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www.stephengraphics.com

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Weight Gain and the Summer Dilemma
Weight and the weather have one thing in common -
I've always been "cuddly" and at various times in my life have been called "pudding face" and "chubb" (amongst other things). Oddly enough, however, I always found these terms endearing although now they might be considered as verbal abuse. It's a sad reflection on how times have changed.
For most people weight is a direct result of the amount of calories consumed in relation
to the amount used -
One reason for gaining weight and changing shape which many women of a certain age will relate to is the menopause, and currently that is my explanation.
It's not an excuse, just an explanation. I use it every time I find yet another skirt or pair of trousers which won't quite fit, and it comes in very handy.
My weight appears to shift around at night when I'm asleep and I wake up in the morning with extra on my arms, back, stomach and waist.
Love handles they may be -
Excess weight is of course a problem if you let it get out of hand as it can create all sorts of health issues, and a sensible diet and exercise routine are always to be recommended.
Apart from the fact clothes look better if they actually fit, you generally feel more comfortable and confident if you aren't continually having to hold yourself in, too scared to breathe incase the seams of the material encasing your body should suddenly give.
It is just delusionary to think you look slimmer wearing clothes which are smaller than you actually need, and I often see people who would benefit from a visit by the wardrobe fairies.
I hate parting with anything though and must have a bit of the war mentality in me. I tend to think if I hang on to something long enough the fashion will come around again, and those people who discard clothes they haven't worn for six months break my heart.
Mind you, I'm not getting any younger so by the time fashion trends dictate I can wear some of the clothes I have in my wardrobe it would be a case of them being inappropriate for my face. The expression "Mutton dressed as lamb" springs to mind
Anyway, here's a light hearted poem I've written. which sums up the way I feel.
My Summer Dilemma Poem
Struggling into my swimsuit
Reflection's made it clear
Despite my best intentions
I'm larger than last year
I guess I'm pretty lucky
I have a shapely figure
But even if I breathe in hard
I
look two sizes bigger
All winter I've disguised the fact
With help from baggy clothes
Now summer's come,
it's skimpy tops
So everybody knows
I don't want to join a slimming class
Allowed food isn't me
All those calories, points
and carbs
Water and black tea!
Perhaps I'll take up exercise
Fast walking, that's more fun
I'll do it now, go to
the shops
May even try to run
Oh what the heck, curves are in
Men like our fleshy bits
So instead I'll just stay
as I am
And buy a suit that fits!
Jean Shaw© -