Big girls - we are beautiful! Aren't we??

LeeSouthEast

Big girls are more fun. Nothing worse than spending an evening with someone who can't enjoy themselves because they're calorie counting in their head every drink. Life's too short for that.

ailuro2

There's no getting away from it that most women over a size 20 will struggle to look fantastic even when they're scrubbed up.

I know that's true, because I'm a size 20/22 bottom, size 24 top.

Without a bit of magic underwear, a really good bra and something that fits really well, there's just no hiding the layers of fat.

I agree with the pic of Dawn French being lovely- but that picture is many years old, and a lot of dress sizes ago.

I am currently trying to lose weight simply because my weight is starting to stop me doin g thiings I want to do. I do martial arts and find I can't do proper forward or backward rolls. It's downright embarassing not being able to do that simplest of things.:o

Also, I have been slimmer, around the size 16/18 mark and didn't think I looked too bad, but over the last few years a bit of extra weight has slowly crept on and not gone away. Trouble with diets though is they don't work long term, it has to be a real lifestyle change. I have fallen arches so find even a 2 mile walk will have me in agony with my feet the next day.

My skin is also terrible, has been since I was 12, I'm late thirties now.


What I do know is, though, that my husband and DD love me dearly, that I'm bright, caring and kind hearted so what I look like shouldn't matter at all, as it's what's on the inside that counts.



To feel better about yourself, get a decent foundation that matches your skin, use a green skin corrector underneath on your spots, and buy a big pair of magic knickers,a decent bra and a pair of jeans (because they hold the belly in), and a top that is fitted round your boobs but looser below.
Add a pair of shoes that aren't flat and then take a good look at yourself. If you're still unhappy then you need to lose weight, how you do that is up to you, no-one else can tell you how to change your lifestyle.

gunsandbanjos

Hope you dont mind me butting in?

I dont have a weight problem other than a couple of pounds to lose, i do however have the most ridiculous hair ever:rolleyes: Very thick (thickest head of hair my haridresser has ever seen:eek:) and very curly. The salon i use (Charlie Miller) does an express smoothing treatment which smooths down the cuticle of the hair and has allowed me to straighten my hair for the first time:D All previous straightening attempts have failed and ended up in a big frizzy mess. The treatment is not a permenant straightening treatment so you can still wear your hair curly if you want. Please ask if you want any more details.

Please check out the low carb diet thread also, my hubby has been low carbing for about a month now and has lost nearly 2 stone. We are following the Dr Dahlqvist program as it is not as strict as Atkins and allows loads of salad/veg.
I also bought the 'Idiot Proof Diet book' which has been a great source of inspiration, the 2 ladies who write it have lost 10 stone between the 2 of them and most importantly have kept it off. Well worth a read.

Good luck.

Katie-Kat-Kins

You know Head and Shoulders Shampoo is really drying, and if your hair is frizzy it needs moisture.

It is so drying that often it causes a flakey scalp becaause your skin gets so dry. If I use it my face gets dry and sore.

Try using a normal frequent use shampoo instead and see whether after a couple or weeks you have any dandruff. Try Herbal Essences or Sunsilk for cheap brands that have ranges for hair type. I tend to alternate those two for my very long coarse and wavy hair. If you find you do get dandruff try neutrogena shampoo rather than head and shoulders it is much gentler.

It would probably be worth using a leave in conditioner to help smooth your hair too, but it depends a bit on whether you want to bring out the curl or not as to what is best. Other ladies will help you out with product and styling.

lostinrates

KatP wrote: »

It would probably be worth using a leave in conditioner to help smooth your hair too, but it depends a bit on whether you want to bring out the curl or not as to what is best. Other ladies will help you out with product and styling.

Agee with all of that (but can't back up the brands recoomendd as not used them). What I would say about conditioner is that sometimes, with my fine but extremely culry frisy hair I leave in normal conditioner, being careful to avid the scalp. I spend a lot of time outside in bad weather and my hair was suffering: this really has had a huge impact on my hair health. It has a certain impact on frizz, but in no way replaces frizz products.

Stephb1986_2

I use the aussie miracle repair leave in conditioner thats really good.

Steph xx

bettyboop61

I would like to add to this thread also, if you don't mind. Last year I was a size 12 when I went into hospital last August, I came out in january 3 stones heavier, I knew I was putting on weight while I was in hospital, because I had to keep buying larger size pyjama's, dressing gowns etc. I came out this january and thought that the weight would come down naturally ie being more active at home than in hospital, alas here we are in aug and I am still 3 stone heavier, I haven't gained but not lost any. I am not dieting, I am a size 18 on top and 16 on bottom, I am also petite, I used to buy Dorothy perkins petite clothes but they don't go up to an 18 in tops!! I have found sainsbury's do petite and do go up to a size 18 and above in tops and have managed to get myself a few nice tops and jeans from there. I don't work, due to ill health, but I do walk my dogs only half an hour tho as I get bored!! I have also taken up bellydancing, its great fun, and I'm lucky in that the ladies that attend the class are all different shapes and sizes and also there are a few older than me (I'm 47 by the way) nearly all my weight has gone on round my stomach, I look pregnant in fact!! I have been comfort eating these last few months, so I know that doesn't help me. I just don't know what to do anymore, it doesn't help that I have 2 sisters, who are fitness freaks and stick thin!! I also never bother with make up, my hair is ok, lots of grey coming thru now, but colour it myself at home and got to the hairdressers may 3-4 times a year for cut and blow dry.
Sorry its been long winded, I totally empathise with the op on this one and wish her well.

lostinrates

Stephb1986 wrote: »

I honestly don't eat that much, like today I've had.....
2 pieces of toast with butter
1/2 a snicker
a laughing cow low fat cheese buttie for dinner
and for tea we went out to celebrate went to an all you can eat place
I managed 2 plates of pasta and 1 small slice of chocolate cake

I don't really eat that much it's just because I'm not working it off thats the problem. Start taking a cod liver oil tablet before bed to ease the joints

stph this is NOT critism, and I'm aware my diet is most certainly not perfect, so this is an opinion, not in anyway a judgement- I really don't want it to appear at all negative,I'm just looking at it differently from you-, I have been thinking about this and while i think its not ''a lot'' in size, I agree, its still reasonably calorie dense food and also, not much fruit and veg. I simply would feel dreadful, personally, on that day's eating because I'd feel bloated and tired after that amout of white flour carb making the working it off bit that much harder.

amyb_2

I’m a size 24 normally (but 5’11 tall so not quite round yet)

I find to look your best is to find clothes that fit properly; which is really had when you get into plus size stuff as everyone carries their fat in different places. I’m the opposite to you i have a think waist but no thighs to talk about. Meaning to get trousers to fit around the waist they are mega baggy in the thigh area. I have big boobs but tiny shoulders so shirts gape and strappy tops fall down and reveal all my glory.

I’ve found finding clothes is trial and error. Trying lots on until i find stuff for my shape. I also find the more expensive something is the better cut in is. I live in jeans and long line t-shirts for casual and trousers and fancier tops for work. I’m too tall for sexy killer heels so wear trainers, ballet pumps and 2 inch court shoes for work.

Nice underwear is a must. A sexy well fitting matching set will make you fell tons better. I’m feeling the difference atm as i’ve grown out of all my undies and am desperately in need of more. Saying that my BF has just won a comp giving me £250 to spend a simplyyours.co.uk. They do bigger sizes – although never tried them myself.

What i really hate about being a chunky monkey is never having anyone to go shopping with; all my friends can shop in “normal” shops so i;m stuck on my own trying to work out if something looks good. My BF doesn’t do shopping!!

My strategy for looking good is immaculate make-up, nice hair, nice bag, killer cleavage and a big smile.

On the hair front i can’t really help... although were my hair was going through its super frizzy staff i found Aveda Sap Moss shampoo and conditior really good. That and hot oils.

Everyone is right you will feel better if you lose weight etc; but i think you need to work on looking good and feeling confident first. Buy clothes that fit you now rather than when you lose a few pounds.

Stephb1986_2

lostinrates wrote: »

stph this is NOT critism, and I'm aware my diet is most certainly not perfect, so this is an opinion, not in anyway a judgement- I really don't want it to appear at all negative,I'm just looking at it differently from you-, I have been thinking about this and while i think its not ''a lot'' in size, I agree, its still reasonably calorie dense food and also, not much fruit and veg. I simply would feel dreadful, personally, on that day's eating because I'd feel bloated and tired after that amout of white flour carb making the working it off bit that much harder.

I don't really like fruit and veg especially veg :lipsrseal I do try to eat fruit but i just find it boring

Steph xx