Achieving a girly figure

[hellsangel]

Im sorry if this is the wrong forum to post this in.

At the moment im a bit chubby, have a beer belly etc etc, i was lying in bed today thinking how great it would be to have a more 'girly' figure i.e nice flat stomach and a sort of hour glass figure.

Would this be possible to achieve? Has anybody got any tips or advice?

Thanks again x

[Sedona]

The only "miracle" is a nice corset, and maybe hip and but pads. Otherwise, calories going out has to be more than calories going in. Diet and exercise, diet and exercise.

Good luck on your journey, it'll be worth it.

[Kelsy]

Hi Angel,

That is one of the major challenges we have to overcome! I am built like a triangle broad shoulders, waist and butt are narrow plus I am carrying 30 lbs extra poundage. I do all I can to achieve the desired hour glass figure with hip and butt padding, I don't over do the bust becuase I and already to big across my chest. and I wear shape flattering fashions that enhance the waistline etc. Now the biggist challenge is to lose some weight and put down the beers which I love!!:D

Kelsy:)

[Gabrielle Hermosa]

Yes, it is very possible to achieve a girly figure... or at least a more girly figure than what you've got now. :)

There's no magical solution though. You've got to work at it. And when I say work, I mean work. There's nothing fun or enjoyable about it, but the key to slimming down and looking fit and girly is to exercise, eat right, and exercise some more.

I spent up to two hours a day exercising. I'm not one of those people who feels great when I exercise - it's rather unpleasant. It's just something I have to do though.

I have a flat stomach (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1646963&postcount=259) and you can too. How flat? Click the link and find out. :) That's me, as of yesterday. I work my butt off to look this way, so I do flaunt it when I can. :heehee:

Lots and lots of sit-ups, crunches, serious time on the treadmill, and eating right is how I was able to look this way. It is true that some girls (cd's) are genetically prone to just be slim and look great naturally. Unfortunately, I did not fall into that category, so I have to really work at it. And I'll say it again - it really is hard work.

This may not be the answer you were looking for, but you can make it work for you if you choose to. :)

If you do start to get seriously in to exercising, I recommend hooking up with a personal trainer and/or dietician so that you do it right. Starving yourself and over-exercising can be very bad for your health, so make sure you do your research first.

[Cary]

It can be gone, but with some work. If you havn't already, change your diet to something more healthy. Start a workout routine to help with the unwanted handles. Buy some shaper garments(Spanx, Corsets, etc.). Last but not least STICK WITH IT! I hope this helps?

[hellsangel]

Thanks for the advice. Im not looking for a quick way, and i know it will take a lot of time and hard work which im more than prepared to do. My diet isnt too bad, its just the lack of excerise thats te problem.

What do shaper garments actually do/achieve?

[JenniferR771]

You will look good, (as M or F) protect your heart and reduce your chances of diabetes if you lose that spare tire. There is a diet that is so easy you can do it in your sleep--and it saves you 30 minutes a day. Set your alarm a half hour later--skip breakfast.

[Jolene]

Hi Angel,

That is one of the major challenges we have to overcome! I am built like a triangle broad shoulders, waist and butt are narrow plus I am carrying 30 lbs extra poundage. I do all I can to achieve the desired hour glass figure with hip and butt padding, I don't over do the bust becuase I and already to big across my chest. and I wear shape flattering fashions that enhance the waistline etc. Now the biggist challenge is to lose some weight and put down the beers which I love!!:D

Kelsy:)

Take it from one who knows quite well Kelsy, you can live without beer. Used to be one of my pleasures. We just have to watch what we eat and move around more. In my case it I could take my belly and place it to my butt and hips, My jeans would fit me so well and I would be a smiling Gal.
Jolene :)

[LadyMirabai]

I'm in the same boat...I am not skinny but I've lost more weight since I've been CDing post-childhood in the past couple months than I have in years. It's such a motivation to do it! Plus prior to I started I ate out of unhappiness, and I've been much more happy since I have started, so that helps too! Just stick with a plan and diet and exercise and you can do it!

[kellycan27]

Shaper garments pad you and give you curves in the right places. Check out this thread. "losing more weigh to look more fiminine" in regarsd to weight loss .

[hellsangel]

Shaper garments pad you and give you curves in the right places.

can anybody point me in the right direction? Also im from the uk so can i get them from here?

[kellycan27]

Check out some web sites that offer clothing for crossdressers.

[Lisa O]

As others have said in a few threads, fewer calories in than are being used!

Over the past few days I have calorie-counted what I eat (using a website). I have a target for each day and if you exercise (not counting normal activity), you get calories credited. The aim is to take in less than your target. What is interesting is how few calories are in my breakfast and lunch, but evening meals and alcohol really lift the intake - at precisely the wrong time of day!! I have not had a beer in months but wine also needs a cutback!

Its true losing weight to cd is motivating me. There are health benefits too - I am winning on all counts.

[Stephanie-L]

Lisa what is the website you use for calorie counting. I am one of those who needs to see things in black and white to really get me motivated and that website would help me. I know I have reduced my calorie intake and upped my exercise, but I don't know if it is enough.........Stephanie

[LadyMirabai]

Lisa what is the website you use for calorie counting. I am one of those who needs to see things in black and white to really get me motivated and that website would help me. I know I have reduced my calorie intake and upped my exercise, but I don't know if it is enough.........Stephanie

Not sure what site she is using but one site I've used is http://caloriecount.about.com/. You can even include things like toweling off after shower, walking to the car etc.

[Tal'Aura]

Would this be possible to achieve? Has anybody got any tips or advice?

Jolan Tru,

Well, just stop eating so much. Don't let food control you. As simple as that...

[Super Amanda]

It's not real healthy, but dietary supplements can be very effective for weight loss. I used to be a staunch supporter of ephedrine products, till meth heads and athletes caused the FDA to ban it. However, I have found an alternative in a product called Yellow Bullets. They contain ephedra extract, but it is not the same as the old stuff like Metabolife. Anyway, the Yellow Bullets work great to suppress appetite, and give energy. There are side effects like nausea and jitters, due to the large amount of caffeine. I've been on them for 12 days and have lost 10 lbs, granted, I am very experienced at taking these kind of things.


Lots of people will tell you that it's unhealthy, and it is, but for someone like me who has a knee injury preventing me from strenuous exercise, it's great. I stay hydrated and take vitamins to counter the lack of food. I have to force myself to eat once a day.

Like I said I know what I'm doing, but everyone is different. I'll take side effects and super fast weight loss over safety any day, but that's me. I have been over weight nearly my entire life, and dieting isn't effective enough for me. I wanna lose 30 lbs a month, not 3! Don't knock it till you try it!

[Rachel Morley]

Hi Hellsangel,

Unfortunately, as others have said, there's not really any quick fixes unless you are looking for a "temporary corset fix". :) Diet and exercise is the way to go ... and IMHO, education on what not to eat.

Read your labels! Don't eat anything without knowing how many calories you are consuming. Here;s a link to website to help you.
http://www.thecaloriecounter.com/

There are so many foods out there that look harmless enough but in fact have a ton of calories. Like nuts for example. They're a good natural food but quite high in calories (I love nuts :sad:). Eating more fruits and veggies will naturally fill you up with lower calorie foods. You can still have some comfort foods but watch out that the fat and/or sugar content isn't too high as this is what usually increases the calorie content. For exercise try going for long walks. My wife and I go walking together (we walk quite fast) in the park when I come home from work for 45 minutes most days of the week.

Good luck :)

[Stephanie-L]

It is dangerous. I use it in my work to raise the blood pressure and heart rate of patients, it will do the same to you. It also causes a lot of stess on the heart. When I use it I am monitoring both the blood pressure, heart rate and ekg. I also give extremely small doses. If you use herbal products you have no idea how much you are getting or the other ingredients that may cause problems. I have seen a patient with a BP of 70/30 go to a BP pf 200/110 with one dose of ephedrine, and then had to treat that so the patient didn't have a stroke. You have no idea what kind of response you are going to get or if you have any problems which could be made worse by it. If you have any kind of heart problems or have ever used cocaine or methamphetamines do NOT use ephedra, it may kill you. The use of ephedra to make meth is not the only reason it is no longer marketed as a diet supplement. It's cousin, pseudo-ephedrine, is used as a decongestant in cold medication and is also used to make meth, thus it is now usually behind the counter. It does not have the effects that ephedrine does, at least not as much, still it should also be used carefully. And for all of you who say "It's natural/herbal, it can't hurt me" I remind you that cyanide, strychnine, belladonna, etc are also all natural/herbal substances. Sorry for the rant but I could not ignore this when I saw it....Stephanie (licensed healthcare professional/anesthesia provider)

[María José]

What is a "girly" figure? Every day I can see girls of all shapes and sizes: big, small, tall ... And they are girls. I think it is a mistake to try to have a figure that you will never have. Have you a beer belly? I know girls that have more than a beer belly and they are very pretty and dress beautiful dresses! I think it is easier to find your own style and the clothes that fit you better than to change your body. Just what most girls do.

[Karen564]

Beer belly???
For starters, You need to change your lifestyle, and stop eating & drinking like a man, and of course doing the right exercising will help too.

Karen

[Lisa Golightly]

Less carbs, less alcohol, and more protein worked for me... Till I started hormones... Bah! I have to starve myself now :(

[Kate Simmons]

Unless you are taking hormones, lots of imagination.:)

[Super Amanda]

If you can handle it... Yes it raises heart rate, big time. However, you cant really get the really effective older alkaloid containing ephedrine, which was the the most effective and most dangerous. What I am taking now contains NO alkaloids, and is in fact not even considered to be real ephedra. I wish I could get the real deal!


Look, I have abused all manner of drugs, legal and illegal, not that I'm proud of that, but I know how MY body reacts to stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens and whatever else you can think of. Yes it can be dangerous, but so can crossing the street. For me the benefit outweighs the risk.

On a side note, I have no diseases or anything that would prevent me from taking a supplement, such as diabetes or thyroid disease

[kristinacd55]

You will look good, (as M or F) protect your heart and reduce your chances of diabetes if you lose that spare tire. There is a diet that is so easy you can do it in your sleep--and it saves you 30 minutes a day. Set your alarm a half hour later--skip breakfast.

I beg to differ, breakfast's the most important meal of the day. Eat a good HEALTHY breakfast to fuel you all day & get plenty of exercise. Skip late night eating too!

[stacee2008]

It's all about hitting the gym on a regular basis. Trust me, I've been there and I'm finally getting back to femme body.

[Celeste]

There is a healthy way to diet and exercise,I recommend the site shapefit.com. Start out with finding out your BMI ,then you will know what you are suppose to weigh according to how tall you are.at shapefit there are unlimited resources on all exercises and diet.To start with your mid section you'll want to begin with Pilates,core and ab exercises.I find that a good balance of running for cardio one day and then strength training with weights the next is the most effective.I like to keep my core going everyday.

[Lisa O]

Lisa what is the website you use for calorie counting. I am one of those who needs to see things in black and white to really get me motivated and that website would help me. I know I have reduced my calorie intake and upped my exercise, but I don't know if it is enough.........Stephanie

The one I use is www.calorieking.com.au (or www.calorieking.com for the US). It is a bit stricter with the exercise and only counts exercising in additional to normal daily activities.

I eased off today as I donated plasma at the blood bank (about 750ml), but even then I am still under the daily calorie allowance without as much exercise.

I'll give it a go for a while and see if it is allowing to many calories. May need to adjust the target.

[JoAnne Wheeler]

EAT LESS - lose weight - wear a corset or waist nipper or girdle - get breast

forms and a padded fannie

JoAnne Wheeler

[linnea]

I'm working on this, mostly with regular, vigorous exercise and reduction of food/calorie intake.
I agree with the comment(s) that point out that there are all shapes and sizes of women, so a "girlish" figure is a little bit of an invalid concept. Nonetheless, I want to be more curvaceous with less padding and more natural look. I have broad shoulders and when I'm trim, I have an inverted triangle shape, so I've got some build problems. I can enhance my look by continuing to lose weight, by choosing flattering clothing styles, and by my way of walking and moving.

[michelle1980]

If you are in the states run to the news stand and check out the minibook from men's health (yea yea doesn't really belong here) but it's got great information about eating, what to eat, what not to eat, different tips to keep from over eating.

plus it has some great workouts for people who dont have a lot of time or equipment.


I lost 6 lbs in the last two weeks since i've just changed my diet. I need to drop about 40 lbs so i can fit back into my size 10 skirts. :heehee:

[Barbara Dugan]

What is a "girly" figure? Every day I can see girls of all shapes and sizes: big, small, tall ... And they are girls. I think it is a mistake to try to have a figure that you will never have. Have you a beer belly? I know girls that have more than a beer belly and they are very pretty and dress beautiful dresses! I think it is easier to find your own style and the clothes that fit you better than to change your body. Just what most girls do.

I totally agree ... not all the women are curvy and thin I hardly diet or workout to me be feminine is a state of mind:hugs:

[docrobbysherry]

H. Angel!
In the LONG RUN, diets don't work for most folks!:eek:

Exercise just makes me hungry!:doh:

U need to change the way u eat and drink! NOT immediately, but gradually!

I switched from beer to red wine. Same buzz, less carbs.:drink:

Eat healthy cereals with lofat milk at breakfast. Fill up then, and u won't be hungry until lunch time. ( Sometimes, I can skip lunch altogether, and NOT miss it!):)

Eat your HEAVY meal at lunch. (I CAN'T, or I'm not fit for work in the afternoons!):doh:

For dinner, try to satisfy yourself with soups and stews. Less meat and cheese, and NO potatoes, or bread. I sometimes eat nothing but a large salad. But, that doesn't always satify me! Still hungry? Eat a piece of fruit, like a banana. Then, drink a large glass of water or tea, without sugar. Wait about 20 minutes. U won't be hungry anymore!:thumbsup:

Every one of the things I mentioned got me started losing just a few lbs. a week, or month. It isn't important to lose weight fast. What's important is to start losing weight PERIOD, with a regimen u can stick to!:D

U seem to reach weight plateaus. I did anyway. Where I had to try something ELSE to keep losing!:brolleyes:

Imagine yourself in that hot, slinky dress you've admired! It's a GREAT motivator!:heehee:

[Leslie Mary S]

I am not happy with my shape but I am willing to be me until the new eating habits become true habits and the norm.

[Amanda Shaft]

EAT LESS - lose weight - wear a corset or waist nipper or girdle - get breast

forms and a padded fannie

JoAnne Wheeler

I think this must be one of those transatlantic nations divided by a common language things. The image made me smile though!

As for wieght loss they say breakfast like a King, dine like a pauper.
Amanda x

[TxKimberly]

I'd say pretty much the same thing everyone else has said - eat less (and better foods) and exercise more.
I used to do the corset thing but quite it when I realized it made me look sort of unnatural. While giving me a nice shape when seen from the front, all it does is redistribute your fat, and so I looked "thick" when seen from the side. I also hated the way it tended to bulg the fat out of the top. Ugghhh

Wanting to have the appearance of a waist used to drive me nuts until I listened to someone's advice (can't recall who). A typical womans waist is not the result of her waist itself being so thin. Instead, it is the difference or ratio of her bust, waist, and hips. Your typical male is going to have hips that are the same size as his waist, or maybe hips that are smaller than the waist (the dreaded beer belly), so the ratio of hips to waist doesn't help us. To get around this you use hip pads. You can buy them, or you can make them as I have. Once you have wider hips, this gives you a MUCH better illusion of having a waist.
I know I babbled writing that so:

THE SHORT ANSWER:
Eat less food/better for you food
Exercise - It doesn't have to be an expensive gym. Just walk or jog in your neighborhood.
Wear hip pads. The relationship of your waist to your now wider hips helps a great deal.

[suchacutie]

Some in this thread have asked "what is a girly figure". One possible answer is told to us by the size charts. To buy a pair of women's jeans and NOT buy ultra low rise (where the hip measurement is all that counts) the waist measurement must be 10 inches less than the hip measurement. THAT, in my mind is a girly figure.

Now for us part-time guys, that is real hard! My answer to this question is to diet down to within corset distance and see how that works. My hips are 37.5 inches and my waist is currently 35.5. To try this out, I bought a "waist cincher" from Fredericks of Hollywood, of all places. I bought it there because it was cheap and it looked pretty sturdy. I bought a medium and by turning it upside down I matched the hip, waist, and bust measurements with that medium (I'm 41 on top). The waist cincher reduces my waist 2.5 inches without all the hassle of a corset (okok, corsets can be fun too! ). So, assuming my hips will drop to 37" in the process, I need to get down to about 30 inches for a waist if I'm going to stay with the cincher, or 32 or so with a corset.

Now the diet. I was intrigued with the so-called French dietary habits: i.e. eating all that rich food and not putting on weight! What I read told me that they just eat less of everything. I've been working on this for 2 years now, but I got a lesson in this diet when I had kidney stones a few years ago. While passing a massive stone, the drugs put me out for about a week. At the end of that time I found that eating one very large orange totally filled and satisfied my need for food! I know that sounds amazing, but it's fact.

So here's how I keep my portions down. As I'm getting a meal ready, I drink a glass (13 oz.) of water, selzter, or club soda (Schwepps has no sodium). I have another glass with dinner (I put lemon or lime in the liquid.) During dinner I have a small glass of wine, and I never eat quickly. Dinner should last at least 15 min, and contain at least 4 different items of food, preferably 6. I no longer use a regular plate. I use a bowl or a small plate and I only fill it once. I am almost always stuffed at the end of the meal. Make sure that the food is not bland. My only dietary issue is sodium, so I keep that down but I don't avoid any food that I like, so I eat anything I want! Put your fork down between bites....SLOW DOWN.

Now, this takes a while to accomplish. Don't go cold turkey, but cut back over a month or two. For a while I found that I simply HAD to have something to eat late at night. To combat this I took something from dinner that could serve as a late-night snack, and I removed it from the dinner plate for later consumption.

I find that in doing this my weight does drop in fits and starts, but when I joined this forum I was 215 pounds. I'm now 175, and as you get lower the inches come off faster with each pound! I expect that I'll need to get to 165 to acheive my "girly" figure :)

Just one girl's experience!

tina