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.

Are these Shape-ups fat-girl friendly?

Dear FGG: I keep seeing ads for all these shoes that tone your body just by walking in them. Do they actually work? And are they safe for overweight women to wear? I’m afraid I’ll topple over!

Lately, it’s hard to miss commercials for either the new Sketchers Shape-ups or Reebok’s EasyTone fitness footwear. Although designed very differently, both are based on a similar concept (decreased stability is used to engage and challenge muscles) and are promoted as a faster way to achieve a toned butt and legs, while also losing weight. To test these claims, I trotted into two local shoe stores for some fat-girl field research, where I spoke with a shoe-fitting guru for scoop on whether these shoes live up to their hype.

Sketchers Shape-ups

Although you can purchase these puppies in every style from sandals to boots to standard athletic shoe, two different staff members at my local Lady Foot Locker assured me that the rocker technology on all the shoes was the same — a claim the Sketchers web site seems to reinforce. The signature curved, rocking-horse nature of each Shape-ups sole is designed to mimic the effect of walking on soft ground, where your heel sinks in and your muscles have to work to stabilize the body with each step. The unique design also gives the shoes a platform-like look and feel, adding a couple of inches to the wearer’s height.

After lacing up the black & white “Strength” models a clerk brought out at random for me to try (a design I’d actually consider owning — plus a name that matches my shoulder tattoo), I completed several laps around the store to get a feel for the shoes. Although I felt the “soft sand” comparison immediately, the shoes weren’t uncomfortable to wear; at no point did I feel as though I’d fall over — due to my weight or otherwise. Wearing them definitely forced me to pay attention to how I was walking, which likely affected my posture for the better. And whether it was just the increased emphasis on my stride or the actual science of the shoe, I did feel my calves working harder during the five minutes I tooled around the store.

Ultimately, although I remained curious about the Sketchers and would have loved to give them a lengthy, in-home test run, two things would likely keep me from purchasing them for myself. First, the price tag was steep–$110 for a pair of shoes I couldn’t see myself wearing everywhere due to their just-plain-weird profile. But more importantly, the shoes didn’t seem to offer any allowances for the way my feet behave when I walk. The straightforward arc on the shoe is made for people whose feet land 100% straight ahead and flush with every step, where some people (myself included) have feet that land at an outward angle, and others walk pigeon-toed. Additionally, I could occasionally feel my foot coming down along the outside edge of the sole as I strode, leaving me to wonder if I might at some point hyper-extend or turn my ankle in shoes designed to channel me into walking in a way that conflicted with my foot’s shape and natural tread.

Reebok EasyTone

Rather than an elevated rocking-horse arc on their soles, shoes in the Reebok EasyTone line instead employ what the company calls “balance pods” on the sole and heel to create instability. I took my questions about this shoe straight to an expert — longtime professional shoe fitter (and surname-phobic) José of family-owned and operated Murphy’s Fit shoe store and athletic wear in Evanston, IL. Settled in a comfy fitting chair (which moments earlier had been occupied by local nightly news anchor, Mark Suppelsa as he laced up new kicks), I asked José directly, “Are these types of shoes safe to wear, or will they make a person — especially an overweight person — feel too unstable?”

With a wry smile (I’m guessing he’s fielded this question often lately), José told me I’ve essentially answered my own question with just one key word: Unstable.

Using my own worn-out gym shoe to demonstrate, José walked me through his expert opinion on “toning” shoes: “Only eight percent of people will actually see any real benefit from these shoes,” he said, pausing to laugh at my stunned reaction. “Eight percent of people strike on the outside [of their foot] and stay on the side. They’re called ‘supinators.’ They tend to have a high arch and don’t require a lot of stability from their shoes because their feet never cave in when they walk.” As it turns out, because they keep their weight on the outside edges of their shoes — where the EasyTone balance pods meet regular sole — “they’re the only ones who would ever see ANY results from this shoe. For everyone else, it has the potential to be dangerous.”

Dangerous? Really? “Sixty percent of people strike in the back [of the foot] and roll through at least partially before their foot caves toward center,” said José. These are “pronators,” and I’m apparently one of them, although my feet don’t roll in until the very last minute. “The [EasyTone] shoe isn’t stable for pronators because of the placement of the [balance pod] ball. These people need stability when they walk so they don’t injure themselves.” The final 30% of walkers can be described as “over-pronators” who tend to have flatter feet and lower arches. According to José, these strides don’t strike at the back but instead roll inward immediately, thereby also requiring a shoe with stability. While there’s no “weight limit” on either type of shoe, the unstable feeling they create could be hazardous to anyone more prone to falling or turning an ankle — big girls included.

Ultimately, after trying out the Shape-ups and getting schooled on pronation statistics as they apply to EasyTone designs, I felt very comfortable with my final shoe purchase — a running shoe designed for pronators, complete with a 1/4″ instep wedge to provide stability for my “ballerina feet” (as José described them). While the flashy gimmicks and promises of faster/easier/better toning and weight loss may be alluring — and the shoes may actually work for some — don’t forget that tried-and-true fitness tips are tried-and-true for a reason. Have your feet professionally sized and your walk (also called ‘gait’) evaluated, then invest in a pair of shoes that  provide support where you need it. . . and use them — often!

Have you guinea-pigged a pair of toning shoes? Tell us why you love ‘em or loathe ‘em in comments.

A “just our size” bathtub is a worthy indulgence (image by LonnaS)

A few weeks ago, some friends were in town for a convention and I crashed (with blessings) their comped room at the Westin for a weekend staycation in downtown Chicago. The Westin prides itself on its “Heavenly” experiences; the bed and the shower are plush with luxury accessories to make your stay as relaxing as possible – and (my theory) to make your own digs back home feel completely inadequate when you inevitably return to them. For the shower, that means opulent dual shower heads and skin-perfect water pressure, but also fat-girl-friendly features like the arced curtain rod and spacious tub.

I think it was my third heavenly shower of the weekend that sold me on the idea of one day creating a bathtub situation that felt like it really fit me, rather than having to squish into a tub for bubble baths or just accept that shower curtains will be permanently glued to my hips. Unfortunately, I’m a (broke) renter with no divine bathing experience in my near future. But for our readers with the space and means to create their ideal bathing experience (or to seek it out in their next rental), we’ll share some of the best bathtub options for overweight women.

First, the function . . .

Before heaving stacks of cash into the first tub that gives you bubble bath envy, consider your specific needs. Are you an up-to-the-chin submersion soaker? Do you seek whirlpool jets for pampering and/or therapeutic reasons? Maybe bathing a deux with your partner (or future partner) is a must and you’d like a tub that comfortably accommodates both of you. Or, if the dream bathtub is also to be used by the whole family, you may need something that’s practical for children but also able to transform into a retreat for Mom when she (finally) gets a few moments to herself.

As plus-sized women living in a world that often seems designed to fit the slender, we grow accustomed to squeezing in where we might not fit and to settling for accommodations that are manageable, rather than ideal. Most of the time, we find ourselves satisfied just making do without standing out. Your bathroom can be a wonderful opportunity to create a space that fits you, rather than the other way around – so spend some time considering what your needs truly are and then begin researching the possibilities.

. . . Then the form

This is the fun part. Although standard rectangular bathtubs measure 60″ long and 30″ wide (most North American tubs default to depths of 14″ to 16″, while European tubs average 18″), the options for what size and shape you actually choose are limited only by your space constraints and your wallet. If you stick with a standard rectangle, tall women will likely covet the extra length provided by a 72″ tub and a higher depth in order to submerge more of themselves, while almost all plus-sized bathers would jump at the chance for hip room beyond those 30″. If space is tight in your bathroom, you could opt for the slightly roomier 36″ width; if not, go for a luxurious 42″.

For those with more space to play with, consider an oval whirlpool tub, a freestanding soaking tub, or even a two-seater. Models designed to fit into the corner of your bathroom are always more spacious width-wise, though you may lose some of the length. Similarly, many of the freestanding options that provide a deeper soak (24″ and up, compared to maybe a 20″ depth allowed by a whirlpool) don’t provide the extra width you get in a whirlpool or corner unit — models wider than 31″ are much more rare. If you carry much of your weight in your hips, butt and thighs, you’ll want to look toward tubs that don’t narrow at the ends or even those with an hourglass shape.

Be realistic when you’re choosing a tub depth and consider the height of the walls you’ll need to step over. No matter how much I may covet a chin-deep soak (champagne massage? Yes, please!), the idea of my short legs clambering over these walls with any regularity is a recipe for disaster. Before you commit to a purchase, walk a showroom and actually get in the tubs to try them out – discovering your dream tub doesn’t fit your bod is preferable in the showroom than your remodeled bathroom. Slouch, twist, turn and figure out how much space you have and whether the fit is right for you.

Tubs for every need

Heavier women with considerable mobility challenges (either sitting down fully in a bathtub or climbing over a bathtub wall) can still enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a relaxing tub bath by opting for a walk-in bathtub. These units feature a swinging door (specially constructed and sealed not to leak) that allows you to walk right into the bath, rather than climbing over a wall. Once inside, you settle in on a bathing seat that runs the width of the tub; the higher tub walls allow deep soaking even from this seated position. Some models include massage jets and hand-held shower heads, as well. Walk-ins are more expensive but potentially worth the investment if you’ve given up on baths for mobility reasons. Just be choosy and definitely road-test the model before you buy it — walk-in tubs tend to run much narrower than standard bathtubs, and an “extra-wide” model comes in at about 32″ wide.

Accessorize for comfort and safety

Depending on the bathtub configuration you’ve chosen — and an honest assessment of your agility and stability entering and exiting the tub — you may opt for some additional safety accessories to complete the bath. Although many of us think of grab bars as the domain of the elderly or the disabled, the truth is they can provide a safe and stable means for larger persons (or those with a limited range of motion) climb into/out of the bathtub. Think about it: standing up from a seated-flat position is challenging without something to grab as leverage. Isn’t it easier when a friend extends a hand to help you up? Think of the grab bars as the helping hand to hold while you step over the side of the tub (vertical bars) and lower yourself into or raise yourself out of the bath (fully horizontal bars work best here). Be sure to select bars sturdy enough to support your weight. And don’t opt for diagonal bars; although popular, they don’t provide the same stability and your hand(s) could easily slide down and throw you off balance.

As noted earlier, many models (especially walk-in tubs or those designed for special needs) will have a textured floor for increased traction and stability. If your preferred model doesn’t come with this feature as standard, consider an anti-slip treatment or install a safety gripping device so you don’t lose your balance climbing in or out, while contorting to shave your legs, or while showering.

Finally, for an affordable addition that will feel luxurious even if you’ve opted for a standard rectangular tub, consider a curved curtain rod like those now found in many hotels. They open the feel of your shower considerably and are easy to install. (Note: check to see if you’ll require a longer/wider curtain to accommodate the different dimensions.)

Whether your ideal bath/shower design lends it self to candlelit soaks or being filled to the hilt with rubber duckies, the returns on investing in a full-figured tub will pay off for years to come. With the busy lives we all lead, “me time” can be hard to come by — so make yours comfy while you make it count.

Got an over-sized or customized bathtub configuration in your home? Tell us which features you’d call “must-haves” or which ones you’d just love to try.

On my favorite trail in Grand Teton National Park with one of my favorite people–my oldest son

Last week, we talked about what to wear when hiking (read Part 1 here). Today I’ll talk about what to bring.

Protect Yourself – Sunscreen (look for a sweat-proof type), insect repellent (don’t forget your ankles and shoes to prevent ticks from hitching a ride), and a loud whistle (to call for help or to dissuade wildlife or humans from sharing too much of your personal space). If you must hike alone, make sure at least one trusted person knows your exact route and estimated time of return. If you hike in an area prone to moody weather, bring a waterproof windbreaker or jacket made of moisture-wicking fabric like lightweight fleece.

Prevent chafing - I’ve heard that petroleum jelly is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent chafing but I haven’t tried this solution myself (chime in if you’ve tried it and whether it works in the comments section). Specific products like Sportwax and BodyGlide are other alternatives you can apply to areas that normally rub (arms/inner sleeves, tops of bra straps, inner thighs, etc.). Another solution is to wear clothing designed to prevent skin-on-skin contact, like bicycle shorts or stretchy capris. I wear these constantly in the summer; the fabric is a bit heavy for serious humid heat but the payoff in comfort is worth it to me. There’s also a relaxed leg version I’ve been coveting. And as I mentioned in Part 1 of The Fat Girl’s Guide to Hot Weather Hiking, investing in underwear designed to breathe and prevent chafing is a good idea.

Treat your feet – As Tee pointed out in the comments of The Fat Girl’s Guide to Hot Weather Hiking, Part 1, make sure your toenails are trimmed before hiking, especially if you’ll be hitting any serious hills. I ruined one toenail taking a downhill “shortcut” in the Tetons, and my Smartwool sock caught on another too-long toenail, nearly tearing it off while cross-country skiing (which for me involves a tragicomic amount of tipping over), so learn from the stupidity of those who have hiked before you.

If you have a blister or are breaking in new shoes and discover a “hot spot” rubbing anywhere on your feet, moleskin bandages are one way to protect that sore area. I recently tried BandAid Blister Block (click to receive a coupon) when my favorite cute shoes rubbed me the wrong way at a conference, and they worked really well. However, I haven’t trail tested them, and I noticed they are not for use by Type II diabetics, so be sure to check out any foot care products before use. Finally, If your hiking footwear regularly causes blisters, you might want to consider getting a different pair.

Water and snacks - Keeping hydrated is always a good idea, even on short hikes. Look for bottles made from BPA-free plastic or stainless steel and pack a granola bar or bagel with peanut butter (both keep well in a day pack or small purse). I love those little packs of Justin’s Nut Butters – they’re awesome on tortillas, which also carry well for longer hikes.

Carry-alls – Any type of daypack will do, just so it fits your body well without feeling too bulky in the heat. Be sure to try on different types to ensure a comfy fit. This one is super-cute; I like Eagle Creek because they make affordable day packs for casual users.

I realize all of this information may seem overwhelming, but keep in mind that hiking is just walking, but in nature on different terrain than you might be used to. Start small with shorter, easier hikes and work you way up to longer ones while keeping yourself safe and comfortable. And post your hiking tips, tricks, fave trails, and “I tried it!”‘s in our comments section.