Adorable Apples

We all know that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, when I was younger I always wished I had a more 'normal' shape (I have a larger bottom and have always hated it until maybe a year ago or even less)... Growing up made me discover a majority of women are all insecure about something, be it big or small.

Today we shine our light on the adorable apple shapes out there.
So what is the description for an apple shape?

You are apple shaped when you are well-
proportioned but carry weight around the
tummy area and are therefore without a
defined waistline. Rectangles also have a
less defined waistline, but the apple body
type is curvier and rounder all over.

HOW TO FIND OUT ONCE AND FOR ALL IF YOUR ARE APPLE SHAPED
1. first, measure your waist  2.5 centimeters above  your navel
2. second, measure your hip around the widest part of your body. Then, divide your waist number by your hip number - if the result is greater than 0.8, you have an apple shaped body.

HEALTH ISSUES
We all know that having a lot of fat stored in your midsection is not good, because most of this visceral fat surrounds your internal organs: heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys and intestines generating a plethora of serious health risks.

STEPS ONE CAN TAKE TO MINIMISE THESE RISKS

1. Favour all complex carbohydrates (friendly
carbs): whole grains, dark breads, brown rice,
quinoa, oats, all legumes, vegetables (except
starchy ones, like potatoes, cooked carrots)
and fruits (except very sweet ones: bananas,
watermelon, grapes, pineapple)

2. Eat moderately quality proteins: lean beef,
lean skinless chicken & turkey, fish &
seafood, beans, lentils, low-fat yogurt &
cottage cheese, eggs

3. Eat moderately healthy fats: nuts, avocado,
flax seeds powder, dressings made with olive
oil or flaxseed oil & fat-free yogurt; cook
with healthy cooking oils.

4. Stay away from ALL refined carbs, including
white-flour products (e.g. white breads,
muffins, pastries, cakes, cookies, crackers,
etc.), ice cream, sweets, fruit juices, sweet
carbonated drinks - as all increase your
insulin resistance, which triggers the fat-
storage metabolism.

EXERCISE
Working out is an important part of having a healthier body, I would suggest doing what you love but please make sure you are not having a ten minute walk 3 times a day and calling that you workout for the day because as much as you are better than the person on the couch you sure aren't doing yourself any favors by being lazy either.

BEST WAY TO DRESS FOR YOUR SHAPE

• If you have a fuller chest area, and are comfortable showing it off, draw attention to it. This helps draw the attention off of your midsection and to other areas, however do avoid showing too much cleavage or risk looking less than flattering. Oh my goodness invest in a good bra that supports your bust.
• When choosing Coats and Jackets, go for belted ones as they give the illusion of a small waist and trim your tummy. You look best in single breasted structured jackets with v-shaped lapels that button below the bust line. Your jackets should be on the long side, never ending at waist level. Make ure they come down to your hips to create a long, lean  line right over your waist and tummy area. Oh and stay AWAY from shoulder pads and pleats because you guys are lucky enough to already have perfect shoulders.
• Wrap dresses are always a winner as they fit nicely over a fuller bust. A side tie on the dress will draw attention away from the stomach.
• Any large pattern will draw attention so try to avoid a large pattern on top, save these for the bottom. Darker solid coloured tops with small designs will make your top half look slimmer.
• Opt for A-line skirts beacause they flare out from the waist, they offer balance and proportion to your upper half.
• Your jeans should have a rise that is lower than your natural waist. DO NOT wear pants with pleated fronts, it only makes your middle look wider. Oh and yes most adorable apples have great legs, but ladies becareful with pants that are TOO tight because this can make your top seem extra large, but please do not hide in baggy trousers either. I support emphasizing your better attributes but remember the goal is keeping your overall look in balance. Oh and the golden rule if you want to give the illusion of a fuller booty, wear pants with back pockets.
• Lerato wrote an article about the stoffie (lol if you havent read it please do), body control underwear is your best friend, it will work wonders to define your middle area, pulling you in at the waist.
• As for accessories, drop earings will draw attention to your lovely jaw line and face, while chunky banglets accentuate your slim wrists.

The bottom line though is let go of the frustration with being a particular shape, embrace it and work with it not against it to get the best out of your body that you possibly can!