https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:27:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/3#post-1167560 Sat, 15 Feb 2014 07:05:18 +0000 Greyscale 1167560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm late to this thread, but I'll chime in as another sympathetic voice. It sucks to feel out of control of your body, and it sucks when favorite clothes are too tight. I've been struggling with this a bit myself, having gained 5lbs and gone up a size this winter&nbsp;(made harder by knowing that my lowest weight four years ago&nbsp;was too low - lots of sports plus depression, not intentional -&nbsp;so I shouldn't have that as a goal, but it's still in my head as the comparison point).</p> <p>I've also been trying to get back in the habit of avoiding sugar, because I'm happier when I do. And walking a lot more - 3 miles today just to and from&nbsp;the subway and the climbing gym - instead of driving to work. I love walking so much.</p> <p>I'm also making peace with buying clothes one size up, because I know I'll love how I look in them. It takes me a few months to acclimate but I know from past fluctuations that I'll get used to it, and I'd much much rather have clothes that fit and that I love. So buy yourself things that fit! And since looser fits are in, just belt them when you lose a few pounds!</p> <p>(The hardest are the things that just don't *feel* the same about my body. My thighs are touching now - I realize this is entirely normal, but it just happens to be a new physical sensation to me.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/3#post-1167144 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 22:32:51 +0000 JayS 1167144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice already here.<br />&nbsp;The one thing I have found that makes cooking at home doable is a Food Saver..the vacuum packaging thingy. I prep and cook one day and store it all up for later. DH will smoke ribs and pork butts (which we pull) and it all goes in the freezer. At meal time, I just make a veggie or two and we're ready to eat.&nbsp;<br />AG, hope you find what works for you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/3#post-1167112 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:47:42 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1167112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't want to believe that humans were designed to gain weight in the winter. &nbsp;We are designed to hold on to weight, but not to gain weight specifically in winter. &nbsp;It's just something that happens because there is less sunlight, an increased desire to stay out of the cold thus resulting in less movement, more desire to eat warm foods, and out of reach of summer fruits and veggies. &nbsp;I love my fitbit and it makes me walk further than ever. &nbsp;</p> <p>I park my car a little further from the entrace and walk. &nbsp;I take little breaks to walk all the time. &nbsp;I choose to walk to the store rather than drive or take the subway. &nbsp;It makes me feel like every step I make counts :)</p> <p>I don't cook differently for myself than I do for my family. &nbsp;I just eat a little less of the starchy stuff and load up more on the salad. &nbsp;It's all about portion control for me, and I'm no good at giving up anything because as soon as I swear off a food I swear to you it starts calling my name in the most enticing way! &nbsp;No no, better to have a little and keep that voice quiet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/3#post-1167041 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 20:38:58 +0000 Gigi 1167041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry you're feeling like this, Una...I think we all feel like this at times. Clothes being tight-fitting is annoying and is a constant reminder that we're not as thin as we were maybe just a month ago!</p> <p>Speaking from a natural point of view, I can't help but wonder if humans are simply designed to put on more weight in the winter. I mean, fat keeps you warm, and even a hundred years ago, people couldn't just go plug in a space heater. And not only that, but the lack of sunshine in the winter can create depression, which also leads to weight gain. I'm hoping that when spring starts showing itself, you will start feeling better all around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/3#post-1167000 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:44:06 +0000 catgirl 1167000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, absolutely. You are so wise and correct. That is what climbing was for me, actually, and with my new schedule, it has been difficult to coordinate with my partner. There is a very zen mind-body aspect to climbing that helped keep me sane. I have found someone at work who can climb on my schedule and hoping that will help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/3#post-1166997 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:41:38 +0000 Angie 1166997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, FWIW&nbsp;I would like to&nbsp;suggest something completely different. And that's to focus on your mind and spirit, which in turns affects your body and the way you think about it. Yoga - flow or power. Time to yourself. Good to your soul. Excellent for your head.&nbsp;Flexibility and Honesty. No Judgement or Competition. Positive. Stress-free.&nbsp;A brilliant way to view the world.&nbsp;I think the 5 pounds will come off by committing to this way of "mind-fitness". You have to do something you can sustain and enjoy over time - and this is one way to do it. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/3#post-1166996 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:41:37 +0000 catgirl 1166996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is also the healthy habits postings which we could use but a challenge is more motivating for me right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/3#post-1166995 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:40:31 +0000 Mo 1166995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been&nbsp;thinking about no wine the days prior to my running days on my training calendar (except Sundays - date night is non negotiable). &nbsp;I found I was 3 days straight wine free after the tasting we went to this weekend. &nbsp;I aim to break that streak this evening with merlot and pork tenderloin though ;)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/3#post-1166994 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:40:20 +0000 catgirl 1166994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Denise that is a lovely idea and a manageable one for me - I find I get overwhelmed and daunted by large scale plans. Mine would be to cut out sugar and get some aerobic activity in. Will think about more specific details but thanks for the suggestion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/3#post-1166982 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:27:46 +0000 CocoLion 1166982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Should we challenge ourselves for a week? &nbsp;If so, what would that challenge be? &nbsp;My goal would be to give up chocolate and cake for one whole week. &nbsp;I eat sweets every single day. &nbsp;Like, 2+ servings a day. &nbsp;For example yesterday one bran muffin (I count that as a treat), one piece of bunt cake and 3 Lindor truffles. &nbsp;It's amazing I am not heavier, truly. &nbsp;(The rest of my food intake is modest, however… I'm really good at portion control when it comes to salad and meat entrees LOL).</p> <p>Does anyone else want to set a challenge for themselves? &nbsp;I think the community support would help me a lot. &nbsp;Plus I have a trip the week after next and want to look good in my LBD without Spanx. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166975 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:19:10 +0000 catgirl 1166975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and Aziraphale, I remember your fibroid surgery.&nbsp; I can't decide if I'd be happy to know that's the problem...&nbsp; But it is another medical issue I'm looking into because yes, I had giant fibroids during pregnancy, though they shrank down afterward.&nbsp; Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166973 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:18:07 +0000 Marmee 1166973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, I try to make things that work both for me, and the family. If i make pasta and ragu for the family, I serve spinach on the side for everyone else, and ragu on top of spinach for myself. Or, if we have burgers, I skip the bun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166965 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:07:04 +0000 catgirl 1166965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow"></a>I was practically in tears this morning when I saw all these responses.&nbsp; Can I just say how thankful I am for all of you?&nbsp; After posting this last night, I went to bed and half-expected a deserved scolding about negativity, body dysmorphia, perspective and I don’t know what else – all things I was telling myself already.&nbsp; Instead, I found sympathy, sound advice and lots of commiseration and support.&nbsp; I should have known you all would come through and give me exactly the kind of feedback I needed.</p> <p>What really resonates and helps me feel better is seeing I am not alone.&nbsp; As a couple of you mentioned, I’ve always been active and a relatively constant weight and size.&nbsp; Now I have a sedentary job and an ever-changing schedule that doesn’t’ allow for a consistent exercise routine.&nbsp; Plus I’m hitting THAT age.&nbsp; And I just realized that with my son playing comp league basketball, a lot of our time that would be spent exercising as a family are instead spent watching games and going to practices.&nbsp; DS has lost weight but I have not!&nbsp;</p> <p>For those who recommended “Eat to Live”, I have that book and it worked really well for me, but I had to make different meals for my boys which was a huge pain.&nbsp; I need to get back to that and also do what Ceit recommended which is to make meals in advance.&nbsp;</p> <p>To everyone else who gave eating tips, thank you!&nbsp; I will be taking them all to heart.&nbsp; I actually don’t eat a lot of carbs and I tend to eat in small portions (I get 2-3 meals from eating out), but I need to be a lot more aware of mindless snacking – especially at work where there is always some community plate of cookies or a birthday cake or what have you.&nbsp; I enjoy food – always have! – and I’ve never subscribed to Kate Moss’s “nothing tastes as good as thin feels”.&nbsp; But I do have a tipping point and I feel like I’m there – I need to make the pendulum swing the other way.&nbsp;</p> <p>I did get the Fitbit but I find it to be more of an accountability keeper than useful for actual information – for instance, it doesn’t track climbing or skiing, only steps.&nbsp; Still, it’s better than nothing – if only to show me how little I actually move during my work day.&nbsp; And as so many of you reminded me, exercise is good for my mental health – in fact, I’m probably so down on myself because I’m not getting enough of those endorphins!&nbsp;</p> <p>Shannon, hugs!&nbsp; My clothes don’t’ really look tight – it’s just the waistband and how they FEEL.&nbsp; And you know I am a champion of the waist surrendering look.&nbsp; Now I worry that I need to surrender But I know that if I size up I will just adjust mentally and never make a real change.&nbsp; You look absolutely great to me in your recent pix, FWIW.&nbsp;</p> <p>Finally, thyroid issues and other health concerns are being investigated.&nbsp; I’ve had an enlarged thyroid for a while but my levels have always been fine.&nbsp; I am having blood drawn to see if that’s changed.&nbsp; </p> <p>IK, you are a huge inspiration.&nbsp; As are all of you.&nbsp; And OMG, Day Vies!&nbsp; I have missed you!&nbsp; </p> <p>I wish I had time to write out a response to each of you…You have all given me hope, consolation and motivation.&nbsp; There is so much collective wisdom on this thread, and in this entire forum.&nbsp; I hope others get as much out of it as I have today alone.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166964 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 19:06:49 +0000 Sona 1166964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una: possible easier/gentler&nbsp;advice from me:&nbsp;before you start altering diet or thinking of some alternative exercise try acceptance that&nbsp;<i>it is OK to buy a couple of pants that feel comfy and yet look g</i>ood. </p> <p>I bought an elastic waist pant ( no longer your granny's khakhi/blue pants)&nbsp;from Jjill that has great slouch at the bottom of the leg and look great on. On muffin top days in this never ending dreary winter I put them on and feel better- not focusing all my attention on muffin! I like the elastic band option because it is easy on my waist and the sizes run s/m/l/so you are not overly focused on size as well?,Its not like I buying a six instead of a 4; you are still buying a 4/6 as a small.</p> <p>Just my two cents. Love you a lot and hope you know we are all here, many of us empathize and you are definitely supported.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166950 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 18:50:10 +0000 DonnaF 1166950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, the good news of what your future may bring, too:&nbsp; At age 60+, my hormone fluctuations are thing of the past.&nbsp; No PMS; no perimenopausal stuff.&nbsp; This means no chocolate/carb cravings that were the bane of weight loss or even maintenance.&nbsp; My weight is now down to what it was in early high school when, admittedly, I wasn't terribly thin for a girl that age.&nbsp; </p> <p>BUT I am much fluffier, and the weight is distributed a bit differently and mostly lower.&nbsp; I will never again have a 24" waist unless I face serious health issues. Even movie stars who make their living by their looks and have personal trainers experience changes in their bodies after a certain age; it's nature. </p> <p>For me, tummy bloat results after eating sugar and refined carbs.&nbsp; I've also taken to drinking wine instead of beer due to the difference in carbs.&nbsp; I love great food, so I'm not overly strict with what I eat, so I'm likely always to weigh several pounds above my aesthetic ideal.&nbsp; </p> <p>Oh, and no treadmills.&nbsp; I personally like to walk outside.&nbsp; I'm wondering if you would like weight training, esp. with free weights?&nbsp; I can really envision you liking it.&nbsp; I used to love working out with free weights, but I no longer have the capacity to grip tightly, so I don't want to risk dropping weights.&nbsp; Machines are generally made for men and taller people, and you can't finely calibrate the weights you put on as you can with plates on free weights.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166917 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 18:19:00 +0000 Amy 1166917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Dana &amp; April I like cooking, generally, but I work really long hours, so it's hard to spend time in the kitchen and do things like sleep, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166884 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:57:18 +0000 unfrumped 1166884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No wisdom; just that I can relate. Just a few # can be a size up for me.<br /> It's one reason why I wondered if I was embracing new boxy/fluid styles for style or for camoflage, and was that going to lead to a new baseline.<br /> I blame it on the worse winter ever, and not really being a winter/cold weather sport person. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166879 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:53:23 +0000 April 1166879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Amy -- as a vegetarian who was married for years to a non-vegetarian, and now that I've given up grain products, starches, and sugar, I'm often making more than one meal. &nbsp;Or more likely, making one meal and supplementing it with additional things that I don't eat for my husband and ravenous teenaged son. &nbsp;</p> <p>If you're willing to surrender to the fact that you're going to be&nbsp;spending some&nbsp;time in the kitchen, it's not as onerous as it sounds.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166868 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:46:34 +0000 ironkurtin 1166868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, I make separate meals for the husband and kiddo.&nbsp; Often mine is a no-processed-carbs version.&nbsp; No if we have burgers, I don't have chips or a bun. If it's pasta, they get noodles and I get stew.&nbsp; Etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166831 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:24:32 +0000 Day Vies 1166831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>:-( I'm sorry you and your tummy are not on the same page. Definitely dress the body you have -- giving up will make you feel even worse. It sends the message to your self- conscious I only deserve time and attention paid to my looks when I look more like the ideal. Resist the frustration!&nbsp; Looser tops are all the rage and go perfectly with your personal style. Also taking the stairs and parking further away from the door are great sneaky ways to get in more activity. I hope you feel better soon and turn the corner to accept your body as it is right now (you're not getting a replacement ;-)). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166823 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:18:57 +0000 Softique 1166823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I feel for you, and I've been there and am probably heading into a similar time again myself.&nbsp; Big ditto to mrseccentric's comments on thyroid---T3 has helped me immeasurably!&nbsp; </p> <p>I can't add much to the good advice others here have offered, other than something I have been making an effort to practice on myself as I change here in midlife.&nbsp; When I'm feeling like this, I remember some helpful advice I found on a website when one of my cats developed a chronic illness that eventually took her life. It warned against viewing the animal as "different" or "defective" in illness, and to continue to view it as the one that you've loved and cared for over the years.&nbsp; </p> <p>I've caught myself using the same faulty logic as my body changes going into midlife.&nbsp; Talk of illness/health aside, I think we are too wrapped up in our identity as a physical thing, when it's really so much more.&nbsp; Would a parent feed her child lower quality food if she becomes ill?&nbsp; No.&nbsp; But for whatever reason, as adults, we often apply the same logic to ourselves, agonizing over decisions about whether to give our new, changed selves the same "level of care" as the former one.&nbsp; (Slim body, leather skinnies; plump body, ratty sweatpants.)</p> <p>You need pants-buy the pants.&nbsp; Clothe yourself, feed your soul, make yourself feel better.&nbsp; Actively love and nurture yourself.&nbsp; That will see you through all the changes better than any diet or medicine!&nbsp; I hope you feel better soon!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166817 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:16:06 +0000 Mo 1166817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sara, I'm on your bandwagon. &nbsp;That's why I mentioned only Una knows if she has the time and DESIRE to do what it takes to fight what nature is intending for us all in middle age. &nbsp;I might have mentioned here before, I have an old childhood friend I recently reconnected with on Facebook&nbsp;who is completely ripped. &nbsp;She's middle aged, like me. &nbsp;But she's a fitness model.&nbsp; She works hard at it. &nbsp;Hours a day. &nbsp;Like it's her job, because kind of, it is.&nbsp; <br />I'm with you: I want my wine with dinner and the occasion ice cream and moderate exercise that doesn't run my schedule or my life. &nbsp;I will certainly curtail when needed and work a little harder at the exercise, but I will never be prepared to do what my friend does to look like she does. &nbsp;Ever.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166806 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:09:07 +0000 citygirldc 1166806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are not alone. I could work out and 7 days a week and won't lost a pound unless I change my eating habits. 80% is diet and 20% is exercise and I know what I need to do but it really is hard during these cold times. &nbsp;Wish us both luck and hang in there.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166799 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:06:34 +0000 Sara L. 1166799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, this is tough one. &nbsp;I have some of the same issues (normally, not my current post-partum issues). &nbsp;I now&nbsp;normally weight about 5 pounds more than I did through most of my 20's and early 30's. &nbsp;I can lose that 5 pounds if I work out at least 4 days a week and cut out all drinks with calories (juice, soda, beer, wine, etc) and most desserts. &nbsp;However, I don't enjoy that lifestyle - I <i>like&nbsp;</i>a beer on the patio in the afternoon and wine with dinner. &nbsp;I enjoy a small bowl of ice cream after the kids are down and I'm watching a movie with DH. &nbsp;I decided it was a quality of life thing and have just accepted that I weigh a little more than I did when younger. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166795 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 17:03:22 +0000 MsMaven 1166795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome to the next stage of your life. &nbsp;It is a real challenge, but there are rewards. &nbsp;Like others who've replied, I find that staying away from refined carbohydrates is key. &nbsp;It's so easy to bloat/gain and so hard to lose. &nbsp;Weight-training is also important along with the aerobic exercise. Your muscles start turning to mush if you don't. &nbsp;</p> <p>I advise you to get your thyroid and other hormones checked. &nbsp;All the dieting and exercising will be in vain if your hormones are out of balance. &nbsp;There is a lot of quackery out there in this area, and a lot of MDs aren't up to date, but it's worth learning how these hormones interact in our bodies. &nbsp;</p> <p>Please don't get down on yourself. &nbsp;This is something nearly all women face. &nbsp;One of the things I like about weight training is that I feel stronger and like I could react so much better in a tricky situation. &nbsp;Strong core muscles really help you maintain your posture. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166792 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:59:29 +0000 rachylou 1166792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in the buy a couple of pairs of pants camp and see what happens. Me and the dog just balloon up in winter, with the curtailment of our walking. Size fluctuations are the bane of my existence in general, tho, and I am now beyond caring. I like to shop anyways.</p> <p>Oh, just a thought, cutting carbs never did anything for me. I had to cut fat. Neither has cardio ever done anything for me. Had to lift weights to burn calories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166789 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:58:17 +0000 Amy 1166789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How do those of you with kids and other hangers-on deal with family meals? Do you make them eat the diet menu with you or do you prepare something different for yourself? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166785 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:53:35 +0000 deb 1166785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, your last comment is so true. Why are we so hard on ourselves? And I love this, "SpongeMo SquareButt (formerly upside down heart butt)"&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166782 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:52:31 +0000 mrseccentric 1166782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh boy, this is such a common trouble for us in the middle ages! First, getting a medical check for the obvious is a good idea. I had my thyroid out decades ago (Hashimotos), afterwards what i ate had an actual relation to my body size - first time in my life!&nbsp; Be sure to ask doc when you should see results after implementing any recommendation, and if you're still having trouble after your TSH tests come back normal push for the more precise thyroid tests like free T3, free T4, and so on.&nbsp; It's not unusual for people to need a T3 (cytomel, liothyronine) supplement in addition to the T4 (synthroid, levothyroxine, etc.) when they get older as the body can't convert the T4 into the T3 which is what is actually absorbed by the cells.</p> <p>My dad, bonus mom, husband and i have all had good results with the 5-2 Fast Diet, using the book written by Michael Moseley and Mimi Spencer. I'd used a variation of this idea to maintain my weight all thru my adult life - basically i'd go to bed pretty hungry 2-4 nights a week when i wanted to lose some pounds.&nbsp; The 5-2 idea is that you do a modified fast (400-600 cal per day, depending on your size) 2 days a week, then eat pretty much what you want the other 5 days (as long as you don't absolutely stuff yourself).&nbsp; Dad, mom, and hubby all do fast days, but it's too hard for me (i tend towards hypoglycemia and don't eat as much on my feed days either). So i do the 'go to bed super hungry' thing (no food after around 2pm), and it works. </p> <p>Apparently having a time without food jumpstarts the body to burn fat and also to repair itself - i was impressed by the amount of research in Moseley and Spender's book. In the midst of finding a way to get my several cups of tea on fast days i started drinking it with unsweetened almond milk and discovered that a large part of the middle bloat was due to milk. I never suspected! I've also been drinking unsweetened smoothies every day, my bod really enjoys all that fiber and vitamins and good stuff. </p> <p>My whole family really enjoys cooking and eating, and you can do that on the 5-2 and still lose weight. Dad and bonus mom have both lost 25 or 30 pounds over several months, while still eating all type of feasty food. A few weeks ago i called over and they were getting ready to sit down to homemade and homegrown poppers (deep fried jalapeno peppers stuffed with cheese and dipped in ranch dressing)!!!!!&nbsp; Bonus ma especially looks fantastic - just glowing, most likely because they eat a ton of fruit and esp. veggies on fast days. When you want to maintain your weight, you fast just one day a week. So for certain people it's a really great option.</p> <p>If you're on thyroid medicine check with your doc about doing this (or any major wieght loss scheme) as your med levels in the body will change if you lose or gain&nbsp; much weight so your doses may require adjusting.</p> <p>I have a number of chronic health troubles and nerve pain over a large part of my body, so i don't wear or buy anything very tight. i love lycra and soft knits!&nbsp; Getting some pieces that work well for you now sounds fine, punishing yourself is awful especially around something that's so much fun for you. There's so much that can happen which affects our body shape, and i mean really it seems kind of nuts to be a biological critter in an ecosystem going thru these wild loops and changes - cold, dark dark dark, dry - and not see it reflected in our bodies. Lord knows every other creature there goes thru massive body changes with the seasons - heehee, the ones that don't just chuck it all and migrate south! :)</p> <p>One last thought. If food intake lingers too long in one's system, this may also contribute to midsection bloat.&nbsp; Exercise, fibre, plenty of water all make a big difference. But, if one needs a little 'push', let's say to counteract the effects of certain medicines, IMO nothing is more effective with no unwanted consequences than Natural Vitality CALM Magnesium supplement (get it at health food/supplement stores). Start slowly to gauge how much you need and Do Not Overdo -&nbsp; ironically this can also result in bloating, at least until the bloat *ahem* resolves in possibly spectacular fashion.&nbsp; (eep!)</p> <p>Best of luck Una and everybody!&nbsp; steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-the-body-you-have-vs-giving-up/page/2#post-1166766 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:34:13 +0000 Mo 1166766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would agree with some of the above posters that starchy, sugary carbs and weight training are 2 key things to address the jiggly middle. &nbsp;<br />As for buying for the body you have right&nbsp;now - only you know if you have the time and desire to 'fight' the spread. &nbsp;Funny, if we were discussing feet, no one would blink at saying buy the shoe that fits you now! &nbsp;right? &nbsp; </p>