Image by LizMarie

Seasonal transitions can make heading outdoors to walk or hike downright intimidating: What if it rains? What do I do about mud puddles on the trail? How did I get roped into doing this 5K walk in the park for charity? What’s this snow doing here–I thought it was too late in the year for that! Wherever you’ll be hiking or strolling outdoors, it can be scary worrying about getting wet, being cold, or falling or twisting an ankle. We’ve got good news – it’s possible to hike comfortably in any weather with a little preparation and know-how–read on for some solutions to get you past many of the most common hiking hurdles.

First, get your head in the game.

I’m not much of a sports fan, nor do I play one on TV, but I did marry one. And something I’ve observed while watching heated competitions with my husband is how vital the mental component is to any sport. If a couple of players start looking defeated when they fail to score, you can see it reverberate throughout the team. The most important piece of gear to pack is your brain. I understand the fear of falling, possibly more than many people after breaking my leg slipping on ice. While pregnant. (Good times). Carrying extra pounds can skew our center of gravity and affect how we judge our movements, especially if we haven’t been active in a while and need to recalibrate our responses. Hiking with that knowledge in mind is important, but shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Based on my own trail-tested trial and error, if you’re taking baby steps and worrying over every ice patch or root hidden under leaves, how much fun will you have? Also, I think if you invite disaster, it’s more likely to get a nasty toe in the door, so whenever possible, be careful but carry an “act as if” attitude that you’re safe and strong and moving with purpose, and you’ll enjoy your experience much more.

Outerwear

We’ve covered hiking wear basics in our Guide to Hot Weather Hiking and the companion  Guide to Cold Weather Hiking (what can we say? We really like hiking, and we cover it here often because just about anyone at any fitness level can do it). To put it simply, dressing for the weather will guarantee a comfortable, and therefore enjoyable, hike. For rainy weather, there are some choices in plus size rain gear, but as usual, the big outdoor retailers like REI don’t seem to offer much. There’s  several to choose from at Land’s End, which ranges up to size 3X, this packable one from Travelsmith goes up to 3X, this one from Woman Within comes in 4X, and I hope you’re sitting down (to lace your hiking boots), because Junonia’s Cloudburst comes in a 6X! As seasons change you can often find steals in colder weather clothing so look for deep discounts on fleece layers – you want a breathable-but-warm fabric that doesn’t stay wet when it gets wet to prevent hypothermia on the trail.

Boots or shoes

This is not the time to stroll outdoors in your 5-year-old Keds. For hiking any distance, particularly on tricky terrain, you’ll want boots or shoes with serious ankle support and soles with a good grip. I’m a fan of trail runners and mid-height hiking boots, and there are ample brands to choose from. I know Keen is good for wider feet, though I haven’t found them to be as sturdy as I’d like (please feel free to correct me here), and I love Montrail for my narrow size 10s. For a truly nerdilicious resource, Backpacker magazine runs an annual Gear Guide every March that’s packed with hiking boot and shoe reviews (worth checking out at your local library or you can order back issues here for $7).

Hiking gear

Depending on the trail conditions, there’s more than one item that can keep you safely on the trail. Like these awesome little workhorses called YakTrax, which attach to the bottom of your boot or shoe to provide traction on slippery surfaces. Trekking (or hiking) poles are another item worth a serious look, but they come with a bit of a learning curve and should never serve as a substitute for carefully planting your feet with every step. What trekking poles can do is take some of the load off your knees during steep inclines and downhills, and they do help stabilize you on uneven ground. Backpacker magazine’s gear editor, Kristen Hostetter, shows how to use hiking poles in this brief video, and good outfitters will offer demos and tips in stores before you buy.

Moves to strengthen your body for hiking

Backpacker magazine has a few “spring training” moves for getting into trail-ready condition (if a full lunge is too much for you right now, check out these excellent alternatives and modifications at the About.com guide to Exercise), and here’s a great article on strengthening ankles at home. And don’t forget to stretch! The Fat Girl’s Guide to Stretching is a great starting point.

Here are some specific tips for navigating tricky terrain:

* Ice and snow - If you’re doing an early spring hike and there’s only a couple of inches of snow to deal with, YakTrax are your friend here. If not, having warm, sturdy, supportive boots will get you through just fine. For deeper snow, snowshoes are a must – check out The Fat Girl’s Guide to Snowshoeing and Cold Weather Hiking for pointers on getting started.

* Rocky, root-filled terrain - Here’s where getting – and keeping – your head in the game is crucial. I just did a hike on a leaf-covered trail with golf-ball-sized rocks and protruding roots. Sure, I stumbled once or twice at first, but I didn’t let the precariousness get the best of me. Wear supportive footwear (this is a case where mid-height to full hiking boots are a good idea), keep a steady pace that feels comfortable for you, and make sure to keep a firm heel-to-toe stride.

* Muddy and slippery, with puddles and wet leaves - If you’re hiking during this time of year, chances are you don’t mind a little mud and water; tread cautiously over any slippery patches. If your boots or shoes aren’t already waterproof or resistant, you can treat them with products like NikWax. Wearing socks made of non-cotton fabrics (like SmartWool or Thorlo will help keep your feet dry if your footwear gets wet.

* Frequent, steep inclines - Here’s where trekking poles can be your friend, but knowing your abilities and limitations is important here, too. Because I have asthma, going higher means I must make frequent stops while ascending steep hills. But for me, hiking is about taking in the scenery and not a race, pausing is a normal and welcome part of any steep hikes I take.

* Stream crossings and/or slippery rocks - This article from the Orange County Register is filled with common sense tips on crossing streams safely – crucial to staying relatively dry and avoiding tragic and often preventable accidents. During springtime, water levels can rise and currents can increase due to runoff from snow melting, so get a really good sense of the current and depth and don’t hesitate turn back if you’re at all unsure of the safety of crossing.

* Sand - Unless there are nasty burrs or goat head stickers (huh? check out this entertaining description) – i.e., smooth sand dunes vs. wild and woolly desert – you can swap the boots/trail runners for rugged (but super-comfy) outdoor sandals like Tevas or Chacos. To keep ankles steady, focus on walking at a comfortable pace instead of hurrying, which leads to stumbling and staggering instead of striding.

Readers, let’s hear it! What’s the trickiest hike you’ve done? How about your favorite hiking gear? Any brands or other resources not mentioned here we should know about? Share them in the comments.Similar Posts:

• The Fat Girl’s Guide to Hot Weather Hiking, Part 1
• The Fat Girl’s Guide to Cold Weather Hiking
• The Fat Girl’s Guide to Snowshoeing

Closet reorganization by LizMarie

After a ridiculously long winter (even our southern readers had a rough one this year), the official arrival of spring this weekend offers a wealth of exciting possibilities. More daylight hours to lift our spirits. Green, lush life ready to burst forth from trees, lawns and flowerbeds. The return of sandals and a great excuse for frequent pedicures (check out our Guide to Spa Services for tips on getting a perfect pedi). And let’s not forget the annual emergence of cute boys who ride the bike path with their shirts off.

When the weather takes a turn for the awesome, one activity tends to get trampled amid the usual (and understandable) bum rush to get outdoors: the joy of spring cleaning your closet. Now, if you’re anything like me, you may be thinking that using the words “joy” and “cleaning” in the same sentence is crazy talk. And sure, it may seem like a painful and thankless task on the surface, but think about it — how often do you get a chance to redefine yourself by tossing some things that are holding you back and to set the tone for a new season, all in one afternoon? Besides, spring is a fickle time of year, and that first string of rainy days is perfect for some spring cleaning time.

Run a Google search for “closet organization” or “spring cleaning” and you’ll get a good handle on all the wardrobe-rotating basics: make “keep,” “trash,” “mend” and “donate” piles, neatly stow your winter clothes in airtight plastic containers, etc. However, we thought plus-sized girls and their closets might appreciate some tweaks to the standard approach, so grab your sorting bins and some courage and get ready to dive into the abyss.

Stop saying “Someday . . . ”

Dig through almost anyone’s closet and you’re bound to find some ill-fitting or out-of-date clothes. For most fat girls, however, the amount of unwearable items tends to be much higher. I call this the “Someday Syndrome”–how many of us have bought dresses or pants in a too-small size as incentive to lose weight, or held on to favorite clothes that once fit but are now too tight? These garments languish in our closets, staring us down every day as we repeat a “Someday” mantra: “Someday, this cocktail dress will fit.” “I’ll be a size X again someday.” “Someday, when I lose these 50 pounds and get back to my college/wedding/pre-baby weight . . .” “Someday, I’ll be able to zip my ‘skinny’ jeans.” While these intentions may be good, the reality of Someday Syndrome keeps us from feeling great about who we are today, and starts us on the road to a guest spot on “Hoarders.”

This spring, we’re issuing a dramatic challenge: get rid of your “someday” clothes. Do what the experts say and pull out every piece of clothing from your closet. Try on each article in front of a full-length mirror, and force yourself to make an honest assessment: is this a size/color/style/cut that looks flattering on you today? Would you wear this out of the house — as-is or with minimal tailoring — and feel comfortable and confident? Can you sit, walk, bend, reach and move around in the garment(s) comfortably and without need for constant adjustment or fidgeting? If the answer to any of the above is “no,” it’s time for that piece to go.

The flip side of “Someday Syndrome” is the emotional challenge of parting with clothes that are now too big, thanks to successful weight loss. I’ve watched many friends contemplate this situation after shedding 20, 40, 100 pounds. Even if the items haven’t been worn in months or years, there’s often such a reluctance to part with them for good; they’re a security blanket of sorts in case of a backslide that causes the weight to return. But whether you’ve packed the “fat” clothes away or are still drowning in sweaters two sizes too big, spring cleaning is the perfect time to pare down to the clothes that fit you today.

Letting go is a good thing

Very possibly, the rationalizations are kicking in already: Those suits were expensive. You’ve been losing weight and you really are almost ready to zip those jeans. You don’t want to have to reinvest in size 18 dress pants when you lose 20 pounds. What if you really don’t keep the weight off?

It’s true the average plus-sized garments cost more than those made in smaller sizes, and we’ve all spent far too much money on different sizes as weight has fluctuated up and down. (No one ever said fat was all fun — or fair.) But before slamming the closet doors shut and leaving the accumulated sizes to be sorted out in the future, try taking an honest look at the items that are so hard to part with. If you bought jeans today, would you really buy that style? Is a trendy dress from 2001 really going to be something that sees future use? How does encountering these reminders of an earlier version of your body make you feel? How much happier would you be to open a closet every morning without the guilt (and the clutter!) offered by every garment that doesn’t fit you right now?

The truth is, if your closet is ruled by any combination of sentiment, habit (I’m the worst offender when it comes to buying six colors of the same shirt) or fear, it has ceased to be functional. Go ahead and keep the truly important sentimental pieces, like your one pair of “goal jeans,” or the largest pants that show you just how far you’ve come. Keep the next size that you’re shrinking into if you’ve been on a successful weight loss track. Pack these items up and out of daily sight, and then let go of the rest of the baggage.

Re-sell, recycle, re-gift

Don’t fall prey to the lure of keeping ill-fitting items just because they’re expensive or have never been worn. Stylish, designer and professional clothing (and accessories) are perfect for sale on consignment, which involves taking your gear to a consignment retailer to be re-sold through their store. The shop pays you a percentage of the selling price, usually your choice of store credit or cash (with store credit likely providing a higher “profit” percentage). Individual stores handle merchandise intake differently; some accept seasonal clothing all year, while others have prescribed intake months for certain items. Consignment is a good option for recouping some of the monetary value of quality items.

Clothing swaps are another way to recycle your old threads while possibly picking up something new in a better size or more flattering style. Swaps can be as informal pooling resources with a few friends after spring cleaning or as elaborate as a local or online event. One of the coolest swaps I’ve attended took place several years ago when I was active on a specific Weight Watchers message board. In preparation for a weekend meet-up in Chicago, dozens of us cleaned out our closets and brought the clothes we had outgrown through weight loss. The pile of garments was staggering; it was as though each girl had suddenly found 40 sisters with closets to raid, and the array of sizes and styles offered something for almost everyone. In addition to easing the financial burden of replacing clothing that had grown too big, it was inspiring to see a favorite dress or shirt suddenly given a second life with a new owner.

Items that don’t make the cut for resale or swapping can find a home with local nonprofit organizations, which are always looking for clean clothes in good condition (without rips or stains, etc.). Try calling or checking the web sites for organizations that serve veterans, the homeless, victims of domestic violence, or individuals re-entering the workforce after rehabilitation or incarceration. You can also check with your church or larger groups such as Purple Heart or The Salvation Army. It surprises many people to learn that organizations often place plus-sized donations at the top of their wish lists. Your good deed is especially important because it gives recipients a simple dignity we often take for granted: wearing nice clothing that fits well.

Start spring organized and energized

With the clutter cleared, sentiment packed away and only your best looks remaining, now comes the really fun part: re-stocking your closet in whatever way best fits your lifestyle. Hopefully the fashion show of trying on each outfit helped identify what staples you might be lacking or where you might be in a rut. To freshen up your wardrobe, consider integrating a new color or trying a style you fell in love with in a magazine or on a friend. Most importantly, make sure the items you return to the shelves and hangers bring out your confidence and make you proud of the gorgeous, dynamic girl you are.

Have an inspiring clean-sweep story to share? Want to offer your favorite tips for getting organized? Tell us in comments. Similar Posts:

• Photo of the Week: Spring for Fashion!
• Ask FGG: “Where can I find a cute, plus-size rain coat?”
• Ask FGG: What Styles Are Best for My Large Chest?

In her element: Snowface, from Toni

I loved this the moment I saw it, and while Toni and I aren’t eligible for monthly photo prizes for our own photos (obviously!) I wanted to showcase it, anyway. There is little more beautiful than the happiness obvious on our faces when we’re truly engaged and in our element.

What about you? Where are you most in your element? Show us this month, and have a shot at winning one of our monthly prizes.Similar Posts:

• FGG Photo of the Week: Happiness
• Photo of the Week: “If you’ve got it…”
• FGG Photo of the Week: Play!

Snowshoes by m.prinke

Today’s guide comes with a little homework. Don’t worry! It’s not too painful–just a little (ahem) warm-up reading. Our Guide to Cold Weather Hiking covers how to dress warmly and stay dry and be safe while moving your bod outdoors during winter, and we list some retailers that carry clothing that will actually fit us larger girls. See? Not painful at all. Now let’s get to it.

First, some reasons why snowshoeing is a great activity for fat girls:

* Just about anyone who can walk can snowshoe (even me, and I’m as clumsy as they come)

* It’s low tech, low impact (easy on those joints!), and carries less chance of injury than skiing or snowboarding

* It’s inexpensive compared to other winter sports and activities (no lift tickets, no special boots needed)

* You can snowshoe just about anywhere – no need to drive to a resort – and you can practice in your back yard

* Snowshoeing allows you to hike above the snow instead of “post holing” knee- or waist-deep through it

Now for some snowshoe-specific gear tweaks on our cold weather hiking guide:

Layering – Some outdoor sports require thicker long underwear, with good reason. If you’ll be standing around for hours watching Winter Olympic snowboarding or going hunting or snowmobiling, then winter weight underthings are the way to go. But because I’m a sweaty Betty once I get moving for winter hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing, I tend to wear a lighter base layer made of water-wicking, synthetic fabric (i.e., NOT COTTON) that moves sweat away from the bod, keeping you warm and dry.

Footwear - Winter starts with the letter W, and that’s how you’ll want to think of the boots you’ll strap into your  snowshoes: warm and waterproof. You don’t need spendy, high-tech performance boots, just sturdy-but-comfy snow boots that work well with your body, offer great ankle support, and won’t get wet or leave your toes feeling chilled on the trail. As someone who hikes year-round and spends hours sledding with my three sons, I never skimp on socks – winter-weight socks (again, not cotton) like these snowshoe-specific ones by Thorlo or these winter hiking socks by SmartWool, which come in XL, are a worthy investment.

Outer Shell – This is basically whatever type of waterproof jacket or parka you own, plus snow pants. Skip the heavier ski pants or jackets because you’ll be plenty warm walking around over the snow.

Poles - If you’ll be snowshoeing in the mountains or very hilly terrain, you might want to spare your knees and buy or rent some poles. There’s a wide array of trekking poles available; check a local, trusted outdoor retailer to help you find the right size, strength, and weight.

Snowshoes - There are three basic types of snowshoes, and they’re generally defined by activity type and level: recreational, backcountry/mountaineering, and adventure/running. Beginners need look no further than the recreational style, which is great because they’re the most affordable. Snowshoes are sized in length and based on the user’s weight (including whatever load a person will carry in a daypack), not shoe size, which makes shopping easier. However, the more you weigh, the harder it can be to find shoes designed to carry you over the snow, and larger snowshoes can sometimes cost a bit more.

I asked Beth Mairs, founder and director of Wild Women Expeditions, Canada’s largest outdoor adventure company for women to offer some snowshoeing pointers for this guide. “I use and recommend Atlas brand snowshoes, and their Elecktra line of snowshoes for women work with how women walk and stride.” Their 27″ beginner model, the Elektra 8, is sized for people (and daypacks) weighing between 120-200+ pounds. If you’re new to this sport and not sure you want to commit to it, many ski and outdoor shops rent snowshoes so you can get a feel for it before buying.

Technique

Testing your snow legs with an outfitter is a great way to get started; retailers like REI, local independent outfitters, and some park and conservation districts run beginner workshops. For you visual types, REI has an excellent series of videos and expert advice on basic snowshoeing techniques, such as moving up or downhill. Once you get going, it feels a bit tougher than walking in general, but easier than walking barefoot over an uneven sandy beach. You’ll be picking your feet up a bit higher than normal, so expect some soreness in your thighs later on, depending on your fitness level.

I asked Beth Mairs for tricks to getting snowshoes on, especially for those of us who have a hard time bending down due to flexibility issues and/or bellies getting in our way. “My trick? Put one snowshoe on inside, being careful not to put your full weight on the floor due to the teeth (crampons)! And sitting is a must; only extreme (as in extremely annoying) jocks will be able to put on and take off snowshoes while standing.”

Trail Etiquette

“Stay out of the way of cross-country skiers,” says Mairs, a cross-country skier-turned-snowshoer. “Snowshoeing is maybe more of a personalty type B than a type A activity.” Tread Lightly, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting outdoor ethics has a nicely crafted set of guidelines for outdoor sports, including:

Be considerate of others on the trail.
Keep to the right when meeting other winter recreationists and yield the right of way to downhill traffic.
Respect established ski tracks. If traveling by foot or snowshoe, don’t damage existing ski tracks.
When stopping, step to the side of the trail to let other skiers and recreationists pass.
When skiing, move to the right to allow faster skiers to pass.
If crossing private property, ask permission from the landowner(s).

Best Times to Go

Mairs describes the ideal snowshoeing weather as “during mid-winter, when there’s an adequate base packed down already but then some sexy, soft powder falls, say six inches. That’s the stuff.” Her final words of advice? “You’re out to explore and marvel in nature’s beauty, and able to go places you could never be except for the buoyancy that the snowshoes give you over the surface of the snow. Savor that.” That’s a technique we can all get behind.

So, as we often ask here at FGG, if you’ve been curious about snowshoeing, what are you waiting for? If you have questions, ask away. If you’re experienced, please share your tips and tricks in the comments section.Similar Posts:

• The Fat Girl’s Guide to Cold Weather Hiking
• The Fat Girl’s Guide to Hiking in Challenging Conditions
• The Fat Girl’s Guide to Hot Weather Hiking, Part 1

Photo via Dutchnatasja

If your ankles get wobbly just reading the words “ice” and “skating” in the same sentence, if you’ve ever looked on longingly at the ubiquitous images of figure skaters on TV every fourth winter, if you’ve been known to punch the gas in bitter resentment as you pass quaint, fuzzy-hatted skaters at the outdoor rink downtown, get comfortable – this guide was written for you.

The myth that fat girls can’t skate is overdue for shattering, and as a former competitive ice-skater, one I’m happy to take a hammer to. If you’ve never skated, making the images of ice skating and overweight bodies fit together in your psyche may be tough, but understand that most of our impressions of ice skating are fashioned from figure-skating athletes: a small fraction of the ice skating community. These men and women are no more representative of the skating public than Kate Moss is of the average clothes-buying consumer. Need more convincing? Consider hockey players. These guys are big, bulky bricks – many well over 200 lbs (and some closing in on 300) – yet they glide across the ice with speed and confidence.

Just like, with a little practice, you will too.

Like swimming, ice skating is a relatively easy combination of low-impact/high burn-rate activity for women who are overweight. For those counting, 45 minutes of casual ice skating can slay about 450 calories for someone in the 250-lb range, and it also builds muscle fast, which helps you burn more, even at rest, every day. Even if you’re not counting or interested in weight loss, but still want a strong, healthy body, a even weekly trip to the rink can be a fast-track to those goals.

ON YOUR FEET

Learning to ice skate seems to have become psychologically synonymous with weak, sore ankles. Don’t let that scare you away. While it’s true that until you get used to using those muscles again you’ll probably experience some soreness, you can speed up the trip to strong, sturdy ankles with some simple exercises before you hit the ice. Beyond that, a pair of good skates can make all the difference.

Don’t be tempted to skimp here just because you’re not sure you’ll like it or get much use out of them. Oh no. Because you can be sure you’ll be soured on skating fast if a cheap skate or a bad fit ends up hurting your feet or making you feel unsupported and insecure. So don’t rent! And don’t buy your skates online. Stop by a pro shop for sizing (or visit the shop at your local rink) and go straight for their good stuff. Plan to spend $50-$100, and if after giving it a fair chance you find it just isn’t for you, you can sell them and recoup most of your costs.

Keep in mind, it’s normal for brand new skate boots to feel stiff for a little while. With use, the boot material yields and feels more natural. When trying skates on, be sure to wear a thick sock to approximate the feeling you’ll experience when out skating. Make sure your new blades are nice and sharp (and sharpen often from then on for easier gliding).

STARTING OUT

Even if you’re thinking of lessons, I recommend making a few trips to the rink just to get the feel for being on the ice before you sign up. Start out slow, do just 10 or 15 minutes on the ice the first time out, and increase your ice time by about 10 minutes each return trip. You should find you’re able to enjoy 45 minutes of skating after just three or four practice days. If you can, bring a friend who’s also a beginner. Falling down (and you will*) is more fun when you’re not the only one doing it.

* A note about falling: everyone does it, even experienced skaters. But remember to get up as quickly as you can to avoid being bumped, and always, always pull your fingers in close to your body immediately so they won’t get run over by sharp skate blades! I’ve never seen it happen, but I’ve heard enough stories to make this an immediate reflex when I’m skating.

If you do choose to take some lessons at your local rink, now you’ll have gotten your “ice legs” well underway with those feel-out sessions and can focus on learning technique right from the start of your new class. You’ll most likely be asked to choose between group and private lessons at sign-up, and if you’re shy, easily embarrassed or easily derailed or discouraged, I recommend you go for private. They’re not that expensive and in most cases you can be “graduated” out into the skating world after just a few sessions. For the brave among you, group lessons are fun and inexpensive, and provide a good opportunity to meet other beginning skaters to skate with.

WHAT TO WEAR

Jeans are a bad idea – they don’t dry fast after a spill, and can feel heavy and restricting. Stretch pants, workout/jogging pants or sweats are good choices for casual and beginning skaters. Layering is a great idea – a short-sleeved shirt under a hoodie or sweater lets you stay warm when you’re first starting out and when taking a break, but can be shed once you get going and warm up. No scarves – they’re a hazard if they dangle and get caught under a skate – but I definitely suggest gloves or mittens for warmth and protection. Socks should be thick enough to keep your feet warm and cozy, but not so thick that they make your feet feel suffocated and uncomfortably tight in your skates.

WHERE TO SKATE

Avoid local frozen ponds and natural standing water, as it’s difficult to assess ice thickness and safety, and extra weight can play a role here. To find a rink near you, do a simple search online or check out a directory like ArenaMaps.com.

If you find you absolutely love ice skating and want to do it anytime right on your own property, consider making your own rink! My family used to do it every year and those are some of my favorite memories.

WHAT ELSE?

Readers, what am I forgetting? Share your tips for plus-size ice-skating in comments!Similar Posts:

• FGG Photo of the Week: Courage
• The Fat Girl’s Guide to Yoga
• The Fat Girl’s Guide to Cold Weather Hiking

Did you see the news today? It snowed in south Texas! I don’t live in Texas, but I’m jealous that they got the snow for which I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting. So, in honor of the big snow in the South, I thought today was the perfect occasion to drag out the recipe card for a fantastically decadent drinking chocolate.

What is drinking chocolate? Think ‘hot cocoa taken to a whole new level.’ In its luxurious, rich shadow, regular hot cocoa will seem thin and sort of weak. This recipe can be made with three or four simple ingredients and a little will go a long, long way to satisfying your sweet tooth.

Most of us have powdered hot cocoa mixes hanging out in our pantries — I think I’ve got two boxes stashed away in my kitchen for emergency chocolate fixes. It works in a pinch and even tastes pretty good. But have you looked at the ingredient list for that stuff? Sure, it has your usual suspects: sugar, whey, cocoa, nonfat milk, and sugar. But many of the powdered mixes also contain hydrogenated coconut oil (trans fat alert!), salt (amounts of which you’re unable to control), artificial flavors (such as?), and carrageenan (which has been accused by some of causing intestinal inflammation and possibly inflammatory bowl disease). Not the ingredients I want to build a long-term relationship with. So, if you’re looking for something a little more simple and certainly more tasty, give drinking chocolate a try.

This one’s easy to personalize, too. Add more milk to make it a bit thinner. Omit the peanut butter if it’s not your thing or if you have nut allergies. (If you do, consider adding just a pinch of salt to the recipe.) Try it with dark chocolate, milk chocolate… or any chocolate combination that strikes your fancy!

As written, this recipe makes six to eight small servings (remember – a little goes a long way!). Scale back the recipe to half if you’d like, or you can do what I do and keep any extra covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat slowly and re-blend before serving. Perfect for on-demand chocolate therapy!

Peanut Butter Cup Drinking Chocolate
3 cups whole milk
8 ounces good quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped (chocolate chips are okay, too)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Warm 1 1/2 cups of the milk with the chocolate, peanut butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted. Whisk in the remaining milk and heat until very warm (do not boil). Using a hand-held immersion blender or a whisk, mix the drinking chocolate until completely smooth. Serve warm.

Yield: 6-8 servings

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

• Foodie Fridays: Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Foodie Fridays: Frozen Banana-Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Milkshake
• Foodie Fridays: Chocolate Banana Bars

Style&co.’s cotton winter coat from Macy’s – 1x-3x $49.68

The pickins are slim for winter coats that fit larger, bustier women like me, without 1) making me look like a moving tent or an over-padded Michelin Man, and 2) costing me my whole winter clothing budget. Are there really no flattering plus-size coats out there for under $100 bucks?”

Fear not, frosty readers, we’ve tracked down six slimming, stylish winter coats for less than a Ben Franklin.

Style&co.’s cotton, streamliner with big buttons
On sale for $49.68 at Macy’s

A wide collar, straight line, and big buttons from top to bottom draw the eye away from your chest area and even out top and bottom-heavy figures. A lighter-weight option, this creamy, dreamy winter coat is great for milder climates or women (like me) who feel too restricted by bulk, and/or run warm all year round. Sizes 1x-3x.

Junonia Reversible Fleece Anorak
At Junonia for $99.95

This pick pushes our $100 budget to its limit, but for women who love the fit and feel of a sporty but warm anorak, it’s money well-spent. The long cut works both for taller women or those who want to keep the belly undercover, and the reversible colors (green tea and black, or columbia blue and black) makes it feel a little like a two-fer. Sizes 1x-5x.

Polka Dot A-line Wool Silhouette Coat
On sale at Ashley Stewart for $71.40

Fun and versatile, flattering and sophisticated, if you’re only going to get one winter coat this year, get one that works equally well at the office, at the grocery store or at the club with friends. The high-contrast, black-and-white polka dots and over-sized but non-suffocating collar mask shape imbalances without feeling boxy. Note: dry-clean only. Sizes 1x-3x.

Women’s Sherpa Fleece Pullover
On sale at Land’s End for $26.50

Another lightweight but warm, fuzzy option, this find is a huge deal. Made with thick fleece and rated from 5-25° Fahrenheit, don’t let its light look fool you – this is a hot winter coat, and the half-zip helps regulate body temperature. Available in seven yummy colors. Sizes 1x-3x.

Corduroy Funnel-Neck Trench
On sale at Roaman’s for $20.99-$24.99

Long lines and low, low pockets mean this jacket won’t add bulk to your hips, even if you’re bringing along everything but the kitchen sink when you venture out. Available in four fresh colors (I like Ginger), this is a great fall-to-winter transition coat. With a turtleneck and scarf, you’ll be toasty and tantalizing. Sizes 14W to 34W.

Fur-lined, Hooded Stadium Coat
On sale at Avenue for $89.90

No worries, it’s fake fur, but it’ll keep your warm from your head to your ears to your rear-end on chilly walks and at winter sporting events. Just enough quilting to feel swaddled without feeling restricted, this one comes in a delicious, fiery red, a basic black and an earthy gold. Sizes 14W-32W.

How about you? Help our readers out and tell us about your favorite winter coat in comments! And if you’ve got your own question for FGG editors to investigate, send it on over.Similar Posts:

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