I want an hourglass figure
Dear Donovan,
Is the hourglass figure I dream of possible? I’ve been dieting for two years and exercising. I am seeing results as I started out weighing 270 pounds and I’m now down to 135 pounds. I am 5 feet 6 1/2 inches tall. Moreover, I used to live in waist trainers and corsets but I’m still straight with a few love handles on my sides. I want a few curves and a thinner stomach. It’s still a bit puffy. How can I tailor my diet to rid myself of the final inches of fat in my mid-section and sides to achieve my dream look?
I notice where you have made dramatic progress with your weight loss over the last two years and this is commendable. However, I also realise that like many other women, your ultimate goal is to get the hourglass shape/figure. This is defined as one where the bust and hip measurement are at least eight to 10 inches wider than the waist.
Although body shape is determined mainly by genetics, one can achieve or appear to achieve the hourglass shape by dieting, exercising, and wearing the right clothes. In extreme cases some results have also been achieved by corset training. However, there are some dangers in using this method.
Corsets pulled too tight can cause some bones to move out of place. In addition, the blood flow can be reduced. Poor blood flow can lead to poor muscle tone.
That aside, you have not mentioned what your current eating habits are. This information would be helpful to give you more personal advice. However, I would suggest that you lose another two to three pounds and at the same time do a detox programme. This will help to reduce the size of the stomach region.
It is also important to incorporate more fruits, vegetables and vegetable juices in your diet. Also, eat foods in the right combination, for example, carbohydrates with vegetables and proteins with vegetables. This will help to keep the stomach down.
When you are losing weight, you will lose from the entire body. Again, the stomach will go down and so will your love handles. In general, in order for you to get the hourglass figure, you will have to increase the size of your chest, reduce your waist, firm your legs and buttocks.
Cardio workouts can help to tone the midsection and firm the legs. Examples of these are running, cycling, aerobics and swimming. At this stage it can be helpful to get a personal trainer to monitor your progress. Abdominal exercises could also be used to firm up the stomach region. For your love handles, you could use a exercise ball, hula hoop or do some twisting sit-ups. Your dream is possible. Continue to work hard.
Good luck!
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Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
