Friday Favorite: Plus Size Running

This week's edition of Friday Favorite involves a blog/website I really enjoy reading. It is a blog geared towards "fat" women runners. The website encourages women that are still heavier/plus size to start jogging/running and become more physically fit!

For those who are new to my blog, I am very passionate about my lifestyle change in which I started in 2012. I have lost upwards of 100 pounds as a result and encourage health(ier) alternatives to my favorite foods and offer tips and tricks towards becoming healthier via this blog.

Once I saw this blog I knew I had to do a Friday Favorite post focused on it. I started walking/jogging 5Ks back in 2012 and haven't looked back. Luckily all of my 5K registrations have been free, which is perfect since I am on a budget.

Being a plus size woman, I definitely relate to this blog and can attest to some of the challenges that come with being a plus size jogger. I really do have a harder time finding cute, practical activewear for my size. I typically enjoy a loose fitting shirt and shorts, but to have some totally kick-butt apparel wouldn't hurt. Who doesn't like to look cute while beet red and sweaty?

Anyways, I think anyone who likes to jog, run, walk, is plus size, is not plus size, likes to read, or is just breathing should take a look at this blog. It is eye opening in that it shows not all runners look thin. A lot of people look at me and would never guess I walk/jog anywhere from 12-30 miles a week. I know that my journey has inspired others to start their lifestyle journey and this blog could help as well.

A lifestyle change is just that: a lifestyle change. What other commitments do we make for life besides marriage and religion? Committing to something for life is awesome yet intimidating and requires work. If you fall off the wagon; you get back on. That's one thing I have experienced with, not only this lifestyle change, but with attempts before my change. I knew this change was going to be THE change. I was getting ready to graduate college, begin "real" life and start making a name for myself. I wanted to be in the best shape I could be, meet people who would want to be the same way and start my young professional life.

My boyfriend has summed this matter up entirely by when he spoke to a thin, active young lady who had generalized bigger women. She didn't understand how men liked bigger women because they don't care about themselves or don't take care of themselves (not saying she was speaking about me purse, but just bigger women in general). He asked her why she jogged every day and she simply told him: because I want to find a man. He let her know real quick that more-often-than-not plus size women who exercise don't exercise to find a man, but to be healthier. He attested to me by saying that I workout for myself, not for him, or for anyone else and that I wanted to better myself. He mentioned how he has experienced a lot of people who workout for the opposite sex, but that I am not one of those people. My friends, he was absolutely right. I didn't start my change because of a man and I didn't keep doing it because of a man. I keep doing it in hopes of being healthier, happier and ensuring a longer, more fruitful life.

So, I leave you with two thoughts.
1. Just because we "fat" runners/joggers/walkers don't look like your "average" runners/joggers/walkers doesn't mean we are any unhealthier than you.
2. Don't start a change for anyone but yourself. Save yourself from falling off the wagon (because it will happen if you're not in it for you) and just do it the right way the first time!

*I do want to note that I do not like using the terms: fat, skinny, thin, obese because they seem so brash. I prefer using plus size for myself. It sounds flattering and I find myself and my curves to be flattering so I prefer it. 

Plus Size 4th of July Outfit

Hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. I wanted to post a quick review of my patriotic outfits for the holiday! I had work on Thursday so I kept it business causal (for Charleston) with the first outfit. The second outfit is definitely casual and perfect for a breezy night by the water for fireworks.

By the way this was mine and Nick's first fireworks shows. Last year we forwent all the shows and headed back to Bama to meet my family for the first time so it was nice getting to relax all day with fun festivities.

Remember: you can look great in budget-friendly attire! 

Dress: Ross - under $18
Belt: JC Penney - $2.98
Heels: Cato's - $3
Headband - Dollar Tree - $1

Total Outfit: $25

Dress: Cato's - under $20 

Blouse: Ross - $8 

Shoes: KMart - $20 

Headband: Dollar Tree - $1 

Total Outfit: $49

I refuse to pay over $20 for a dress and $25 for shoes, but I still get compliments constantly on my outfits. You don't always have to gut your wallet for a cute outfit! 

Military Diet: Lose Weight Fast

So you're looking to lose weight fast? Maybe to fit into a wedding gown, bridesmaids dress, swimsuit or even all of the above? I have you covered.

I read about this diet called the Military Diet several years ago and I saw it again over the weekend. I despise the word diet simply because all of my success has come from eating right and exercising on a regular basis. Diets aren't usually permanent nor are they healthy, but I did some research on this diet and decided I would try it.

1. It consisted of food that I would eat on a daily basis as is.
2. It had me eating roughly 1,000 calories a day and I only eat 1,586 a day so I figured I would go for it.
3. I have plateaued so hard you wouldn't believe and I found this as a good way to detox my body of the bad foods I put in it over the weekend. Who knows, since I will be doing this on a weekly basis until I feel the need to stop some of the pounds that I shed could stay off instead of being gained right back as in most diets.

My results were great and I will be doing this diet each week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays schedule permitting; otherwise, I will be doing it some three days of each week until I feel it isn't working or I simply don't want to do it anymore.

My results: 
Day 1: Lost 4 pounds 
Day 2: Lost 2 pounds 
Day 3: Lost 1 pound

Have a look at the diet here. You can view the Military Diet packet I put together in case you decide to try it for yourself. The packet is really worth a look.

The Military Diet packet contains:
1. A detailed chart of what to eat each day
2. A detailed shopping list of all your supplies
3. A photo guide of my progress
4. Additional comments and suggestions from me.
5. A notes section where you can write your own suggestions, substitutes, etc.

To download or view the packet click here.

Challenge Accepted: Can You Guess?

I have accepted a challenge for the next three days. Do you think you know what it is? If so comment below!

Hint: It has to do with weight loss. 

Tips For Your First 5K

So you're about to run/walk your first 5K and you're super nervous and have no idea what to expect?

Well, you're not alone! Color Me Rad has got you covered. Simply click here to check out their advice. They've got some tips that will have you confident in your choice to participate in that 5K!

In addition to some tips for your first 5K, I participated in my FOURTH free 5K last weekend. I logged my fastest time to date and couldn't have been happier with the result.

Whatever you do, don't give up!

Post by Green and Lean 5k.

Tips For Free 5K Registration

Since December 2012 I have successfully registered and participated in three 5Ks for free! That is a $112 value (at early registration prices). Want to know my tips and tricks? Well, here you go.

1. Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer
2. Look for freebies, sweepstakes, giveaways, etc.
3. Have friends with the in. 

Volunteer:
I volunteered the night before the Run or Dye 5K and got free entry into the race. I volunteered four hours of my night doing something that I actually found to be real fun and saved me a $47 registration fee. If you count that up into hourly wages, it equals right at $11.75/hour. Not only did I get to volunteer with my boyfriend, each of us get free registration, two free t-shirts and met some nice people but it helped reach my bucket list item of participating in at least one 5K a year.

Freebies, Giveaways and Sweepstakes:
Another 5K I got free registration to was through my workplace. I was one of the first 30 employees to turn in the 5K application and got free registration. That's it, that's all I did. Not only did I get the exact same packet as the participants who payed the $30+ registration fee, but I got it all for free!

Have Friends with the In:
My first free 5K came when a friend asked if I would like to join her team and, of course, I said yes! How could I pass up a free 5K with a friend? Also, I recently had another acquaintance mention her team's 7K team and if I would join, but unfortunately I had to turn that invitation down due to other commitments.

That's it friends; that's what I have. There aren't a lot of tricky secrets to getting free registration. Just be on the lookout and you'll find free registration!

UPDATE: As of today, yes a day after this original post, I snagged another free 5K! So, knock this list up to four free 5Ks. I snagged this free registration by being another giveaway. See guys, they're definitely out there you just have to look!

100 Pounds Lighter, Three 5Ks Later

Today marked my third 5K since December 2012. I set a goal for myself when I turned 25 that I would jog a 5K before I turn 26. Today was not that day, but I did jog more than I had anticipated on this 5K.

My coworker and I did the 5K together and we came in right under 50 minutes (my picture says 50.3 but that is because I forgot to turn it off when I crossed the finish line). This 5K wasn't as carefree as the other two I did. These runners were here for business, but it was definitely still a blast!

P.S. Every 5K I have done I've gotten for free!

I just want to end this post by saying that 100 pounds ago a 5K didn't seem possible, but never give up on a dream!

Boxing: It's Good For You

So, Nick bought a punching bag and speed bag for us a couple of weeks ago at a great price from Dick's Sporting Goods. I have been trying to up the ante as far as my physical fitness and cardio goes. I walk each day, but I need something more hard hitting and physical. With him being into boxing, his friend taking classes and them training together I decided it was a great opportunity for me to join and they're both excited to help me.

I finally got my TapouT striking gloves on Sunday and Nick showed me some basics yesterday. I will continue to do this on an every-other-day basis in addition to my daily walks. I will also train with his friend on Sundays to log some weekend workout time. As I am in no way, shape, form or fashion a boxer and I definitely don't claim to be one, but I am excited to start learning the basics and see where it eventually takes me!

Here is our own little setup in our spare bedroom in addition to a few quick facts about why boxing is good for you!

Enjoy!

Why I Love Old Navy

For the last few years I have really started to love Old Navy. Here are my reasons.

1. They don't ostracize the plus size section by placing all the plus size outfits elsewhere. They include them with all the other clothes.

2. They don't have variations for plus sizes; they make the same clothes for all sizes. One thing that always annoys me is when I step into a shop and see all the lovely outfits for smaller sizes but when I head to the plus size section I see a lot of ugly, shapeless outfits that almost always have writing across the tops or patterns that are just eye sores.

3. On their website it says their Women's Plus section is exclusively online but it ISN'T exclusive! They carry up to XXL clothes in stores (or the ones I have been to). I am sure the sizes larger than that are found online, but you can find up to XXL in stores! I can't say that enough.

4. They have some of the cutest clothes. If you're not fully convinced take a look below! 

Here are the prices for the outfits numbered above! 

1. Women's Plus Nautical-Print Jersey Dress - $39.94

2. Women's Plus Striped Sundress - $42.94 

3. Women's Plus Striped Swim Cover-Up - $36.94 

4. Women's Plus Knit Pencil Skirt - $32

5. Women's Plus The Rockstar Distressed Boot-Cut Jeans - $42

Con:

Since I have lost right at 100 pounds I have needed to buy more outfits than I have money for so unfortunately I am not able to shop at Old Navy as much as I would like, but I do go in to browse and see what all they have that I eventually would like to purchase. 

P.S. If anyone associated with Old Navy reads this I would definitely NOT turn away a gift card!!! 

What Being A Fat Girl Is Like

One of the main points I like to cover in my blog is my Plus Size lifestyle. Cosmo published a piece called What Being A Fat Girl Is Really Like and Claire from Chattermonkey suggested plus size bloggers get involved and answer these questions also. 

Here are the questions and my answers to them. Enjoy!   

1. How do you feel when other women around you complain about feeling/being fat?

To each their own, but I try not to use such words. I do mention how I feel fat after overeating, but that is simply because I overate. I haven't been around someone in a really long time that has said, "I look fat," and thank goodness for that. If you look fat then do something about it and stop trying to make me make you feel better about your insecurities, especially if you're not legitimately overweight. Be comfortable with yourself whether it be small or large. 

2. How has your body image changed since high school? College?

In high school I was a quiet, reserved and shy teenager who wore blue jeans that didn't flatter my body, t-shirts that showed no shape and not until my senior year did I start wearing shapely dresses. I never wore heels and wore my hair up a lot. I didn't put much into my looks and felt the same. I didn't feel a lot for my body image. I didn't think highly of myself nor did I think negatively about myself. I was definitely heavier then than I am now. 

3. Have you tried dieting? What happened?

I have dieted before, but in January 2012 I stopped the dieting and started my lifestyle change. The difference is that when you diet you restrict yourself. My lifestyle change allows me to eat what I want in moderation all while exercising and being a lot more active than I used to be. I splurge on weekends and stay strict during the day. By being more active and counting calories and eating what I want in moderation I have lost right at 100 pounds! 

4. Do you think in your case your weight is partly or entirely genetic?

I believe a good bit of it has to do with genetics. The majority of both sides of my family are overweight. With years of unhealthy decisions is hard to reverse, but I am trying to be healthier. I believe I will always be plus size and I am perfectly fine with that. I believe my curves are very feminine and make me feel that way. I would rather be healthy and curvy than healthy and not curvy. I have even been told that I look great in the clothes I wear because I actually have the curves to fill them out. This made me happy and I have definitely embraced that. 

5. Do you consider yourself healthy? Have there been instances where people assumed you were unhealthy?

I am healthier. I am not as healthy as I would like. I do average 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week and I eat 1,590 calories a day without exercise and right at 1,900 with exercise. The thing that counts against me is my love of chocolate and Chinese food. 

6. Are your parents both supportive of you at the weight you’re at? Have they always been?

Actually, they are. I am 100 pounds lighter than I was two years ago and they're ecstatic about that because all they want for me is to live a healthy and happy life. 

7. How do you think retailers can improve clothes for plus-size people?

Not place plus size sections in the corner and limit the section to a laughable five or six racks. I literally went shopping the other day and went into JC Penney because they do have a plus size selection but it took me 20+ minutes to find the plus size section. Once I found it (upstairs with the children's section, house goods and lingerie) not downstairs with all other apparel except children's. They find it best to put the only apparel (plus size) besides kids on the second floor. I was so frustrated because I have usually had good experiences with JC Penney and this was just disappointing. Another situation I encountered was Forever 21. I remember seeing promotions with the rolling out of their plus size selections. 

I went to a Forever 21 in a large mall in downtown Atlanta, and after walking the store for about 10 minutes I finally found the plus size racks (I say racks because there were only about 5 racks) in the corner right in front of the dressing room. Why must stores find it best to hide the plus size selections in a corner at the back of the store or on the second level where there aren't any other clothes for adults? If someone can answer this question for me please elaborate below.

8. Do you think plus-size women are judged differently than plus-sized men are? How?

Plus size = plus size regardless of sex. I do believe, however, that men are more visual; therefore, women are judged more-so on their appearance as opposed to men, but not too much because women are very judgmental. Women judge men and they also judge other women! Humans tend to be judgmental in general so I believe we are all judged but differently I am sure. 

9. Do you think there’s an assumption made/stereotype that exists about plus-size people? How would you respond to it?

Most definitely; plus size individuals tend to be seen as lazy. They are also seen as not caring about their body, lack of self-esteem, etc. My boyfriend said it best when he asked a more petite woman why she worked out and she said she worked out because she wanted to look good because she wants to find a good man. I work out because I want myself to be healthier not so that I can get a man. By the way, I haven't said how much of an awesome man my boyfriend is. He is so intelligent and loves everything about me. He finds my curves sexy and loves how active I am although I am plus size. Just because someone is plus size doesn't mean they don't work out or they don't exercise. I've been working out and exercising for two years and I am still plus size. I am happy about that fact and I am a lot healthier than I was before. I see very small/petite individuals downing sodas and Cheetos only to wash it down with cookies. I don't do that and I am still larger but chances are I am healthier. Moral: don't judge a book by its cover! 

10. Do you think there’s ever a right way or time to express concern about someone’s weight?

There is never a "right" way to tell someone you're concerned about their weight. If it is in good spirits it will be easier on the messenger but if it is in bad spirits, good luck! If someone's weight means that much to you then maybe you should reevaluate yourself. Unless the person is flaunting along early demise because of their weight then it might not be your place to express your concerns. I can speak from personal experience. I've had a man tell me I would not be able to fight the men off with a stick if I lost weight and that never phased me. You know why? Because I was happy with myself. Until that person decides they want to change they won't change. 

11. What are the worst things people have said to you about your body?

See previous comment. I have only really had one person who said multiple things to me and that was an old man who literally had dementia. 

12. How did you respond?

I just agreed and said I was happy with myself. I took his remarks with a grain of salt unless I was in a bad mood and then it became an issue but I never just flipped my top on him. He wasn't worth it. 

13. What have people said (or do you wish they’d say) that would compliment your body or appearance?

I get compliments about my style and my eyes from respectable people. There are other comments I get but those aren't respectable enough to post on this blog.  

14. Do you find yourself hanging out with women who are closer to your size?

Actually no; all of my friends are smaller than me. I do follow plus size bloggers and seek them out here because that's one of my focus areas and I love to study about it. 

15. How has your weight affected your sex life, if at all?

It hasn't. 

16. When you’ve been single, has your weight affected your dating life?

I didn't actually start dating until I got to college (which is where I became more comfy within myself to start dating). I wasn't ready to put myself out there when I didn't even fully know myself. 

17. Do you feel weird if the guy you’re with only dates larger women?

If they only dated larger women it does make me reconsider if they were with me or if they were with my body. BUT I don't have to worry about that because I have the most amazing Brown Bear who loves me so very much now! He is the best boyfriend ever!  

18. Do you feel weird if he’s only dated slimmer women before you?

No; same as previous answer. If he had only dated slimmer women then why was he with me? Was it because of me or my body. The main point of the last two answers was to determine if he was with me or my body. 

Hope you enjoyed! 

Looks I Love Under $20

--> As I was walking to my car this afternoon a young lady yelled out her window and said she loved my dress.
--> As I was walking to work several months ago a lady stopped me on the sidewalk and asked me where I got my dress.
--> On the way to a meeting one morning another woman told me she loved my dress and asked where I got it.
--> In the airport I was told I looked "so couture."
--> I've been asked if I took fashion classes.

I have three things to say:
1. I don't wear pants often (every blue moon) because they don't flatter my body.
2. I don't believe you have to spend a lot to look great; it is all about the fit. If you can find something that fits your body and flatters your curves then you'll feel great; therefore, you'll look great!
3. Below are some of my favorite dresses (all of which are under $20) that I've all gotten compliments on, but my favorite isn't below because that's for another post!

1. Color block dress I bought for $18 at Ross Dress for Less.
2. Light and flowy coral dress perfect for the spring. I purchased las spring for $16 at Ross
3. A very light Miss Tina patterned dress that gathers at the waist. I bought it for, you'll never guess, a $1 at Wal*Mart.
4. An office-friendly outfit that transitions to a cute night-out dress. I matched it with a belt I already had instead of the default black patent leather belt that came with it. I purchased it for $16 at, yup you guessed it, Ross.
5. Last but not least, my favorite summer dress. It has pockets and is 100 percent cotton. It came with the brown leather belt all for $14 at Ross.

Remember that you don't have to spend a lot to look expensive. I refuse to purchase anything over $20 and I still get dozens of compliments. Just this week I have gotten two compliments and it is only Tuesday. Just be comfortable with what you select and wear it like you mean it!

Keep Your Heart Healthy and Happy

Last Monday I started striving to walk six miles per day again. I have such a busy schedule that it has made it hard so on days like today (when the weather is almost perfect and my schedule isn't as busy) I take advantage of it. I walked 7.09 miles and burned 1,000+ calories. This seems like a lot, but throughout the rest of the week I will be lucky to log 3 miles a day. 

Since February is American Heart Month I adapted the following image from everybodywalk.org. These are just a few reasons why you should lace up your walking shoes and get started today!