Full Figured, Fabulous & Dating Part 4: Do's and Dont's When on a Date

Many people, women and men, think some of the smallest things wouldn't affect a date, but it does. After your search for a date, the outfit, and finally picking the location it is time to actually venture out on the date. Read the do's and dont's to help you have a successful date.

Do's

• Arrive on time. Being late is very rude and inconsiderate. I do understand that emergencies happen but your date should be informed if that occurs.
• Dress appropriate for your date. It will be very uncomfortable for your date if you are dress like you are going somewhere else.
• Engage in conversation. Nothing is more awkward than silence on the first date. Get to know each other by asking questions and allowing him to learn about you as well.
• BE YOURSELF, let him get to know you for who you are. Relax and let things flow.
• End the date on your terms. You don't have to kiss, go home with him, or anything else you don't want to do.

Don'ts

• Never talk about sex. Sex should never be a topic when on a first date. It gives the impression that you may want to do something after the date.
• Never talk about past relationships. It is EXTREMELY awkward to listen to someone your interested in talk about an ex.
• Don't order the salad. Ordering a salad to give the illusion you don't eat much is silly. If you want a steak, order one.
• No negative body talk. Making jokes about your body will not make light of the date (No pun intended) You want him to respect your body so you have to lead by example.
• Don't allow yourself to feel pressured to do anything you don't want to do.

Of course not all dates will be perfect, but these tips can help you have a great date. Leave him wanting more.

**Look out for Part 5: The follow up after the date next Friday**

Body Image Roundtable with Rapper Eve

I love when women in the industry, be it music or movie, can come together and discuss there own body image issues and help other women and teens through theirs. We tend to forget that stars are people too and they go through the same struggles we do. Always remember to never compare yourself to others because it will only hurt you in the long run. Check out this amazing roundtable of women on body image.

Is the Key to Losing Weight Not Trying To Lose Weight? A New Study Gives Some Clues

It seems counterintuitive, but according to a new study by Stanford University researchers, the key to long-lasting weight loss is may be learn the keys to maintenance before trying to lose weight.

In the study titled “Promoting Healthy Weight with ‘Stability Skills First,” Michaela Kiernan and her colleagues found that people are more able to attain lasting weight loss if they are first taught to maintain it.

Fit Sugar gives more details about the study:

In a new study by Stanford scientists, more than 260 overweight to obese women were split into two groups: One immediately began a 20-week weight-loss plan that involved eating more fruits and veggies, being more active, keeping daily food journals, and attending weekly support meetings. Once this part of the program was completed, they spent eight more weeks focusing on weight maintenance tactics.
The other group was asked to refrain from losing any weight the first eight weeks while they learned those maintenance lessons. Only after those two months did these women began the identical 20-week weight-loss program.
In the end, both groups lost about the same amount of weight—an average 17 pounds, roughly 9 percent of their starting weights. But there was a big difference a year later: Those who lost weight first regained seven pounds, more than twice as much as the women who started by mastering the maintenance tricks.

These findings may be just what people need to finally lose the weight and keep it off. While most concentrate on losing the weight, no matter what, only to find the pounds creep back on, these participants were able to maintain their weight loss because they learned the tools necessary to live a healthy life, not just get thinner.

Courtesy of www.frugivoremag.com

Full Figured, Fabulous & Dating Part 3: Best Places for a Date

Part 1 and 2 tackled the most important rules before the date. Now it's time to focus on the actual date. Where you go on your date is just as important as what you wear.

• Restaurants are the usual go to place when on a date. You want to make sure it has nice lighting and the noise level is ok. You want to be able to hear him when you engage in conversation and be able to see him clearly.
• Home dates are an absolutely no no for the first date. Mainly because you don't know this person and it can be dangerous. You also don't want him to get the impression that sex is after dinner. I recommend staying away from home dates until you have been dating for a while.
• Clubs can be tricky. Night clubs are a no for the first date. That is just unacceptable for you to go to a night club as a date. BUT comedy clubs and other venues that are doing shows can be a good date. Although you wont be able to carry on an intimate conversation, you get to enjoy similar interest you have. It can also alleviate some of the pressure of the date.
• Activity first dates are not a good look. Things like put put golf, bowling, movies, go carts and other similar activities are NOT first dates. We are not 16 anymore. It's time to grow up and go on grown up dates.
• Special occasion events like being invited to a company event can be good and bad. It's good because you get to meet and speak with people your date is around daily so you get to see them in their normal state. It could also be bad because you don't have the opportunity to intimately get to know them and their colleagues may ask you a million questions.

Remember first dates are very important and where you go on the date is just as important. We are all grown so our dates should show our maturity level. Always remember safety when meeting someone for the first time. It is also very important to give your date's information to someone you know just in case if anything happens.


**Stick around for Full Figured, Fabulous & Dating Part 4: How to Act on Your Date next Friday**

Start With You!!!!!!

Everything that goes on in your life starts with you. Every change that is made starts with you. Why would you want someone else to make any decisions for you. Think to yourself, what do YOU want to do, say or change about yourself. Then ask yourself what are you waiting for?

Changing the way you think can help build your confidence and improve your self esteem. Having control can make you feel powerful. I know it does for me. I can admit that it may be a little scary to do something out of your normal day to day but changes can't be made without you. I'm still nervous venturing out and creating my brand and business but I know this is what I want and I have to go for it. Even if you fail AT LEAST YOU TRIED. Never allow yourself to say the should've, could've, would've.

If you want to change your wardrobe, then do it. Trying out things you've never worn before can actually make you love how beautiful you really are. It can help you appreciate and love your body. I recently started wearing eye make up and I was amazed at how it made me feel. Just remember when buying new clothes to make sure you by clothes that fit and complements your frame.

If Losing weight is what you want to do then do it. The first thing is to make sure your losing for the right reasons. Yes we all love our curves but we have to remember to be healthy. I'm on a weight loss journey as well so I cant relate to all of you. Remember to take it easy nothing happens over night.

I just want all of you to start doing everything you are scared to do. Don't let anyone stop you from your dreams because of you size, including yourself. Sometimes people can stand in their own way and that's what we need to overcome. Again I cant say it enough that nothing will change in your life without you making and committing to those changes.

Good luck on your journey :)