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.

Image via  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.) Image via 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! Yep, this is me (eeks, I'm bearing it all!) with clothes on and with clothes off. Huge difference isn't it? That's skinny-fat for ya. Heels, black clothes, longer shirts, and a jacket also do wonders for covering the bulges.

New Years Goals

I have a few new years resolutions, or rather goals. For some reason I hate the word resolutions. I also hate new years resolutions. I only started making them about 2 years ago, and usually it is just one goal- to be more creative. This year I decided to really reflect on goals and use the new year as an opportunity to hold myself accountable to these goals. Basically, I have 365 days to work on these things, and well, if I don't accomplish them then I always have next year. Great attitude right? Hey at least I am trying to get into the whole "resolutions" thing!

Goal #1: To live a minimalist lifestyle
Long gone are the days that I could pack my belongings into a suitcase and hit the road. I did have those days, but since getting married and living a more settled down lifestyle (sort of...) I/we have accumulated stuff. Stuff- yuck! So here's to getting rid of stuff and living a more simple lifestyle. (More about this in a future post.)

The facebook page "Becoming Minimalist" is quite motivating.

Goal #2: Learn to drink my coffee black
I have always been impressed with black coffee drinkers. I think they are pure badass! Plus, all that sugar and cream can add up over a year. I'll give it a try...after I finish today's fully loaded coffee. (oops.)

Goal #3: Lose 10 pounds
Lose weight, yadda yadda yadda... In November I had my annual 'woman' exam and discovered that I was 10 whole pounds heavier than last year. And last year I was about 5 pounds heavier than my normal weight...yikes, something must change! But really, I hate feeling uncomfortable in my clothes. (More about this in a future post.)

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Goal #4: Pick up a sport
I consider myself a fairly active person (not much as of lately), but not an athletic person. Andy, on the other hand, is super athletic. So this year I would like to pick up a sport and be able to do it with Andy. The jury is still out on what sport this will be, but I'm shooting for something like yoga (whatever, I consider it a sport!), surfing (why not?), or rowing (we live 2 blocks from a lake that has a rowing club, score!).

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Goal #5: Write a book
This goal probably isn't what you think it is. I'd love to be able to write a memoir about growing up as a missionary kid in Papua New Guinea but I just don't have the patience for that. (Maybe later.) Instead, I would like to write a cook book! This isn't just any cookbook though...it has a different take to it, and I am keeping that part a secret. If I finish it you'll definitely know about it.

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Goal #6: Eliminate processed foods
This was actually a goal of mine last year. It lasted about a month, but it was a great month. I had more energy, slept better, felt better, weighed less...the list goes on. So I am back at it this year. I am much more motivated this time around though. Since reading the book Anti-Cancer I plan on not only eliminating processed foods, but changing some other things as well.