So what's a cosplayer to do if the goal is to look as much like the original character as possible?
For many, the decision is to try and lose weight and/or gain muscle. Why? Because there is a perception (by some) in the cosplay community that if you’re going to dress up as the character, that you need to match their body type.
This article is going to sidestep the moral and social issues associated with losing weight to conform with a societal expectation. That's a debate being held on virtually every cosplay website out there. Rather, this article is going try and provide some useful information for those who want to lose weight in a healthy way for an upcoming cosplay. Nothing more.
That being said, I am not a health professional. I did lose over 50 pounds a few years ago in a healthy way, and I've kept it off. I consider that my experience with the subject matter. However, I think you should take everything you read on the internet with a grain of salt, including this article, which brings me to Tip #1:
1. Go see your doctor.
Before beginning any significant lifestyle change, it is wise to consult with a health care professional. By doing so, you can find out what your body mass index (BMI) is, and if everything else is working properly. Tell the doctor about your plans to lose weight. Make sure you don’t have any medical restrictions or health problems that could be exacerbated by changing your diet and adding rigorous exercise. This is also an opportunity to make sure you don't have a thyroid problem that may be prohibiting weight loss efforts. If you have the insurance coverage or means, it may be worth consulting a registered dietitian as well.
2. Eat real food.
There's a saying that you should shop around the perimeter of a grocery store, and not in the middle. Why? Because all the fresh food lines the walls (meat, vegetables, grains). All that processed crap is in the middle. While it's true you may actually lose weight on Taco Bell's new fresh menu, or eating nothing but South Beach meal replacement bars, you're better off eating lean meats, fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and whole grains.
3. Keep a food diary.
I highly recommend signing up for TheDailyPlate.com. It is a site that allows you keep a food diary, and it's FREE to use. It also has a substantial database of nutrition information for chain restaurants and popular brand name foods. By keeping a food diary, you can begin to see how you well/unhealthy you eat. You can also track carbs, fats, cholesterol, sodium, sugar, and protein intake.
4. Stay away from quick fixes.
Diet pills, cleanses, laxatives, “cabbage diets” and other products/diets that claim you’ll lose weight fast - they aren't healthy. You may lose weight using one of these methods, but you could also be seriously harming your body. Besides, if there was a magic pill, everyone would be taking it and no one would be fat, am I right? Don’t waste your money. Be good to your body and stay clear of this junk.
5. Losing weight (The Right Way) takes time.
Remember that losing weight in a health way will take time and effort. Speaking as someone who lost 50 pounds and has kept it off, it isn’t easy and it isn’t fast. But, it can be done. You should not be trying to lose more than 1% of your body weight per week. So if you're 200 lbs, you shouldn't try to lose more than 2 lbs per week. It probably took years to pack on pounds, and it is going to take time to get rid of it. Therefore trying to drop 10 lbs in two weeks for an upcoming convention is probably NOT a good idea.
6. Educate yourself.
Don’t take dieting advice from a 15 year old on the Internet. As I mentioned previously, don’t even take MY advice as law. If you must consult the internet (vs. a doctor or registered dietitian), use medically reliable websites (WebMD) and books (ask your doctor to recommend some if possible). Learn about caloric intake, exercise, and eating right for yourself. Knowledge is power.
Having said all of this, please remember that cosplay is supposed to be something you enjoy! If training for or slimming down for a cosplay feels like a job, then maybe it isn't worth it. There will always be people who are skinnier or heavier than you! Cosplay and conventions are about being with people who enjoy similar hobbies and interests, and having a good time - not about stressing over getting down to a size three.
Source: alltern8.com
