Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Skinny Fat...

This is what the Urban Dictionary says about Skinny Fat:

To look slim, even with revealing clothes, but when touched, the touching hand sinks into fat before reaching muscle. Older people will 'show' "Skinny fat" visually, but young people have firm skin that hides it until they're touched.
"She looks fine, but her skinny fat ass feels like mashed potatoes." --> yes, Urban Dictionary said that.

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 Yep, this would be me. I would define it a little differently though. My definition: "Looking slim while in clothes, but looking very lumpy out of clothes...aka in a bathing suit or mini skirt."
How does this happen, one may wonder? Well this is how it goes... You start off with skinny genes from your parents and think, oh great, I'm set in life as a skinny person. Therefore- you don't eat well or exercise. And to top it off you may just decide to start a chocolate shop which means you have to sample everything you make. All of these things (and more!) add up to skinny fat.

It is frustrating because everyday you wear clothes you feel uncomfortable and just want to say "I'm so fat", but you know you can't because you look decent in your clothes and people will think you are a stupid girl for saying such things. So you wallow in self pity until one day you decide to make a change. (And when I say you, obviously I mean me, but hopefully you can relate.)
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I have great news though, ridding yourself of skinny fat is possible! I have done it three times before and was very successful each time. It involves tedious calorie counting, discipline, and a bit of exercise (like walking, my favorite!).

There are some great phone apps out there like My Fitness Pal (it's free) that can make it really easy for you. It will help you figure out your calorie deficit and then you input your calories/foods each day to stay on track. Your calorie deficit is when the amount of food energy (calories) you consume is less than the total calories you use. For example, my calorie deficit is 1200 calories a day. That is what I can eat because it is right under the amount that my body uses. By eating 1200 calories a day I will lose weight...slowly. This is not a fast thing. If I add exercise though, like walking, it helps and I will lose weight a bit faster. Eating healthy also helps. If you compare a salad to a doughnut, you'll realize that you can eat a lot more salad (which will also fill you up) to equal the same amount of calories in just a measly doughnut (which will not fill you up). Healthy foods have far fewer calories so you can eat a lot more of them. Of course, don't deny yourself the sweet treat if you absolutely need it, just realize that by eating it you are taking away calories from another meal, meaning you will eat less that day because of your indulgence.

It is very simple science and it works! I have done this three other times in my life and have lost 10-15 pounds in 2-3 months each time. Once you are at your ideal weight, you have to watch what you eat to maintain that weight. It isn't any kind of crazy dieting, just eating everything in moderation within a certain calorie intake.

Obviously, I haven't kept moderation in my diet, so I need to keep to a strict calorie deficit until I have lost the extra fat on my body that is making me "skinny fat". Most likely I will look the same in clothes when this is done, but out of clothes I won't look so lumpy, and I'll feel a lot better about myself.

My theory is that anyone can be slim, they just need to keep to a calorie deficit which can be hard and takes discipline. Once you try it though, you'll know how easy it is. I for one, am ready to get on with it!

3 comments:

  1. Youre gorgeous hunny, youre just pear shaped. Try a vintage-y style swim suit like this one :http://www.oprah.com/style/Swimsuits-for-Pear-Shaped-Bodies/7
    Ain't nuthin wrong with big hips and a tiny waist

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    1. Aw, thanks Helen! :) I'll check out the swimsuit.

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  2. Thank you for your article, I have realised today that this is me! I keep saying I'm so fat, but still look a normal weight in clothes... Your article has really helped me :)

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