How to Camouflage Weight Gain

We all know we're suppose to eat a healthy diet and exercise but despite our best efforts weight loss may seem impossible--especially when weight gain is due to causes other than food intake, including medications, pregnancy, convalescence, illness, and menopause. While we still have to deal with our weight practically, it is in our best interest to feel good about ourselves. This can be difficult when a slender or average sized person collects pounds quickly and seemingly morphs into a new body within weeks or months.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Wardrobe evaluation
• Clothes that fit properly
• Jewelry
• New makeup and hairstyle (optional)

1. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too baggy, both enhance weight gain. You may feel self-conscious about the added pounds and opt for an unflattering style. Look for clothes with tailoring fit for your curves. Layers also work, with longer shirts underneath complimented with a vest, shorter shirt or sporty jacket on top.
2. Re-evaluate your wardrobe. Try some new styles and colors to help proportion your body and highlight your assets. Cut and style is as important as color to compensate for weight gain. Have fun and experiment. The goal is to look good, not just thinner.
3. Jewelry attracts the eye and makes a woman feel more feminine. Work with your style but consider bolder styles or some glitz for a slimming effect. Avoid the gaudy look, however. If weight gain is substantial in the facial area, stay away from chokers and wide earrings unless your fondness for them prevails.
4. Opt for a new hair style. Hair is a most defining feature for all body sizes, and it can be a friend or foe to one's overall look. Camouflage weight gain with an attractive haircut that allows for volume and height and perhaps some color highlights or lightening. Besides focusing the eye accordingly, a makeover boost provides a good dose of inspiration when you're feeling down.
5. Shapewear, or Spanx, can be a girl's best friend and there is no shame in wearing it. Thin and curvy alike take advantage of shapewear. The key is a proper fit, one that doesn't produce bulges or slippage. Spanx can slenderize a specific area or nearly camouflage whole body weight gain.
6. Consider makeup for facial sculpting or simply for an overall healthy glow. Bronzers work great. Eyebrows define facial expression and a well-defined arch uplifts the face. Heavier eye makeup and lipstick does detract the eye from bodily weight gain, but bold colors may look wholly unattractive. Work with shades that you know look good or try a makeup consultation for new ideas.
7. Exercise to feel good, not simply to lose pounds. Maybe your posture is suffering or the added weight gain is causing tension. A few days to a week of back, upper body and abdominal muscle exercises will make you feel good and help you stand taller. This is the greatest slimming secret of all.

Tips & Warnings

• New weight gain is an adjustment, but once you become comfortable in your skin you will look and feel better.
• Be reasonable in your expectations for weight loss.
• If your weight gain is due to something other than food intake, exercise may be the best solution. If this is not doable, then acceptance is key. Do not starve yourself of nutrition and sensible eating.