and do love larger women!

Good fit for your beach bag? Fun, fluffy and perfectly portioned for reading between catnaps. In short, a perfect beach read. One of the stories is even set near Lake Michigan, which made this girl proud.

Suddenly You (Lisa Kleypas, 2001)

What to expect: A lush, historical bodice-ripper with a plus-size female lead? Believe it. The action (so to speak) begins as 30-year-old Amanda opens her door to the male prostitute she’s hired to take her virginity — only to discover later that she’s judged his identity too hastily. What follows is a romantic cat-and-mouse game between free-spirited writer Amanda and her visitor (and new publisher), Jack, as well as a celebration of the allure of curvaceous beauty.

Good fit for your beach bag? If you’re a fan either of historical or romantic fiction, this is a no-brainer, but even skeptics may be drawn in by the impressively developed characters and witty dialogue. (And did we mention the sex?)

If you’re in the mood to reflect… or even cry

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County (Tiffany Baker, 2010)

What to expect: The story of 400-pound “giant,” Truly Plaice, orphaned as a young girl and having grown up surrounded by loss, drama and societal cruelty. Parts of the story may prove painful for readers who have experienced sadness at the hands of bullies and insensitive acquaintances, but fans of the book rave about Truly’s honest, compelling narration and her ability overcome her life’s circumstances and find meaning and escape.

Good fit for your beach bag? Part horror story and part fairy tale, this book seems to best suit the reader who seeks gloriously descriptive prose and page-turning twists — without expecting ponies and rainbows to be waiting on the other side.

The Wife’s Tale (Lori Lansens, 2010)

What to expect: The journey of an overweight (302 pounds) woman whose husband leaves on the eve of their 25th wedding anniversary. Realizing that she’s as imprisoned by fear as she is by food, Mary Gooch ventures from her Canadian hometown for the first time, finding her way to the new sights and characters of California as she seeks to find her husband, and herself.

Good fit for your beach bag? Some will find Mary’s cold-turkey “I’m not hungry anymore” weight loss off-putting, while others might wish for more of an ending, but introverted readers who seek to identify with a narrator may be drawn to Mary’s struggle and the intricate details of her life as an overweight woman.

If you’re in the mood to sleuth

If mystery’s your thing, it seems your full-figured female protagonist cup runneth over — what is it about fat girls that makes us scream “I’m the next literary answer to Angela Lansbury!”? For reasons we can’t identify, several series out there feature larger (or “average-size”) female characters; we’ve suggested a couple here that tend to get good reviews.

Too Big to Miss (Sue Ann Jaffarian, 2006)

What to expect: Don’t let the title or the ample-sized silhouette drawn on the cover art fool you: This isn’t a fat-hating book. Fortysomething paralegal Odelia Grey stands 5’1 and weighs 230 pounds, and although she’s not immune to the trials of life as an overweight woman, she doesn’t let them keep her down. Smart, talented and believable, Odelia kicks off her career as amateur sleuth here (five other titles follow), as she investigates the apparent suicide of her friend Sophie, a fat-girls’ rights advocate.

Good fit for your beach bag? While they’re split on some of the book’s humor (Odelia’s self-deprecating comments could be seen as undermining the size-positive message of her very existence as a heroine), critics and readers all seem to agree that Odelia’s a gem and Jaffarian’s plots are well-constructed.

Earthly Delights: A Corinna Chapman Mystery (Kerry Greenwood, 2008)

What to expect: Corinna Chapman used to be an accountant, but now she runs a bakery and is about to become a part-time sleuth. Confused? Don’t be. All you need to know is Corinna is “ample bodied” and fabulous. Set in Melbourne, Australia, this inaugural Chapman mystery follows Corinna as she balances life (and a potential love interest) with chasing the killer of local drug addicts.

Good fit for your beach bag?: Frothy and possibly forgettable, but definitely fun in the process.

Tell us, readers: What books are in your beach bag this season? What are your thoughts on portrayals of overweight women in literature? And what’s your favorite book — of any genre — featuring a larger main character?

image by sopues

We love hearing from our FGG readers. You girls help keep us tuned in to the questions and issues that are real and relevant in your diverse lives right now. This week’s reader question is a great example:

“Hello! I love to go snorkeling, jet skiing, etc., but find my time in the sun causes more than the occasional sunburn. I’d like to get one of those rash guard shirts that offer sun protection, but can’t seem to find one to fit me. I wear a size 20-22 top and I know they’re supposed to be slim fitting, but I end up looking like an over-stuffed sausage! Have you guys had any experience finding any in plus sizes?”

Worn during all types of watersports from surfing to kayaking, or just while swimming, rash guard athletic shirts (so named because they protect the skin while sliding on and off a surfboard) are made of spandex and nylon or polyester. In addition to providing protection from UV rays (shirts are given UPF ratings, similar to the SPF ratings seen on sunscreens), these shirts can be worn snugly over a swimsuit or layered under a wetsuit to minimize skin chafing.

The ideal fit is close against the body without making anyone resemble breakfast meats. Choosing a plus-size rash guard with the correct fit is important because UPF drops as a shirt stretches and the material thins out over your skin. The largest selection of extended sizes comes from Solartex Sun Gear, which offers women’s rash guard shirts in sizes as large as 5XL, which fits 52″-54″ chests. In addition to short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts, Solartex also sells plus-size, unisex rash guard shorts, tights and loose-fitting swim shirts (up to size 6X), as well as a ladies’ rash guard swimsuit.

For a less pricey alternative (approximately $20 cheaper than the Solartex shirts), consider a short- or long-sleeved Lands’ End AquaTerra™ rash guard if you can comfortably wear sizes 1X-3X (16W/18W – 24W/26W). We like Junonia’s sporty, color-blocked rash guard with a zip-front style, but as of this writing every single size and color combination is on backorder.

Finally, the least expensive rash guard we found was from SunGrubbies.com: The short-sleeve version costs just $29.95 and is available in sizes up to 4X, which claims to provide “skin-tight” fit on women weighing 230-250 pounds, or a looser, “t-shirt fit” that’s comparable to a ladies’ 2X. Our only issue? A 5’2 woman weighing 250 pounds is likely to carry her weight much differently than a 5’11 woman of the same weight. Using weight as a sizing guideline sometimes makes things more confusing when the intent is to be clear.

Rash guards and swim shirts are gaining popularity, especially for their sun protection properties. Are you a fan? Tell us which brand and fit you prefer, and share your experiences about sizing in the comments.