Started at size 4, skipped over 6 and now I'm an 8, but not on purpose.How do I maintain?

alsaxon

Here is my story and I'm sure I already know the answers, but I'd still like to hear your ideas. I've been maintaining at a size 4 for most of my life, easily, definitely does not mean I was in shape, but it was easy for me to stay there without too much effort. In the last year or so I have gained a lot of weight, blame in on entering the fantastic 40's, stress, being lazy and I'm sooo greedy. So obviously nothing fits anymore. I had to do some shopping and I'm a size 8. Completely skipped over a size 6. The thing about it is, I don't mind remaining a size 8 as in the right size clothes I look good. When I was still squeezing in my 4's I looked like a busted can of biscuits. I like this thicker more voluptuous figure. But outside of clothes or in a bikini I look horrible. Therefore I have started exercising again and trying to eat cleaner.

I'm worried that if I keep doing the right thing I might drop down to a six. I'm happy at the eight. I just need to lose the gut and the back rolls. I'm even okay with the size of my thighs, but they are flabby. I know I need to weight train and reduce calories to a certain extent and make sure my protein levels are adequate. Any other advice to keep my size up, but tighten this body?

Nony_Mouse

This is probably just the ticket for you

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177803/recomposition-maintaining-weight-while-losing-fat

In terms of a training programme aimed at accentuating curves, I can highly recommend Strong Curves. There's an at home version if you don't want to go to a gym. The workout templates are freely available, but the book is well worth getting, and is available as an e-book for under $10

Oh, and don't worry about the eating 'clean' bit. Obviously aim for mostly nutritious, whole foods for good health, but beyond that you don't need to deprive yourself of treats so long as they fit within your calorie goal and aren't crowding out other things.

alsaxon

Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate the advice! Strong Curves sounds promising!

Nony_Mouse

alsaxon wrote: »

Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate the advice! Strong Curves sounds promising!

I'm a month in to the at home version, really enjoying it

kristen8000

I personally, never go by clothing size to determine if I'm what I want to look like. Women's clothing sizes are so fickle and change per store. For example, I just had to order size 4 jeans from Old Navy. They are even too big, but they don't sell 2's in Tall Sizes (I'm 5'11). I'm thin, and I'm a 19.8 BMI, but I'm not a 2. Even in my wildest dreams. According to most charts I'm a 6. But I struggle with Jean Lengths, and Old Navy has "cheap" jeans that kinda fit and are long enough, so I deal with Old Navy's inconsistancy.

Anywho. I think what you are looking for is a recomp. After lifting, even if your weight stays the same, you'll more than likely wear a 6. You'll be less jiggly. So, basically lift heavy things and put them down about 3-4 days a week.

myfitnesspale3

have to say I love me some busted can of biscuits