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Fat Woman Wears Bikini in Public, Earth’s Orbit Unaffected

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This is the first of what will be several writing retreat related posts this year, but I feel like this is the most important one:

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That’s right. I fulfilled New Year’s resolution #4. I wore a bikini in public. While being fat. This is me at Hunter’s Point in Copper Harbor, standing in Lake Superior. I should point out that this is as “in the water” as I got for my entire trip; there was still ice in Superior as recently as two weeks ago, and since it was a balmy fifty degrees Fahrenheit outside, swimming was not an option.

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This was a really fun resolution, because when I told people about it, it usually went like this:

Me: I’m going to wear a bikini this year!

Person: Oh, good for you! Are you doing Weight Watchers?

Me: No, I said I’m going to be wearing a bikini. I didn’t say I was dieting.

Person: *face melts off like the idea of my fatness in a two-piece is the equivalent of staring into the Arc of The Covenant.*

But you know what? I’m not displeased with the results. I look like a chubby pinup girl. The bathing suit is from Forever 21, if you’re looking for a similar one.

So, anybody out there with a not-so-perfect body wearing something daring this year? Email me your pics at jenny@jennytrout.com if you’re feeling brave, and I’ll put them on the blog!

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390 Comments

  1. Elinor
    Elinor

    FABULOUS!!!!! You Rock! Love the bikini too!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      Thanks!

      June 30, 2014
      |Reply
      • Vanna
        Vanna

        Where ever did you find it? I love it!

        July 1, 2014
        |Reply
        • Jeffrey Hill
          Jeffrey Hill

          You look great I love BBW girls so if you wore a string bikini and I mean skimpy string it would be hot.

          February 6, 2024
          |Reply
      • JENNY~ YOU ARE ONE HELL OF A FANTASTIC WOMAN!!! I’M SO PROUD OF YOU, ALL I CAN SAY IS “YOU GO GIRL” YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE BRILLIANT SOUL THAT’S GOING TO SHOVE THIS “SO CALLED” BEAUTY MYTH, RIGHT DOWN THE THROATS OF THOSE WHO’S IDEALS OF BEAUTY EQUATE TO THAT OF A SKELETON. MORE AND MORE WOMEN ARE GOING TO STEP OUT AND REALIZE THAT BEAUTY COMES IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. GOD BLESS YOU PRECIOUS WOMAN. AND BTW, YOU ARE ALSO VERY FUNNY…I SEE A CAREER IN COMEDY AS WELL!
        LOVE YA~
        ELAINE AL MEQDAD

        July 9, 2014
        |Reply
        • meysam
          meysam

          Jooon

          July 12, 2014
          |Reply
      • Aletha
        Aletha

        “You Go Girl” As long as you are healthy and you feel good about “U” ! The heck what others think” It’s all about what YOU THINK! I am inspired. Peace

        July 10, 2014
        |Reply
      • Sheri
        Sheri

        It think it is a very tasteful selection which actually flatters you quite well! Great pics! Enjoy your bikini summer!

        July 10, 2014
        |Reply
    • Jean
      Jean

      Go for it 🙂 We shouldn’t wait until we’re perfect – or, the timing’s perfect – to do fun stuff. Enjoy today and purple hair, too!

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
    • Rich
      Rich

      I have to say . I am over weight but not obese. I am 50 . At the pool at the Flamingo in las Vegas , in the adult only section, I never forgot a late 20’s couple moving their seats buy the pool when i lied on a empty seat next to them. I guess they though they could catch my fat.. lol I am not making this up. I could have said something but did not. But , time will be the judge with them.
      lol

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
      • AT
        AT

        Don’t let the mean couple’s behavior bother you. They are ignorant and insensitive!!! I won’t be surprised that they had already have many Botox injections and Plastic surgeries. Be yourself and be proud!

        July 10, 2014
        |Reply
    • karen cull
      karen cull

      Bravo to you! Who says only skinny minis can wear bikinis?

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
    • Ani
      Ani

      I just wanted to tell you, I downloaded your photos because you are just so beautiful.

      Maybe there is life after my bulimia. I’m fat now … this is thuh first time I have ever thought that. Literally.

      …fuck.

      July 11, 2014
      |Reply
  2. You look adorable! Love the suit. 🙂

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      Thanks! I was so frustrated trying to find a “fatkini” until I came across that one! I think someone from Twitter might have directed me there.

      June 30, 2014
      |Reply
      • Beth
        Beth

        I say, Bravo, Jenny! I think you look adorable in your bikini! I’m built like a brick, too, and have been all my life. I admired you for working on overcoming our national body image!

        July 9, 2014
        |Reply
      • deb
        deb

        Love it and you look great but to me it is a two piece not a bikini, just saying.

        July 9, 2014
        |Reply
        • Rachel
          Rachel

          Her resolution, her rules.

          July 11, 2014
          |Reply
      • Cassie
        Cassie

        I bought the “island life” print one from forever 21. I like it better than the one piece I bought! I feel sassy and confident!

        July 9, 2014
        |Reply
  3. Flo
    Flo

    I thought I felt something weird with the earths gravitational pull last week…JUST KIDDING! Looks great! Brrr…

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      The effect on the Earth’s gravitational pull was from my nipples turning to stone while I was standing in that cold fucking water, LOL.

      June 30, 2014
      |Reply
      • Jane
        Jane

        lol! cute bikini.

        July 9, 2014
        |Reply
      • Stacie
        Stacie

        You are awesome!

        July 10, 2014
        |Reply
      • Lisa Bishop
        Lisa Bishop

        Ah hahahahahahaha **Pause for Breath** hahahahahaha. You. Rock!

        July 10, 2014
        |Reply
  4. You’re so freaking adorable.

    And also thank you. You inspire me and you’re the reason I’m starting to wear short sleeves.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      And by extension, you can spend your life savings at TeeFury.

      June 30, 2014
      |Reply
  5. Ilex
    Ilex

    You look terrific!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      Thanks!

      June 30, 2014
      |Reply
  6. Sara
    Sara

    You look freakin’ BOMB in that bikini 🙂 I’m glad you made the “I look like a pin up girl” mention because that’s the first thing I thought when I saw the pictures- total pin up vibe! And it’s awesome & super refreshing you realized that on your own. Confidence is sexy, y’all

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      It’s the cut of the suit. It showed up and I was like, “Hey! Betty Grable!”

      June 30, 2014
      |Reply
      • Sara
        Sara

        Yep. This cut is very flattering to us full moons. It amazes me that Marilyn Monroe, at a full-on size 12 is still an icon of beauty. Ah, where did you buy that lovely suit?

        July 6, 2014
        |Reply
        • Size 12 in Marilyn Monroe’s day was not the same as now. The woman had a 24-inch waist and 36-inch hips. She would have maybe been a size 2 or 4 in 2014.

          I have the same dimensions she has (12-inch difference between bust/waist/hips) and when I was a size 12, my waist was 32 inches.

          July 11, 2014
          |Reply
  7. Sophie
    Sophie

    You look gorgeous! I especially like the 2nd pic, because the happiness just shines out of you.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      That’s because my feet are not in the ice cold water anymore!

      June 30, 2014
      |Reply
  8. Kass
    Kass

    Omg. You look like the bomb.com. I freakin love your bikini and your hair and YOU JUST LOOK FRICKIN FABULOUS. Rock it, lady

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      Thanks! My hair was dark purple when we went up there, but some parts faded into pink from all the time in the sun, and I really like the effect. But I’ll probably never be able to achieve it again.

      June 30, 2014
      |Reply
  9. Bri
    Bri

    You look fantastic! And the bikini is super cute too. The sexiest part is your confidence. You are simply oozing it, and that is something for everyone to aspire to.

    June 30, 2014
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    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      I’ve been saying, “I have nothing to fear in life once there are bikini pictures of me on the internet.”

      June 30, 2014
      |Reply
      • Ha! Good point. You look great. Love the flattering cut of the top.

        July 1, 2014
        |Reply
  10. WaltzingAlone
    WaltzingAlone

    HELL YES!! 🙂 You are kicking some serious ass!! 🙂 You are looking awesome! I am sad for the years I spent refusing to wear shorts because I was hiding my legs. However, I’ve been rockin’ the shorts for over two years now and the plague of locusts has yet to arrive.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  11. Mary M.
    Mary M.

    You rock! But my toes are freezing in sympathy with yours…….. the Great Lakes are waayyyy too chilly still!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  12. Kore
    Kore

    Whoa, you look great! Bright colors suit you so well.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  13. It’s a gorgeous suit, and you’re totally rocking it, but I still can’t get over how fucking amazing that hair color is for you 😀

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  14. Awesome! Finding a swimsuit you like is never easy, but you choose a great one! Looking good, Ms. Trout. Looking real good.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • kashim
      kashim

      Wowowowowowoowow cn som ask me y

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  15. Christina
    Christina

    You look adorable!!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  16. Samantha
    Samantha

    Jenny, I totally bought one of their suits after you tweeted about it (I even got the same print, but that was just a coincidence I swear!) and it’s amazing. And you look amazing! Happy and like you’re having fun!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • sammie
      sammie

      I have been scrolling through tweets and comments- where did y’all did such a cute bikini?

      July 6, 2014
      |Reply
  17. Awesome for you! You look fab 🙂 One day maybe I’ll have your resolve.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  18. OMG you are rocking that suit. I love it.

    You have inspired me to be daring.

    If I can stomach trying on swimsuits. (Ick)

    I just hate, hate, hate one piece bathing suits but felt that was my only option since becoming “larger”.

    Wouldn’t want anyone’s eyes to scorch from the sight of me in a two piece.

    Of course my glow in the dark white skin does that no matter what I wear. 😉

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  19. I think you look just fine in the bikini and I agree with the person who talked about confidence. I firmly believe that if a person looks confident and comfortable they’ll look good in whatever they decide to wear. 😉

    Nice going.

    Cheers

    MTM

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  20. Cherry
    Cherry

    You look awesome!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  21. Missy Taylor
    Missy Taylor

    You look awesome! And thanks for the heads up for where to find it because I totally want one! Congrats on fulfilling a New Years Resolution!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  22. Pamela
    Pamela

    You are Awesome.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  23. Promise
    Promise

    Those are the same people who shudder at the idea of anyone over a size 6 wearing a bathing suit period ( or shorts, or tank tops, or sundresses or jeggings or yoga pants). Yes, I know I need to lose weight, not so I’ll become an acceptable human being in the eyes of judgmental assholes, but because I know it’s better for my health. But, while I am struggling and doing my best to be a healthier me, I’ll wear what I damn well want. I will not hide from the world just because some sizeist asshole doesn’t want to look at me.

    Oh, and you look hot, Jenny.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • Laina
      Laina

      *cough* Weight and health are not related. If you want to be healthier, focus on healthy behaviours, because weight loss is basically impossible, you have better odds of surviving being shot in the head *cough* *steps off soapbox*

      June 30, 2014
      |Reply
      • Laina
        Laina

        *maintaining weight loss after 5 years, I mean. I actually am sick, the coughing isn’t just for show XD #sickbrain

        June 30, 2014
        |Reply
      • Promise
        Promise

        I have PCOS and am pre-diabetic. I weigh around 275 pounds at 5’5″ and have done so for 10 years (my highest was 330, but I’ve maintained that almost 60 pound loss for 10 years). I am morbidly obese. I’m in nursing school and I find it difficult to keep up during clinicals. I am exhausted all of the time. I have no energy. I HAVE to get this weight off or I’m pretty much guaranteeing an early death preceeded by a long, painful decline, which I feel has already begun at 36. My cousin, who also has PCOS, has found a LOT of success eliminating red meat, dairy, gluten, and high GI foods, and sticking to under 1500 calories a day and less than 100 glycemic load points a day. If this doesn’t work, I’m going to have a gastric bypass. This has NOTHING to do with the way I look and EVERYTHING to do with wanting to actually feel like I am living my life.

        June 30, 2014
        |Reply
        • I have a friend with PCOS who was about your size and she’s at a healthy weight now — looks amazing. She cut calories and exercised. She didn’t cut anything out, including carbs, but I think she concentrated on whole grains and fruit and veggies rather than white grains.

          June 30, 2014
          |Reply
        • Laina
          Laina

          Have fun with that. It’s your body, but if you are going to be a nurse, maybe you should do some more reading because gastic bypass? NOT healthy. The odds of it killing you? Way higher than the odds of you dying of Teh Fatz and you have very good odds of gaining the weight back anyways. Start with this, maybe, from someone who’s actually had it http://fatadditives.wordpress.com/2012/12/12/why-i-will-never-advocate-wls/ Malnutrition and unable to keep most food down. Sounds like a wonderful way to live.

          You wanna be fitter or eat more whole grains/vegetables/whatever, great for you!! I hope it makes you feel better! Living400pounds has a whole series of blog posts where they document their increased excercise routine and how it made them feel better after an injury and how they all around increased their fitness levels http://living400lbs.wordpress.com/exercise/

          But weight and health? The thing about diets failing? Not something I made up. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2607302/?tool=pubmed http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.ca/2008/02/how-weve-came-to-believe-that.html http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/454096 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070404162428.htm

          You know what doesn’t have a TERRIBLE failure rate though? “Healthy” habits at any size. http://www.jabfm.org/content/25/1/9.full

          Seriously, if you’re going to be a nurse, maybe learn some science that isn’t so junky. Here. Start reading http://bigliberty.net/truth-behind-fat-links-science/

          By the way, I have PCOS, too. Ain’t caused by weight. I have thin friends with it, too.

          June 30, 2014
          |Reply
          • Paige
            Paige

            I hope people aren’t scared off from Laina’s post. There are thousands of people including myself that have had very successful weight loss surgery. It is a lot of work – not a magic fix but in my case it was the help I needed to be successful. I am obsessive about healthy food and exercise since my surgery. I have heard of folks that try to go back to unhealthy eating and they are get sick, but it has been my experience that the major struggles I have had were my own fault. (Not chewing well, drinking with my meal, etc.) I did the research on the chances of dying from the surgery and they were slim – especially compared to my chances of dying from a heart attack. I know it isn’t the answer for everyone, but don’t be too quick to discount weight loss surgery. It has come a long way!

            I also love the bikini and the hair – you look so hip and attractive! You go girl!!!

            July 9, 2014
        • Promise,
          I am a health and weight loss coach that works with people who are obese (not sure if you are) or have a healthy-rated reason to lose weight. I have a program that will help you get the weight off without starvation or excessive (or any) exercise. It works well for people who need their blood sugar stabilized because that’s what the program does. It’s easier than any weight loss program out there, and it works so well. And, you get a free coach. Here’s my website: http://www.imaloser.tsfl.com You can email me from there. I can help you! 🙂

          July 4, 2014
          |Reply
          • Promise
            Promise

            Thanks for all the concern.

            I *have* done a lot of investigation into the changes I am making in my life.

            This is not a fad diet, but a change to a healthier-eating lifestyle and was developed by a dietitian in Australia specifically for women who have PCOS, have insulin intolerance, and are obese.

            Maybe I threw you off by using the word diet. I am using that word in the medical sense, not the popular sense. This is a diet in I am permanently changing the way I eat.

            I actually ate a diet very similar to this when I was in high school and I had a lot of success with it and it was only after I stopped eating this way in college that I put back on the weight, plus another 100 lbs.

            I am determined to turn my life around and not have to resort to gastric surgery. I’d rather not have to have surgery, but I refuse to continue to live at my current weight and BMI.

            I have the full support of my doctors in what I am doing.

            I’m not sure why, when someone says they are doing X, so many people immediately assume they are doing it without having researched it or knowing anything about it at all. This is certainly not the case here. I know you all mean well, but it’s actually kinda rude to assume that I’m just leaping onto some fad diet and that I am following junk science. I have researched what I am doing. All the changes I am making are in line with current research and fall within the nutritional guidelines currently recommended by the NIH and FDA (we *just* finished our semester on nutrition in April).

            Again, thanks for the concern, but focusing on lean proteins, veggies, fruits, and low-GI/GL grains is absolutely not a unhealthy way of eating. It’s no where near as drastic a change as becoming a vegan, for example. The major difference from the way I already eat is taking out the cheese and ice cream and yogurt and the wheat-based carbs and the french fries. I already cook everything from scratch and don’t eat processed foods. I’m actually really excited about learning to cook with low-GI/GL grains, such as amaranth, millet, and teff as well as nut flours. I’m already a fan of quinoa, buckwheat, and wild rice.

            I’m a hobbiest baker, so I’ll still continue to bake stuff for friends and family, while at the same time experimenting with ways to bake healthier alternatives.

            Let me be clear, this is all focused on ME. I am not knocking anyone else’s lifestyle choices. Jenny rocks and I am in no way telling her or anyone who reads her blog that they need to change. This is my own personal problem and my own personal struggle.

            July 6, 2014
        • Beth
          Beth

          I’m 5’5″and I weight 240, so you’re not the only brick in the world, m’dear! I admire Jenny for making us rethink our national body image. She’s adorable in that bikini!

          –Beth 🙂

          July 9, 2014
          |Reply
        • tlj
          tlj

          Promise,
          My mom had gastric bypass surgery in 2011 at the age of 64 after spending decades not able to lose weight by changing her lifestyle. She had many co-morbidities such as insulin dependent type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, and sleep apnea. She could not walk across the room without becoming completely winded. After three years, she weighs 130 pounds lighter, has no co-morbidities of obesity, and enjoys a healthy and active lifestyle. Gastric bypass saved my mom’s life. It is a hard decision and of course everyone has their own opinion, but whatever decision you make, I wish you the best in your nursing career and health.
          TJ

          July 9, 2014
          |Reply
        • Kat
          Kat

          Gastric bypass does not have near the weight loss reduction or long term results as Duodenal Switch. This is a MUCH better option and you aren’t given a teeny tiny stomach, so you can actually eat without worrying about throwing up.
          While there aren’t a lot of doctors trained to do this surgery, most likely due to not being as profitable as Gastric Bypass, this surgery gives the best long-lasting results. Weight loss surgery is NOT a magic bullet; it is a new lifestyle. Of course, you will always find those who have bad experiences, but there are MANY who have good experiences. There are support forums who have had DS as long ago as 15 years.

          Obesity decreases life-span. It is related to many illnesses.

          Fat people should have confidence and wear what we wish. But please, make sure your clothes fit. Ill-fitting clothing looks gross on anyone – thin or fat!

          July 10, 2014
          |Reply
      • Ilex
        Ilex

        Laina, that’s what I tell myself. I work out a lot (four to five days a week) and feel strong and athletic — but all I look like is a plump person with muscles. My weight has stayed within the same 10-pound range for a good ten years; it seems to know what it *wants* to weigh. I can lose some weight by eating less, but then I also have less energy, so I’m not exactly sure what the benefit is. I just tell myself I’m a Teutonic Goddess. 🙂

        July 1, 2014
        |Reply
        • Laina
          Laina

          Very little benefit, probably 😛 You should look up HAES, it would probably be a good thing for you to check out 🙂

          July 1, 2014
          |Reply
  24. Carolline
    Carolline

    You Rock!!! Love this post!!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  25. Stephanie
    Stephanie

    I think you look wonderful!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  26. maggie mccollum
    maggie mccollum

    Ooh lala Ms Trout! [IMG]http://i.imgur.com/cj3NxI4.jpg[/IMG]

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  27. You look great, and it’s a great suit to boot! I need to find some bottoms like that for all the ladies in our family. They look like they aren’t ass-crackers. I hate ass-crackers.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  28. You look totally adorable and amazing! A little thing like size or body shape shouldn’t stop anybody doing anything they damn well want to. Great New Year’s Resolution, and congrats on fulfilling it.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  29. Jane
    Jane

    You’re a bombshell, straight up.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  30. Emerald
    Emerald

    You look fabulous Jenny! Serious props, you’re an inspiration to the rest of us.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  31. Laina
    Laina

    Pretty sure Forever 21 only goes up to a 3x and that’s really not very big, so a great place to get swimsuits at a decent price is http://www.swimsuitsforall.com/ Some of their stuff goes up to a 34

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  32. Laura
    Laura

    This rocks. The tattoos make it say “badass pinup girl” to me. If I were a dude, I would want to give you a ride on my motorcycle. (If I were a dude who had a motorcycle, that is.)

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
    • Stella
      Stella

      I’m a girl who has a motorcycle and I agree totally. \m/

      July 2, 2014
      |Reply
  33. Pansy Petal
    Pansy Petal

    Maybe it is because I was born in Michigan then lived in Southern California for 20 years that I would notice, but it isn’t the fact that you are wearing the two piece I see, but the blindingly white skin. Being the possessor of blindingly white skin myself, I really don’t understand the fuss. It is real, it is me. But others, well, I think you understand.

    You go babe! Love it!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  34. Zev
    Zev

    You look great!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  35. Sandy
    Sandy

    Jenny–you look fabulous and you look like you are having a great time–especially in the picture against the rocks (when your feet were no longer ice blocks)! You truly are an inspiration!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  36. Louise
    Louise

    Love the bikini and you look good and happy.

    I am considered quite slim myself but still have lots of body issues, especially with my chunky legs and butt, which unfortunately -unlike Beyonce- have cellulite and are flabby and I have a bit of a flabby stomach due to lack of exercise. Not to mention I’m extremely pale because I would never bare skin. But since last year I have decided that I can’t tell others not to be stupid about their weight and looks (you look fine, stop complaining) as I do it too, and I shouldn’t be a hypocrite and practice what I preach. I am proud of my body and confident and show others that I don’t care what they think of it and I’ll damn well wear shorts if it’s boiling hot. Keep confident Jenny, and hopefully inspire others to accept their -and others- bodies. And always remember that most people who have nasty things to say are mostly just projecting their own fears and insecurities and pity them a little.

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  37. You have more courage than I do. You definitely have the figure to pull it off. Me on the other hand… my fat hangs in all the wrong places. Kudos to you. You definitely rock the pinup girl look. 🙂

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  38. Bunny
    Bunny

    Yay Jenny!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  39. Teresa B
    Teresa B

    Jenny, this is so awesome! You look great and the bikini is so cute!! You’re rocking my socks girl!

    June 30, 2014
    |Reply
  40. Super, super cute. Also, exactly the body love I needed this week. You are fantastic.

    July 1, 2014
    |Reply
  41. CatsMeow
    CatsMeow

    You look AMAZING!!! I live your bikini!! And your skin is so great! My tummy looks like a roadmap due to stretch marks! Might check out a one piece! Brave Brave Jenny!!

    July 1, 2014
    |Reply
  42. Serenity
    Serenity

    You look so happy, which just makes you even sexier!

    July 1, 2014
    |Reply
  43. Snuhutek
    Snuhutek

    You look amazing! It is probably because you look very confident and happy.
    The bikini are very beautiful, but surely you make them shine!

    July 1, 2014
    |Reply
  44. Janine
    Janine

    You totally look like an alt pinup girl (w the hair, tatts, and high-waisted bikini bottoms). LOVE IT. Glad you let your style shine 🙂

    July 1, 2014
    |Reply
  45. Monica Rega
    Monica Rega

    You look great! and what is even better is that the bikini actually fits you and your body. Being confident is beautiful, wearing clothes and bathing suits that actually fit you is beautiful. Keep it up! and that is a damn cute bikini too!!

    July 1, 2014
    |Reply
  46. Teresa
    Teresa

    You look mah-vah-lous dahling! Every body is a bikini (or whatever the hell else who want to wear) body. And your swimsuit is super cute! Rock on sister.

    July 1, 2014
    |Reply
  47. You look cute! I wish I had the confidence to do the same!

    July 1, 2014
    |Reply
  48. Nonnie
    Nonnie

    I love this! You look pretty sexy. It’s inspiring me to dig out my swimsuit. . .

    July 1, 2014
    |Reply
  49. Caitlin
    Caitlin

    You look really pretty. I am totally jealous of your beach time even if the water was super cold! Keep rocking that swimsuit.

    July 2, 2014
    |Reply
  50. withenoughcourage
    withenoughcourage

    Your legs look like my legs…..and your legs look awesome up there……so by the transitive property…..I’m pulling my motherfucking shorts out of storage!

    July 2, 2014
    |Reply
    • Mitzy247
      Mitzy247

      Same here. On vacation and am going swimsuit shopping tomorrow. Today I watched some big guy with a gigantic gut hanging over his belly swimming an having a blast while the lady behind me criticized the bigger women in their modest suits. Fuck it. I’m tired of worrying if my fat offends; I’m tired of missing out on the fun. My husband thinks I’m sexy, so I should start acting like it! (Although I probably won’t start with a bikini…work my way there.)

      July 2, 2014
      |Reply
  51. Stella
    Stella

    You look so cute and happy! I love everything about both of these pictures.

    July 2, 2014
    |Reply
  52. Amber
    Amber

    You look amazing! This is really inspirational because I’ve always had body image issues and your confidence is inspiring me to eat that ice cream because dammit I like ice cream.

    July 2, 2014
    |Reply
  53. Glorificus
    Glorificus

    You look awesome! Very rockabilly pinup. Thank you for this, I’ve been getting nudges from the universe that life is meant to be lived now in the body that I have now. I’m going to buy those yoga shorts I’ve been thinking about and get some sun out on my deck. (I’ll work up to bikini, I haven’t worn shorts in 20 years.)

    July 2, 2014
    |Reply
  54. Amber
    Amber

    I bought my first two piece swimsuit ever, but it’s a tankini and actually covers more of me than my one piece did. That said, i’m taking baby steps. This year’s resolution is to wear said bathing suit in public, without a big t-shirt over top.

    On a side note, unrelated to most things, I found a doctor who is maybe willing to listen to me and offer a diagnosis instead of a diet. I partly have you to thank for that. I found some courage from your posts to keep looking.

    So. Thanks!

    July 2, 2014
    |Reply
  55. Bridget
    Bridget

    Michigander here!

    Thank you. By accepting you and love you, you’ve given me the green light to accept me and love me.

    July 3, 2014
    |Reply
  56. merc
    merc

    Belatedly, you look am-yaaah-zing! I saw your hair in the Samantha post and scrolled the fuck down to see if there were more pictures and LO! Pinuppy awesomeness.

    July 3, 2014
    |Reply
  57. Pam
    Pam

    You look adorable! I saw this over on HuffPo and came over to your site, which I love. You are so cute and sweet and hilarious. I myself am a plump middle aged woman, probably old enough to be your mom, and last year we (husband, teenage son, myself) went to Costa Rica and I thought fuck it, I”M WEARING A BIKINI PEOPLE CAN JUST DEAL! and got a cute little polka dot bikini and rocked it, fat be damned, and it was AWESOME!!! and you know what? it didn’t look bad at all, and I look so cute and pleased in the pictures. you look fantastic and so pretty and happy. Go you!

    July 3, 2014
    |Reply
  58. Renata
    Renata

    You are honestly amaaaaazing, this was the most honest post I’ve read and I’m extremely greatful to have seen it. Cute bikini 🙂 now that summers here and you’ve givin me some confedence I’ve got to find one too!!

    July 3, 2014
    |Reply
    • Renata
      Renata

      Given **

      July 3, 2014
      |Reply
  59. 6'tall+138lb-thinshamed-male-who-looks-like-a-little-kid-because-he-can't-find-shirts-that-fit-(they're-all-made-for-people-bigger-than-him)
    6'tall+138lb-thinshamed-male-who-looks-like-a-little-kid-because-he-can't-find-shirts-that-fit-(they're-all-made-for-people-bigger-than-him)

    Why are you wearing it over your belly-button?

    July 3, 2014
    |Reply
  60. Jennifer
    Jennifer

    Thank you so much, both for doing this and for writing about it. Mentally, I’m not there yet and reading this made me cry, but in a good way. A hopeful way. So thank you.

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  61. Liz
    Liz

    You’re my hero 🙂 It’s all so ridiculous — Why are people OK with the idea that height, hair color, finger length, shoe size, etc., are genetically determined, but body size is all about willpower? You go.

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  62. Akilah Bakeer
    Akilah Bakeer

    You look cute girl. #werk

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  63. I love your hair! Is that permanent, or a temporary wash?

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  64. J.Pixel
    J.Pixel

    Hey Jenny, I’ve been reading your blog for ages now and am usually quite happy just to read and not comment because I have internet shyness. But your picture popped up on my Facebook newsfeed today, and I just thought I’d let you know that my mates in NZ and Australia are sharing your article because it’s inspiring and awesome 🙂 and we all think you look effing fabulous in that bikini! You rock xxx

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  65. Joy
    Joy

    You are awesome! You SO look like a sexy pin-up. I wish I had the courage to go that far. I have for years not worn tank tops and capris outside the door of my home. Then 2 years ago I said “f” this, if people don’t wanna see my my jiggly-ness then they don’t have to look. I have been so much more comfortable and now that my tattoos are on display, I find people are looking at them, not the size of my arms and legs.

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  66. You are super cute! I’m a curvy mama & I always wear a swimsuit all summer with my kids. Not a bikini cuz I have a hard enough time trying to keep the kids from pulling down the boob coverage, so I need the bottoms firmly in place!

    But someday, I wanna look like a pin up just like you!

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  67. Tiffani
    Tiffani

    You know what concerns me? The hole that the knot on that halter top ous going to put in your neck. As a busty gal myself, I know that hurts! Super cute suit!

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  68. Sharon
    Sharon

    I read your article on the Bikini today on AOL, it was fabulous …well written, funny and enjoyable. I must say , you look absolutely great in your Bikini….when I “clicked” to the article I never expected such a wonderful outcome, you are a a great writer…and beautiful inside and out. I myself since chemo (from Breast Cancer )and then menopause had a complete body change..(I was the girl who was always thin)……I need to regain confidence in my ‘new” body, the one that is perhaps unexceptable by everyone’s expectations, leaving me with confidence issues…you are a inspiration.

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  69. Connie A Collins
    Connie A Collins

    Swimming is possible in frigid water, I’ve done it, but it’s something you need to build up to. (The year I did it visiting WI after years of not just about did me in). Still, next year you need to go back when the water is warmer, cause girl you totally rock that two piece.

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  70. jen
    jen

    I freaking love you. Saw this on HuffPo as well. I cannot wait to scour your blog and soak up all the awesomeness that is you. You rocked it. Amazingly beautiful!

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  71. Cricket
    Cricket

    Saw you over on Huffpost and wanted to tell you that I think *your* bikini is so much less offensive than some of the ones socially-acceptable-bikini-sized-women wear. Just because society says they can let it all hang out doesn’t mean they *should*! You look awesome, but you already knew that.

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  72. Harry
    Harry

    Thank you. Nothing else but thank you.

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  73. Thank you for this. This inspired me to purchase my first bikini. I’ve struggle with being accepted as I am. Oddly though I like my size and body. Now I’m going to say poo poo to others opinions and rock it.

    July 4, 2014
    |Reply
  74. Love your guts, gusto and great humor! My “this year I will wear a bikini” is “this year I will let my beloved red grow out and be the silver-haired foxy lady I truly am.

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
  75. Sherry
    Sherry

    Way to go Jenny!! In a Photo Shop era where the ideal weight is a 2-4 I am so proud of you for standing up for all women. You look fabulous!!

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
  76. Lavender
    Lavender

    I want one of those bikinis. It’s so cute and colourful!!! *____*

    Jenny, you look sexy as hell and also very happy!

    I’m a size 8, but I got stretch marks during puberty all up and down my legs and butt so have spent my teenage years and my twenties being terrified of showing skin in public. Mini skirts freak me out so I never tried a bikini. But you know what? You only live once, so fuck it. Thank you for inspiring me!

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
  77. Elisabeth
    Elisabeth

    Read the HuffPost article and clicked through to your blog. You are beautiful and an inspiration. Thank you for being yourself and having fun freezing at the beach.

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
  78. Kelsey
    Kelsey

    Jenny! This post is on HuffPo and my friends are all sharing it on FB now. 🙂

    Also i love that bikini. LOVE. you look adorable!

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
  79. Followed a link from Huffpost to tell you what my 13 year old son had to say, but then I saw the second picture, and I had to share this: Holy hannah! Your skin is super white! Okay, so is mine. 🙂

    Anyway, a friend linked the Huffpost article on the FB and my 13yo read the title and looked at the picture and said, “Why would anyone say that?” (I wore a bikini and nothing happened.) So, we followed the link and read the post, whereupon he said, “I don’t understand why she wouldn’t wear a bikini. People are who they are.”

    Thanks for rocking that bikini, and your hair’s pretty awesome too. Also, I’m thrilled Huffpost featured you, because I’m pretty much loving your blog.

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
    • Learningtolovemyself
      Learningtolovemyself

      First, Ms. Trout you are absolutely gorgeous and hilarious! You have inspired me as well. I have a lot of scars on my body (self-inflicted) and I’ve just started reframing how I look at them. Now I am going to look at my flabby thighs and other places I have hated with a new lens of growing acceptance. You are awesome! Thank you!

      And Bourbongirl, thank you for raising a son who thinks that way! What an amazing thing is this culture!

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
  80. kathy
    kathy

    I love the suit and you are incredible. …Where did you get the suit?

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
  81. Candy Hart
    Candy Hart

    Can I just say that you are brave as hell to go out in that water even ankle deep! I’m from Florida and I don’t do water that cold without a wetsuit, much less in a bikini! You look rockin’ by the way, and love the hair!

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
  82. Molly
    Molly

    Longtime reader, first time poster- love this piece. Made me want to get a bathing suit. Normally, I’m clothes optional in my backyard and fully dressed in public, but you inspire me!

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
  83. Linda
    Linda

    Loved your piece! Thanks for writing it. I’m encouraged to be less harsh in judging myself. You rock!

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
  84. Crystal
    Crystal

    Thank you SO much for such an amazing and inspiring piece. Jenny, the pride that radiates from our face in your pictures has made me question myself (just because I’m a fat girls, how come I dont wear a bikini). That said, as soon as I finished reading I hopped online and found myself a bikini just right for me and I cant wait til it arrives at my door. Thank you Jenny for taking the plunge for “us.”

    July 5, 2014
    |Reply
  85. Jessica
    Jessica

    You look great Jenny. You deserve to feel good about yourself don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

    July 6, 2014
    |Reply
  86. Tanya
    Tanya

    I am happy you did this. People should be able to wear whatever they want. I do believe anyone who bothers to judge you for wearing standard beach apparel needs to get a life. Good work 🙂

    July 6, 2014
    |Reply
  87. Bee
    Bee

    You are an inspiration to all of us fat girls! Great, funny article–I love your snark. Keep up the good work!

    July 6, 2014
    |Reply
  88. Ruth
    Ruth

    Hi I just came across this post, (sorry I think I might be a bit late to the party) and just wanted to say well done. Without sounding patronising, I mean it shouldn’t be a big deal someone wearing a bikini at the beach right? But I am overweight am I sometimes don’t have the confidence to leave the house for a night out or feel people judging me when I go shopping for clothes. Sometimes I think I just imagine it anyway. So the thought of going to the beach fills me with dread and my automatic response is always, well if I’m going the beach in two weeks I’ll just have to eat celery until then, (which I fail at). I get mad at myself for letting it bother me, so its so wonderful to see someone so confident and happy. You succeed massively at life!!!!! xx Best Wishes

    July 7, 2014
    |Reply
    • Marilyn Sieck
      Marilyn Sieck

      This is really tacky!

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
  89. Samia
    Samia

    Hey! Your edito is really smart and interesting, it tackles on the right issues in the occidental society with humour! I hope skinny people read this and start thinking a bit…
    I have to admit, I’m proud to be fat just because you kind of represent the way I live and think and make the whole world see it!
    You look gorgeous in that fatkini. Xo

    July 8, 2014
    |Reply
  90. Michele
    Michele

    You look amazing! And that suit rocks, great choice!

    July 8, 2014
    |Reply
  91. i am proud of you and think you’re beautiful and so cool for this,
    in what should be very normal Summer thing….
    blessings.

    July 8, 2014
    |Reply
  92. Hi, I am a skinny one who dreads getting into a bikini and then i read your article and I just think wow, bloody good for you, you go girl, get in that water, water is for everyone, fuckem all who dis anyone in a bikini. We’re all different sizes, shapes, colours, ages and we all have something we don’t like about ourselves but embracing summer is fantastic!!.
    You are an inspiration!

    July 8, 2014
    |Reply
  93. Ann
    Ann

    You are my new inspiration.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  94. Jason
    Jason

    You are awesome and an inspiration. Thank you. ^.^

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  95. Cissy Davis
    Cissy Davis

    I love your bikini. You look adorable in it. I haven’t worn one since I was 15. You are an amazing women inspiring others. Thank you.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  96. Andrea
    Andrea

    I think you look fabulous. I am with you! I decided about ten years ago (I’m 41 now) that I wasn’t going to let the fact that some people may not be pleased at the sight of my less than perfect body keep me from putting on a swimsuit and enjoying the sun, sand and waves as I have done my whole life. Have not worn a bikini, but I think I will now!!! You are awesome!!!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  97. Christine Sechler
    Christine Sechler

    LOVEEEEE!!!! Fellow Michigander and big girl myself. I would not even wear a bathing suit for a long time and this year wore a one-piece to the beach. I wore shorts with it while walking around but took the shorts off and ran through the sprinklers at the park with my daughters. I am 35 and not caring so much about others opinions like I did but still do feel affected with wanting to look like the thin women. My oldest is a teenager and bigger too. I want her to have confidence as well. She does not at this point and I think a lot has to do with watching me hate over my weight. I lost my weight once and felt amazing and it came back. Guess what, it doesn’t matter, because your life is what you make it, not your body size. If you want to lose weight it should only be for yourself and never anyone’s opinions. You look great in that bikini girl, rock on. I am sending this article to my daughter.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  98. Maria
    Maria

    more like a 2-piece suit, not a bikini. Bikinis are below the belly button, doesn’t cover it up, and way way more skimpy……..and personally, if I had your body instead of mine (wish my legs were that thin), I’d not have a problem wearing one either. So you wear what a size 14-16 maybe, I wish. Unfortunately, our society considers a 12-14 obese, which is so not the case

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  99. Kimberly
    Kimberly

    I have to admit.. I would have been one to stare at you.

    WHY?

    Because you are freaking awesome!! You totally rock the bikini and moreso that amazing hair!

    LOVE IT.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  100. Haka-tron
    Haka-tron

    So proud of you! I am 196 lbs of beautiful, and last summer I decided I was no longer going to be ashamed of my body…I wore a two piece to the local pool! And guess what? I got a tan on my tummy for the first time in years, tons of compliments on my tattoos, and the world DID in fact stay in orbit. And I hope maybe I gave a few other women the grace and courage to embrace who they are, and not let other people’s expectations define how they carry themselves.

    BTW, I am from Texas but I have fam up in Baraga on Keewana Bay….Yoopers for life!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  101. I do not have a problem with bigger women, I have a problem with bigger women who has a problem with being a bigger women.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • Kathleen
      Kathleen

      You sound like that if a big woman has a problem with being big that it is just so easy to just lose the weight. If that was the case, there would be no fat woman in the world! Losing weight is one of the hardest things someone will ever do in their life. It is not just losing the weight, it is a total life style change because you have to maintain that weight you have lost for the rest of your life. A lot of people think the bariatric surgery is easy but that is one of the most difficult things anyone could do. I went through the beginning year process and that is so difficult!

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  102. Bryan
    Bryan

    You are seriously gross, and sending young people the wrong message about how to be healthy. Shame on you.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • Chet
      Chet

      Bryan, you are a dickhead.

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
      • River
        River

        OMG this made me bust out laughing (Chet’s reply to Bryan, just to clarify). But it’s true… Bryan, you’re a dickhead. Simple as that. And you know what’s gross? You and your hateful, shitty, unappreciated comment. I just feel bad for you.

        Jenny – You look fabulous and I think one of the most beautiful things in these pictures is your confidence and joy! Beauty is definitely not defined by any one specific thing (being thin), and you have proven that.

        July 24, 2014
        |Reply
    • Teresa
      Teresa

      Shame on you Bryan. Not everyone in this world is perfect. Your cold cruel words reflect your cold cruel heart.

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
    • june
      june

      It is not about being gross- it is about being healthy and that means mentally as well. Your attitude is unhealthy and I feel sad for you. She is a strong person and should be recognized for taking on the negative aspects of this world and getting in it’s face and saying, “I am Me and Beautiful!”

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
    • Gloria
      Gloria

      When I read comments like Bryan’s, I really wonder how the person saying them looks and feels about themselves. When people are confident, accept themselves and like themselves, they never feel the need to put other people down. Any person who has enough “like” for themselves–foibles and all–can afford to be generous with others.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
      • Kathleen
        Kathleen

        AGREE!!! Way to go!

        July 10, 2014
        |Reply
    • Kathleen
      Kathleen

      Go spread joy somewhere else Bryan! This page doesn’t need you! Sometimes people have reasons why they have the problems they do and I am sure you have your share of problems too. Quit judging until you know the whole story!

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
    • Flo
      Flo

      Ah, I see Bryan is back with his commentary. Yawn.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  103. Dana Nichols
    Dana Nichols

    You look fantastic in your bikini! It is darling and so are you!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  104. RORI
    RORI

    I have been wondering what I would look like in one. There is one I want online and since you and I are about the same size, I WILL be purchasing it as soon as possible. Everyone should feel beautiful in their own skin!!!!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  105. Daniel
    Daniel

    I rather date a chubby girl than a freaking stick.

    You are not fat at all. I have another definition of fat. Besito para ti!

    You look beautiful 😀

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  106. Burgie
    Burgie

    You are a very beautiful young lady, Miss Jenny, and you look wonderful in your bikini!!!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  107. Linda
    Linda

    Love your look and your confidence ! Great writting style too.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  108. Heather Diodati
    Heather Diodati

    Jenny, you are absolutely adorable!!! and that bikini suits you to a “T” !

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  109. Diego
    Diego

    you go girl!! flaunt your body the way you feel comfortable & confident 🙂 #bbwlove #bbwlover #muchlove #bbw #honoryourcurves

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  110. Kelly
    Kelly

    Great article, adorable bikini, beautiful girl. Shazam.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  111. What a great post! You are my hero Jenny Trout, this made my summer.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  112. Kate
    Kate

    Fabulous! I love that suit! And, I really love your hair! I didn’t read through all the comments, so sorry if repeating – but can you tell me what color you used? so sassy!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  113. Bonnie
    Bonnie

    My story is much like yours. Young and thin. Pregnant and then fat. It got REALLY difficult when I started getting old and all the fat started following the pull of gravity! My husband insisted I needed a bathing suit and I insisted there wasn’t one made I could wear. He dragged me into the shop and stood at the dressing room door handing bathing suits over and asking specifically what was wrong with them, and going out and finding one that wouldn’t have the same problem. After trying on about 20, I finally found one I could live with. He then dragged me to a pool and insisted I wear it. In public. And just like you, I discovered the world did not come to an end. People did not gawk. Parts of me that hadn’t seen the sun in 20 years got sunburned very quickly, but it was worth it. I have a right to enjoy the sun and the water just like everyone else, and most people seem to agree!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  114. I think you look great in the bikini, but I think your attitude has a lot to do with it too, you ooze confidence in the pictures, not something every fat person can do. I applaud effort and applaud your choice of swimwear as you didn’t try to squeeze into something ridiculously small, and that makes you look sexy and fun! Good for you!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  115. Susan
    Susan

    Jenny, as a thin 49 year old (50 in September) who works really, really hard to be thin I honestly couldn’t care, despite what I’ve read you think “society” (i.e. people like me) thinks, about how you look or how you looking fat in your bikini makes me feel. I’m not in any way disgusted by how you look. It’s just skin and fabric. Who cares? My concern is that being overweight means you are also putting stresses on your heart that will inevitably shorten your life. So you very likely will get less time with your kids, their kids, etc. Your kids will get less time with you. And you, in turn, will be teaching by example, to your kids that that’s okay. I read that you can’t exercise because you have fibromyalgia. That’s so difficult. My best friend of 46 years does, also, and she suffers incredibly. But I know from her experience that there are things you can do. And as an example to your sons that you’re choosing to not do them is the more worrisome component to me. How we see ourselves is a complex stew of our upbringing, societal pressure and the stories they create for us that we tell ourselves all day long. The running dialogue of cruelty or love and acceptance we chatter to ourselves incessantly. I’m envious that you’ve found a way to turn your chatter into something loving. There you are way ahead of the game from me. I wasn’t lucky enough to be brought up by a woman who unconditionally loved me and so my running chatter is cruel. But that’s my problem. I could care less how you look, because you obviously feel amazing about yourself. That’s awesome. Except that the message your neglect of the inside (and here I mean the internal organs that keep you alive) is sending to your children doesn’t jive with your self love. Love yourself as much as you say you do and you want to nurture your physical self so you can be here and enjoy the life you’re building for as long as possible. I would think you would also want to teach your children to have that same kind of awesome respect for their beautiful insides, too. Inadvertently glorifying overweightness, whatever. Glorifying abusing your insides, that’s a lot less cool.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • Heather
      Heather

      Susan. Although I think you mean well, you are still being very judgy. People who struggle with their weight do worry about their health and their “internal organs” and their “longevity” and impending ailments associated with weight. If it was an easy fix, we’d all be as thin as you. But part of a healthy body is a healthy mind. And self-acceptance is a big part of that journey. Not shaming one’s self, not hiding one self, is a big step in the right direction. Jenny isn’t glorifying being overweight, she is celebrating self acceptance and that is beautiful and that is why she has had such an overwhelming response. Getting into a bathing suit is hard if you are not a perfect size. I kind of feel sorry for you. Maybe you should work less hard on being thin and work harder on being an empathetic person.

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
    • Karen
      Karen

      Susan,

      You’re just wrong. Read some real science on health and weight. Being fat– especially mildly fat like Jenny– does not equal being unhealthy, nor does extra weight automatically limit lifespan. Learn about it.

      And until you do, stop sharing ill-informed nonsense on the internet. No one needs more of your type of fact-free opinion.

      Thanks,
      Another perfectly healthy fat woman

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
    • Tracy
      Tracy

      I think it’s awesome, Susan, that your friend with fibromyalgia has “things she can do,” or however you put it. There are many of us with chronic pain have tried EVERYTHING that’s been offered to us. Rather than basically tell Jenny she’s full of shit, why not offer up some of these “things” for her – for us – to try?

      She is in no way glorifying “overweightness.” It’s obesity, and she NEVER said IT was healthy. It’s much more healthy to be happy and accepting of who you are at this point in time than to sit around, “Whoa is me – I’m a fat girl who can’t do anything.” That shit will kill you quicker than the excess weight.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
      • Flo
        Flo

        Well put Tracy! I am tired of reading responses to this article that are stating “glorifying obesity”, “promoting unhealthy lifestyle” etc. Isn’t mental health all a part of being healthy, and in many cases THE FIRST STEP!

        FYI to those who may not be aware of this–but Jenny does run on a somewhat regular basis when her ailments permit. I remember a time earlier this year when part of why she was down was because she couldn’t run. It’s so easy for someone to make a judgment based on appearances. But they aren’t always correct.

        July 10, 2014
        |Reply
    • Susan, I certainly hope that you avoid all processed food, never consume more than one serving of alcohol in a 24-hour period, avoid driving in heavy traffic (or while sleepy) and spend at least an hour a day meditating. If you do not follow an optimally-healthy lifestyle, you are significantly increasing the odds that you will not live to see your children finish college, much less your grandchildren. I am saying this because I am very concerned about you. You are so focused on the health risks associated with obesity (to the point where you are forming conclusions about the life choices of a stranger on insufficient data), that I fear you are likely in denial about the many risky behaviors in which you may be inadvertently engaging. Think of the children.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  116. As a plus size woman, I thank you for your courage. It is great to see people embracing their bodies and not giving in to the standards society has given us. You, lady….ROCK!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  117. Rae
    Rae

    Beautiful!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  118. Sharon
    Sharon

    Beautiful being you isn’t it?
    Awesome!
    Rock on Girl!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  119. Jessica Harris
    Jessica Harris

    You look wonderful and your hair is fantastic! Keep doing what you are doing and feeling great about it. There are a lot of idiots in the world…and a corresponding sideways motion that each should be enacting somewhere in the vicinity of their nether regions. Never believe anyone that tells you you don’t look great when they really should be busy, what with the shoving and all.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  120. Larry
    Larry

    Ok, I get it and I have something to say here. Until the passing of my wife in 2010 I use to think fat woman were just simply the worst, BUT! Then I started dating again and met a woman named Peggy and at first I didn’t want to meet her in person but liked her personality, well she backed me against a wall and I said yes to meeting. We had dinner and breakfast a few time and then things picked up, well to make a long story short she proved to me that fat just isn’t fat, yes, it means big but it also means beautiful and now I look at big woman on the same level as thin woman. As for Jenny Trout, YOU GO GIRL!!! You look marvelous!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • Tracy
      Tracy

      Congratulations, Larry, on overcoming your previously held misconceptions. Sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, but happy to hear you found love again.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  121. Kevin
    Kevin

    You look gorgeous. I’m going to forward this to my wife so that hopefully she won’t be so shy about wearing a bikini. Like you, my wife is a curvy lady, which I love, but she’s not so enamored of her figure as I am. Sometimes I wish she’d just say “screw it” and strut her stuff with the sort of confidence you demonstrate in your pictures. Thanks for setting an example for other women who might be ashamed of their bodies because some haters out there don’t appreciate a real woman or have deputized themselves as officers in the healthy body figure police force (as if there is just one healthy body type).

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  122. Loralie
    Loralie

    Inspirational! Fabulous!
    You are beautiful – all of you.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  123. Melissa S.
    Melissa S.

    I find it so sad that Huff Post page with your wonderful essay also had the following :

    6 Reasons To Lose Weight That Have Nothing To Do With Fitting Into Your Skinny Jeans

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • Tracy
      Tracy

      That is sad….but not surprising. 🙁

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  124. Lisa Ann Krutzik
    Lisa Ann Krutzik

    Please replace the first one with this one – (thank you.)

    Thank you for being bold!

    A number of years back I woke up one day and thought – who cares if I’m fat I’m going to wear shorts because it is hot outside! A few weeks later I attended a convention in which other people had seen me many many times but had never seen me in shorts or a short skirt of any kind – that day I was wearing shorts and I remember the conversation like it was yesterday…

    Fellow convention person: Hummm I’ve never seen you in shorts.
    Me: Yep…woke up the other day and realized I’m a fat chick and I’m hot…no reason to be even hotter by wearing jeans in the summer just because I’m fat. Thus I put on a pair of shorts and here I am – fat and comfortable.
    FCP: LOL you are too funny – I’m glad you are comfortable lets get to the seminar!

    Yep – the world didn’t come to an end because I wore shorts in public. I am now 46 – still a fat chick – but now I wear cute short dresses and tank tops and I really don’t care if the skinny people out there have a problem with seeing my round body and thick legs – at least I don’t break when I get hugged and I don’t fall over when the wind blows!

    I was recently asked if now that I work in a vineyard if I’ve lost a bunch of weight – quickly I came back with – I do technical writing and web development for the vineyard it isn’t my personal workout station. Look God gave me a BIG body and a BIGGER personality to fit it – you wouldn’t love me the way you do if I were tiny and frail. He laughed and agreed.

    Thank you for boldly going where all the rest of us should!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  125. RTB
    RTB

    I was a pinup model and this is what I would think if I saw you in your bikini, “Cute suit! Jealous. I’m going to ask her where she bought it!” And then, “She needs more tattoos! I’ll have to remember to give her my business card when I ask her where she got her suit!”

    I do think we all think the flaws of our bodies are way more important to other people than they are. For the most part, we’re all too self centered to worry about what other people look like! I can assure you I’m way too concerned about my own flaws in a swimsuit to judge anybody else’s! I’m 125lbs and 5’6″ but I’ve had kids so yeah, not a perfect body anymore either!

    Thanks for the funny and thoughtful read!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  126. Jeffrey
    Jeffrey

    You look lovely and should not be ashamed of your body.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  127. Gina
    Gina

    You are amazing! This story just makes me smile. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Oh, and I love your bikini!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  128. Annie
    Annie

    I LOVE Copper Harbor! We travel from Texas to get there (driving!)- but I CANNOT imagine swimming in that water before September. BURRRRRRRRRR
    Cute suit!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  129. Chet
    Chet

    You look very sexy! I wish more women could love themselves a little easier. Hell, I’m working on it myself. Everyone is attracted to different things. Stuart Smalley said, “To compare is to dispare”. Accidental comic wisdom.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • tamara
      tamara

      absolutely u r right,she looks great,natural,much better then others,who are suffering with a lot cosmetic manupilations.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  130. Dave Hendrickson
    Dave Hendrickson

    You look like a knockout in your bikini. Just so you know your beautiful and I would marry you.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • Tracy
      Tracy

      Good man. 🙂

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  131. Gloria
    Gloria

    Saw an article and a picture on Yahoo about you with some quotes from your blog. I loved the picture of you in the bikini. What a cute outfit! You look adorable. Yes. You reminded me exactly of a forties pin-up girl.

    As an elderly “normal-weight” person with body issues myself–who was once severely judged as a younger person for being overweight by my family, acquaintances and many strangers–I applaud you.

    I once owned a clothing store that catered to professionals and business women and so many of my clients had body image issues. I can never forget the day a tall, stunningly beautiful woman who was trying on a size four dress asked me if it made her look fat. I told her “How can a size four look fat?” She was relieved because she was in recovery from anorexia.

    One of my slender and really physically-beautiful employees would constantly make unkind comments about some of my larger-sized clients– to me, totally unnecessary and disturbing. I felt like her comments only betrayed her own fears about herself and her own feelings about her body issues. And the vehemence with which she uttered them was shocking to me.

    I still remember from before that, when I worked out at an exercise club, before I owned my store. I was waiting for an aerobics class to begin. There was a tall, very beautiful woman fretting in the back of the room. i could see from her face that she was nearly in tears. I went to her and found out that her husband had criticized her for being “fat”. This was a woman whose abdomen was literally CONCAVE between her hipbones. She pinched something on her hip that was no thicker than the width of a cigarette–if that thick– and cried, “Look at this! Look at how fat I am!” It still hurts my heart as I write it. I told her that she was slim and beautiful like a model, pointed out the extreme flatness of her stomach, and then I told her that her husband was crazy. He was crazy and controlling, but I didn’t tell her that last part. Wish I had.
    .
    To me, the best line you wrote is this one: “If we can’t avoid those totally unnecessary conversations, then we should at least admit the truth to ourselves: That this has nothing to do with health, and everything to do with the control we believe is our right to exert over others.” SO TRUE. Thank you.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • Gloria
      Gloria

      Making a big deal out of and criticizing others’ appearances is really about trying to make ourselves feel comfortable; and, it’s probably an attempt to make ourselves feel superior to someone else simply because we have basic insecurities about ourselves. So why should anyone ELSE have to change the way they look just because WE’RE the ones who are having issues? It’s OUR problem. The problem is with US.

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
  132. Lex
    Lex

    Gurl. You look goooood. Total pin-up. Your hair is really flash as well. Keep on with your bad self.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  133. Charles
    Charles

    Wow, you look fantastic! My wife has a similar body shape, but she’d rather go au naturel at Hippie Hollow (nudist park near Austin, TX) than wear a bikini at the beach.

    Also, a real live person named Jenny Trout! I had only encountered the name before as a character (an expy of Leslie Fish) in the novel Fallen Angels.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  134. Stacy
    Stacy

    simply: you look beautiful. 🙂

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  135. Tracy
    Tracy

    You are my new hero. 🙂

    When I first read the headline on Yahoo’s site, I thought….huh? Once I clicked on the link and saw your picture, I didn’t even see your size. I saw your face and attitude and spunk coming through. Beauty is not in what shape or size we are but WHO we are – and you, dear heart, are BEAUTIFUL.

    I am a big girl, too. I’m barely 39, 5’6″, 221 pounds. I’m type 2 diabetic, on disability for 10 years due to bipolar disorder, family history of stroke and heart disease/heart attack, traumatic head injury sufferer, pain pretty much everywhere. I know, as we all do know, that I’ve got to get the weight off someday so I can see my kids at least graduate from high school – but loving who we are where we are at this moment in time is so important. I had to have my teeth removed – 24 remaining teeth – a week ago today. With my immediate dentures out, I look at least 50.

    You have no idea how much I needed to see your picture. Bless you, oh Brave One!!! 🙂

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  136. Teresa
    Teresa

    More power to you Jenny! I am SOOOOO sick of feeling like a non-person because I’m obese!!!!! It’s such a cruel world out there and I admire the HECK out of you for going for it!!!! I hate the way some people won’t look me directly me in the eye when they talk to me, or worse yet, ignore me as those I don’t exist.

    And, since I’m fired up now, I also HATE the way the CLOTHING never seems to fit right… the neck is gaping or the sleeve openings hang open down by 8 inches and I have to wear a tank top or sports bra over my regular bra to cover it up. YIPES, don’t get me going…. LOL !!

    I would LOVE to design a clothing line for wonderful women. Stylish, classy and not just mumu’s. Clothes that actually were cut and fit to flatter a woman’s shape. One of these days..

    Best of Luck,
    Teresa 🙂

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • K Cline
      K Cline

      I agree Teresa!

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
  137. Minerva
    Minerva

    You wore an outfit that complements your skin color and body shape. All of your important bits are covered and pulled up in the right size bikini… which is needed for swimming. Your size is irrelevant in my opinion. The cute bikinis and swimsuits with great coverage get snapped up quickly.
    Now, if you tried this in a triangle string bikini (which I call eye patch bikinis) with a matching low rider bottom, that was two sizes too small, then this could have gone in a whole different direction…. lol.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • Zaxmom
      Zaxmom

      Minerva – you said exactly what I was thinking!

      I love the bikini, and also the fact that there are as many comments about Jenny’s hair (now, THAT’S something that I wish I was brave enough to do!) as there are about the suit!

      And, Jenny, as a fellow Michigander, I have got to say… you are incredibly brave to be in Lake Superior in June, especially after the winter we had! I’m surprised your toes didn’t match your hair!

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
  138. LMJ
    LMJ

    See, this is why I couldn’t live in Michigan. I mean aside from the fact I’m an Ohioan. TBH, I don’t really care about OSU or UM, so that doesn’t actually matter.

    The ice in lake Superior in June. That’s why. I know that’s unusual, but it’s nowhere near unusual enough for me.

    Love your suit, it’s adorable. Love your pose, it’s strong!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  139. Tracy
    Tracy

    Yay, for you! Your happy in who you are and you inspired me in more than one way… Thanks!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  140. Jennifer Lanza
    Jennifer Lanza

    Thanks! It was nice to hear someone (besides my husband) say it’s ok to be a size 22. I now have to work up the nerve to do the same and watch my white belly that has not seen the light of days since I was a child; burn to a crisp.

    I hope others will do the same as you have done and speak up against those who tell women that we must be a size 0 to be beautiful and/or sexy.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  141. annonymous
    annonymous

    I’m sure you’ll prescreen these before posting but you’re fucking disgusting looking and NO ONE wants to see your flabbing bits in public. I AM a fatass just like you and you should have some fucking decency.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      Well look who tried to hide behind comment moderation like a little bitch.

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
      • Matthew
        Matthew

        Some people don’t appreciate beauty. You look bangin. As a man I’d be staring at you but solely to be checking you out. You look amazing

        July 9, 2014
        |Reply
    • Gloria
      Gloria

      If you are really a “fatass”, I hope you will eventually realize that your comments only reveal how you feel about yourself. Your thoughts have nothing to do with Jenny Trout and everything to do with your feelings about yourself.

      You may even look in the mirror and cry at times as I once did when I was heavy as a teenager. If you are really overweight, and honestly feel that hateful toward others like Ms Trout, good counseling can help you find more balance and peace. It sounds like you need it.

      Of course, you might just be a troll. In that case. I would be sorry I gave you any attention at all.

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
    • Laura
      Laura

      We can tell you’re the disgusting one, and no pics are needed to confirm it.

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
    • june
      june

      You just proved how beautiful She is as person and how UGLY You are. Please review yourself and understand attitudes like yours is what makes this world so difficult to live in.

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
    • jodphoto
      jodphoto

      To anonymous who calls herself a fatass,

      Jenny is beautiful and confident. You are anonymous and self-hating. I am thrilled for Jenny and I am sorry for you. Jenny is no longer a victim while you continue to be victimized by a crippling cultural stereotype. That is if you are real.

      I suspect you are trolling and may be neither a woman nor overweight. Your thrill is to see your puerile remarks in print without having to take responsibility for them. If this is as I suspect, grow the fuck up.

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
    • Tracy
      Tracy

      Fucking decency would be having the FAT balls to post your name when you’re insulting a person. No one made you look at her picture. Go be miserable elsewhere.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
    • Kathleen
      Kathleen

      Well…look who has no self confidence what so ever! There is beauty in everyone. Jenny is beautiful whether she is overweight or not plus she has reasons why she is overweight but that does not matter. She has the guts to put herself out there and put her story out there….picture, name, and all and it worked for her! She has a beautiful story! If you want to put derogatory remarks, you could at least put your name on there!…oh, and learn how to spell too! Don’t judge someone until you truly know them…especially since you are overweight too! You never know everything what is going on in their life. They may be smiling on the outside but they may be crying on the inside!

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
    • niceguy5001@yahoo.com
      niceguy5001@yahoo.com

      If you hate the way you look do something about it… However it speaks volumes of your self esteem and the way you view yourself, should not be the way she views herself. You have only demonstrated several character flaws as well, by the language you choose, and by hiding in anonymity to make such comments.
      I wish you the best, maybe things will improve for you, try being more positive that a start.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
    • One of the best exercises, especially for someone with a lot of pain, is swimming. Should she swim in a burqa?

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
    • Gina
      Gina

      Jenny, you look great and are brave for taking on our culture’s whacked sense of what is beautiful. I love your style and sense of humor with the title of this. I also like the cut of that 2-piece. “Annonymous” is obviously stupid as they can’t even spell their own name. It’s “Anonymous” you ideeot.

      July 15, 2014
      |Reply
  142. Brittany
    Brittany

    Some of the photos of the people commenting on this make me smile. It’s nice to see skinny girls telling others they look great! I grew up with a mom who was anorexic when I was little and as I got older she started having me try on clothes that were too small for me, basically to make me feel bad about myself. I have never had good self esteem and have worked really hard to make myself happy with my body. I have slowly started accepting it, but am still not 100% confident with my body. I’m tired of seeing stick thin girls on tv, in magazines, etc. It’s time to make the world realize that beauty is not just being skinny. There is waaaay more too it!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • Marilyn Sieck
      Marilyn Sieck

      Marilyn Monroe, as someone already mentioned, was a size 12 & is still considered beautiful. Some of the actresses & models today look like they were just rescued from a concentration camp. Be happy you have a real shape!

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
  143. Larry
    Larry

    Good for you! I think you’re HOT!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  144. Theresa
    Theresa

    As corny as it sounds, there’s really nothing more beautiful than confidence 🙂

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
    • I would like to be you’re friend are if you want it to be more than friend it can be

      July 9, 2014
      |Reply
  145. Good for you! The closest I get in public is a tankini that still covers my belly. I’ve struggled for years with low self-esteem. It does my heart good to see people like you who have embraced their bodies and love how they look! I’m a work in progress but I know I was made perfectly. Now if I could just get me eyes to understand that. God bless you and your family!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  146. Lisa
    Lisa

    You look great! When you are beautiful on the inside it shows on the outside no matter what size you are.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  147. Susan G.
    Susan G.

    You look marvelous! Good for you!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  148. You look great! Good for you!!! 🙂 Yuki

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  149. Anissa Tyler
    Anissa Tyler

    I commend you on “doing you.” Voluptuous! my BBW! I will definitely be as brave as you. Forever 21 here I come!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  150. EB
    EB

    I love you. I wish I had the courage to wear even a swimsuit in public! Bless you!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  151. Todd Vickers
    Todd Vickers

    I must say that you look beautiful. And confident. And beautiful (sorry, but the second one was for emphasis). I hope this movement grows, and that the idea of beauty applies to ALL beautiful people, no matter what size they are. What Hollywood and others are call beautiful does not represent an accurate depiction of beauty to me. You are an accurate depiction of beauty to me. Continue to be you, and the lessors will be slayed!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  152. Barbara
    Barbara

    You Rock!!! I think you look great. You inspire me.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  153. I think you look great and would be proud to have you as my woman. You are very cute and sexy.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  154. Chris
    Chris

    You are Hot!! Single?

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  155. Marsha Hardin
    Marsha Hardin

    You look awesome in your flowered bikini, Jenny. You are ready for some summer fun!

    When I saw the photo linked to the article on yahoo and discovered where you were “swimming” , I was going to ask(before reading this blog post) how far/long you were actually “in” Lake Superior. Even some of the inland lakes in the Lower Peninsula are too cold to stay in for long even now, 2 weeks later!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  156. Erica C
    Erica C

    You are so freakin cool!!!! I’m going bikini shopping. Thanks alot!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  157. Bob A
    Bob A

    If there are two girls. One 90 lbs and one 200lbs with a smile on her face. I’ll take the smile every time!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  158. june
    june

    We have the same figure, so now I see what I would look like in a bikini and in public.. I can do it now, because You look fabulous!!!!! Now to work on my confidence and be as strong and appreciative of myself as you are..

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  159. K Cline
    K Cline

    Way to go! You look great in that suit! I am morbidly obese, but a couple of years ago I decided to lie on the beach as I’ve wanted to do for years. I greatly enjoyed it, and I didn’t notice any adverse affects from anyone – not that I was paying attention for any. I wore a one piece.
    Thank you for writing this blog and posting your pictures. I greatly admire you.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  160. Melissa
    Melissa

    I think it’s awesome! You look great. I’m proud of you & don’t even know you. I think we should all be able to do the same as long as we are comfortable. I’m fat too & people judge way too much.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  161. Heidi
    Heidi

    I love your article and your picture by the rocks! Your bikini colors look fabulous with your hair color! I have almost the same body as you and I am always self-conscious about my body. I’ve been aware of it since third grade and now I’m 64 and still head tripping! All my life people, especially men, have put me down because I should be thin. My husband was insulting me just before I turned on the computer and read the piece by you. Love who you are and ignore the ignorant!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  162. Nellie Bly
    Nellie Bly

    Bravo and *applause*. It’s about time women stop bowing to cultural images generated by men of how women should look…and ones obediently accepted by women through the decades because they want approval from men and entre to jobs and other perks. No one shuns a fat and RICH man.

    Pierce Brosnan’s wife has gained a lot of weight, but she shows up in bikinis playing in the water with him vs. hiding in shadows. That takes courage with a husband who looks like Pierce.

    So, keep on doing what you want to do and LIVE LIFE to the fullest. I admire that.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  163. Nicole
    Nicole

    Wicked sexy pics!! Love the bikini, too! *thumbs up* Society needs more awesome women like you to help it smarten up; thanks for being so inspiring 😀

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  164. james
    james

    i need a fay girl to marriage oh i like them to take them out the world

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  165. Dawb
    Dawb

    You’re awesome!! Love this post, love you!!!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  166. Laura
    Laura

    You’re the best. beautiful & funny.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  167. Sol
    Sol

    I think you look great, the colors in the bikini are great with your hair. You aren’t that huge or anything… you are a healthy size with some meat on your bones, but you have a shape and you don’t have rolls and rolls of skin or huge mounds of cellulite… it’s not like you are hard on the eyes, you look really cute. I read the headline on Yahoo news and I expected a 400 woman, and you just aren’t that fat. Not that it matters, a woman should wear whatever she wants at any size. But you look great, you really do!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  168. Anne L
    Anne L

    You look freakin’ fantastic! Keep wearing that bikini all summer long.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  169. You look lovely, Jenny. And Im proud of you- trust me, I’m 15 at a high school mainly consisiting of skinny girls. It’s good to know someone doesn’t care about how strangers perceive her so much it ruins her life. I should like to try that someday

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  170. Dwight Mullen
    Dwight Mullen

    The title of your entry caught my attention (I followed the link from Yahoo news), but I’d like to tell you that when I viewed the photos all I saw was an attractive lady enjoying a day at the beach.

    I do, however love your bikini bathing suit, and would love to know where I could find one like it for my wife. She too is a beautiful lady who deserves to be able to enjoy a sunny day at the beach.

    Beauty is not defined or limited by a clothing size.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  171. Jami McNear
    Jami McNear

    I think what’s really amazing is that you got into that water at all. That water is freaking cold. It’s was cold in Ontonagon but that’s the UP for you. You look beautiful btw.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  172. Shauna
    Shauna

    Girl, your curves are amazing! That bathing suit is so incredibly flattering on your body and you look gorgeous in it. I have super pasty skin and going to the beach in any bathing suit makes me uncomfortable. I feel like I’m the sun but not in flattering “oh my goodness you’re sunshine way” more like “you are blinding go inside you vampire.” I am pumped not only to see real bodies in bikinis but also real skin tones. Not everyone is perfectly tanned with even skin tone and you represent that, thank you so much!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  173. Mikie P.
    Mikie P.

    You are drop dead sexy and a perfect vision of the kind of woman I dream about. Not only do you have sexy curves, lovely eyes, and a beautiful smile, but you are very intelligent and have a very positive attitude. Where do I send some flowers? LOL 😉

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  174. lesley
    lesley

    I have a fatkini too, and i will never go back to a one piece, its made by esther williams, I love it, and is so much more comfortable and flattering. I too decided a few years ago that I didn’t care what anyone thought, and that if I wanted to go to the beach and swim in my two piece I would! I think as fat girls we often think everyone on the beach is judging us, but amongst all the feedback on your site Ive only come across one hater so far amongst an avalanche of positive feedback, and so I take from this that we are often our own worst critics, that most people are not judging us, and that we should get out there and enjoy ourselves and not hide in a closet! thank you for sharing, you look adorable.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  175. Marilyn Sieck
    Marilyn Sieck

    You look so happy, it makes us all happy to see you. I’m 71 & trying to get my weight down for health reasons. It really sucks! I love to eat. lol

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  176. Jessica Barnes
    Jessica Barnes

    I love everything about this!
    I wish more females would be confident enough to do this.
    Throughout my life I watched my sister struggle with her weight. She still is very touchy when it comes down to it. Say we are at a cookout, if everyone else has already finished their food and she hasn’t gotten her plate yet she won’t eat. She doesn’t want to seem like a fat ass and have remarks made even though her weight had a lot to do with her medical problems..

    I never struggled with my weight growing up. I was actually trying to gain weight before I got pregnant because I thought I looked too skinny. After baby I have more meat on my bones and this jiggly sack of skin for a belly.

    I envy your adventurous way of showing the world that shape has beauty. I hope any girl/woman will one day feel just as sexy and comfortable in her own skin instead of dreaming of being someone else.

    Thank you for that little reminder. We are all different.. that’s what makes beauty so remarkable.

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  177. Lorelei
    Lorelei

    Best thing I read all year! Guess what? I wore a bathing suit without shaving!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  178. Ashley
    Ashley

    YES!!!! BIG IS BEAUTIFUL
    EMBRACE YOUR CURVES!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!

    July 9, 2014
    |Reply
  179. Fiona Smith
    Fiona Smith

    I just heard you on the radio in Australia. You are awesome! Being free to be happy and ourselves is so important. You are inspiring, thank you for sharing.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  180. Aimee
    Aimee

    I absolutely love your hair!! You are an awesome inspiration to the rest of us!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  181. Kathleen
    Kathleen

    I love everything about this! And who says bikinis are only for skinny girls?! I hate that so many people think that being overweight is such a bad thing. If it was easy to lose weight, I would be skinny now and a lot people think it is that easy! You are beautiful!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  182. Leah
    Leah

    Thank you for this. For being normal. For being a mom in a bathing suit. I am not at the weight I want to be. I will not lie and say I am comfortable with my body. But I am certain I will not let my size dictate how I live my life. I went to the pool with my kids today and had a blast. In a bathing suit. Without a cover-up.
    BTW, I think you look great. Confidence is the best accessory. And you are rocking it.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  183. Helen Petros
    Helen Petros

    You look FABULOUS!! Iʻm a dermatology nurse practitioner & what I see is your beautiful porcelain perfect skin (UN- sunburned) in a bikini, a smile on your face & confidence in the woman you are. Iʻm twice your age and half as wise!!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  184. kerro
    kerro

    Since Yahoo said no one came out and directly said it, i will: this is aesthetically unpleasant and i do not appreciate seeing it at the beach. I do not need to elaborate, as it is my opinion. Your circumstance is unfortunate due to your illness, which makes it fine, but for people without a medical condition who are just lazy, there is no excuse. Therefore i do congratulate you on not being ashamed, as no one should let any illness or deformity hold them back. But people who put in no effort to change their obesity issues… Those are the ones who should most definitely never under any circumstances leave the house in tight, skimpy outfits.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  185. Kimberly
    Kimberly

    Ello, Well I know that wearing a bikini is something I would never do. I am glad you did though. And I was reading something you wrote about people and how their perception of beauty is. Something I have come across Way to Often. Is that men are the Worst when it comes to beauty. What they see is this Image of a woman who has to be Tall, Thin, Sexy, etc. Which I do find to be somewhat as an insult to us women who have more meat on our bones. There are literally Thousands of men who I consider to be shallow for thinking that beauty is what you SEE with your Eyes. NOT with your Heart.
    True beauty is what is INSIDE a person NOT Outside. The way they make you Laugh, The way they are there for you when your having a bad day, The Very things that make them who they are, Etc. Those are what really matter.
    When I was trying to date a few years ago. There would be Guys who would absolutely love my personality but when it came down to My size, or the fact that I had scars across my abdomen, it was an instant killer for any relationship. Its as though all they could think of was having that supermodel String bean of a woman prancing around with them. As if they could show that woman off like some sort of Trophy.
    Today, I am glad to say that I have Found that Ultra Rare Man. Who Looks at me as a person and sees who I really am. And Loves me just the Way I am. A 5 Ft. 2 In. Tall woman who weighs 210 pounds. Who has a Loving heart and To him I am the most beautiful woman in the World. And I couldn’t be more happier.
    This image that the world has pushed, Not only toward men, but to women as well. Is what I consider to be an insult to all people.
    Every persons body is different. Some have conditions that can not be helped. ( hormone, Thyroid, genetics, Movement impairments, etc. ) And to mock or make fun of a person just because of their size is one of the worst things a person could ever do. There is a saying that goes ” Sticks and Stones may break my bones, But words can never hurt Me ” In fact. Words can be the most hurtful of all. I Know this, I have seen this, And it is an experience that is under gone around the world by nearly every person on this planet in one form or another.
    And so I say To you. That I am Glad and proud of what you did. Because it says that you are standing for All the women and even MEN, Who are like Us and saying ” I am not going to take your bullying, your mockery, I don’t care what you think, Because to me I AM BEAUTIFUL and I KNOW IT. And I sure don’t need your Approval ”
    Because what someone else thinks at the end of the day Doesn’t really matter. ITs what YOU THINK and How YOU FEEL that Truly matters.
    So Congrates and May you keep on Showing your beauty. And hopefully one day people will wisen up, open their eyes, and see the True beauty and what Truly matters in this world.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  186. Thank you for this. I had a gigantic row with my mother over her constantly reminding me I need to lose weight recently. I get she’s doing because she cares, but it’s honestly coming across as concern trolling (a concept she seems to be unwilling/unable to understand) and I’m sick of it and it’s making me feel like crap.

    I recently saw a post somewhere that said “How to get a bikini body: 1) get bikini, 2) put it on.” I love that you’re living proof it really is that simple. (This is of course in no way meant to dimin

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  187. Whoops commenting on phone, got cut off. Sorry!

    This is in no way meant to diminish the importance of this simple thing for you and the rest of us.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  188. SJ
    SJ

    Very attractive! Your skin is so beautiful, I wish I could have skin like yours 🙂

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  189. I’m so relieved the Earth has continued to spin on its axis. Thank you for writing this post, for your bodacious “bad-assness”, your excellent choice of swim wear (love that suit!), and your courage to put a toe into Lake Superior! I’m a 56 year old plus size momma who has gotten as far as a tankini. Thanks to you I may just give a real two piece a shot next summer. You are beautiful and funny and I’m glad to have found your blog.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  190. Gianna
    Gianna

    Jenny, good for you! And you look adorable. I wish I had your confidence. I am 5’9″ and at my heaviest was 250 lbs. I wasn’t happy with how I looked or felt and knew it was time for a change. I changed my lifestyle, overhauled how we ate as a family and quite with the processed foods and dinners, ate better, and exercised, setting the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon as my goal. I wanted to get fit enough to run in it. I started with walking and worked my way up from there. I managed to take off 100 lbs., gained about 30 back when I started meds for fibromyalgia and have now been at 180 for the most part over the past year.

    Even when I had reached my goal weight two summers ago, while I did feel great in my bathing suit that year, I still didn’t have the confidence to wear a two-piece, heck, not even a one piece that didn’t have a skirt to cover some of my thighs. I wore a tankini with a little skirt.

    Though I’m ok with my weight for the most part now, I would still like to lose 20 lbs. again. Health-wise, I just feel best around 155 – 160. Knees hurt less, back hurts less and I felt like I had more energy. But when I look at my cellulite riddled legs, I just can’t wear shorts that are too short or a bathing suit without a skirt. I know I’m nowhere near brave enough to wear a bikini, but after seeing how cute you look and reading some of the comments here, I may just be bold enough to buy a bathing suit without the skirted bottom. Maybe I’ll make that my New Year’s resolution for next year.

    You rock girl! Thanks for giving people the encouragement and confidence to accept themselves and be happy with who they are. 🙂

    Oh, and btw, I did run the Historic Half on my birthday last year. It was amazing! (Sorry for the long post… just had to let you know how you have inspired me.)

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  191. niceguy5001@yahoo.com
    niceguy5001@yahoo.com

    You certainly seem happy and that is really all that matters. You look the way you were meant to look, not the way others need you or want you to look, the truth is simple… We make it complicated. You are a beautiful person, and you look good to me personally 🙂
    Be well and live well.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  192. Karen Jenny Stanley
    Karen Jenny Stanley

    You look great! Keep that blinding white skin too, it’s so much healthier! I am 5’5″ and about 215, and Forever 21 is great. I have several pairs of jeans that I bought from Forever 21, and they really know how to make the curves look good. Thanks for leading the way, I am getting rid of my one piece with swimshorts and breaking out the bikini this season. 🙂

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  193. Bonnie
    Bonnie

    You look great! And HAPPY! 🙂 I’m a 35-year-old female. Although I’m not currently overweight, a few years ago I had a cancerous, very large ovarian tumor. It stretched out my abdominal area. I had it removed, of course, but I have stretch marks, loose skin, and scars from the tumor and the surgery (this spans the length of my ab area). Sometimes I feel brave and want to wear a bikini and not care about the scars, while other times I feel the need to cover up. I guess it depends on my mood. Kudos to you for being brave and just being NORMAL in your bathing suit!! 🙂

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  194. Terra
    Terra

    This article and pictures made my morning. You look absolutely stunning already and your confidence only adds to it. I am going to look for that bathing suit at Forever 21 too…I love it!!!! You are a beautiful woman with great fashion sense. Rock on!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  195. Bobbi
    Bobbi

    You look great! As a bigger woman myself I have heard comments all my life about covering up. I really don’t care what others say. I am confident in who I am so I feel comfortable in what I wear. I have been wearing a 2 piece for years and I guess if people don’t like it well…they can just look in another direction.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  196. sharon vermont
    sharon vermont

    LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! cute bikini! and you look great. not sure why most people think that we only look great in a swimsuit if we are a size zero. You look happy and like you are having fun and the suit looks darling on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  197. Phuqit
    Phuqit

    Dahling…you look MAHvelous! Seriously, a complete cutie who I enjoyed looking at–Fat? What’s THAT? I’d even be delighted to see you at Haulover Beach (a legal, life-guarded, public nude beach in Miami.)

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  198. Eric Secor
    Eric Secor

    Jenny,
    You are my hero. You have inspired me to possibly consider maybe going to a public swimming pool in the future…. Like, maybe one day… Though please don’t hold your breath for it. Thank you for this.

    Warmest Regards,
    Eric

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  199. Alexia
    Alexia

    I am PROUD to still be wearing a two-piece swimsuit — in a size 14. Some of my girlfriends are horrified. I say, why hide my beautiful golden tanned skin under a hot one-piece? YOU GO, GIRL!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  200. Michele
    Michele

    Awesome! I love it. I would to have the courage to go out in a bikini. Good for you!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  201. Shanna
    Shanna

    Thank you for sharing this!!! Who says you have to be a size 2 to wear a bikini?!?!? Beauty comes from within. God made each of us just the way he wanted us to be. I’m going to find me a two piece and flaunt my fat sexiness.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  202. Glenn Resetti
    Glenn Resetti

    Hey absolutely gorgeous love the look the confidence. I love plush sized women with curves always have and always will. Good for you keep on thanks! Another admirer:)

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  203. Lisa
    Lisa

    Jenny,
    I am happy you are getting such positive attention, and you look BEAUTIFUL. The thing that concerns me is that this is news at all. I think it’s an especially American phenomenon, this shaming of women about their body size. Several years ago, I went on a group trip to Thailand. There were three girls from the UK, who were all more then a little overweight. They all wore bikinis, which I found a bit “shocking” at the time, but I quickly grew to admire them for their comfort in their own skin: it was no big deal!! Nor should it ever be. Also, I’ve traveled to Rio de Janeiro a few times, and am always so happy to see women of ALL shapes, sizes and ages, rocking bikinis.

    It shouldn’t be necessary, but I’ll say it anyway: BRAVA to you, girl! You are paving the way for the rest of America to get over the shame game, and accept women as they are!!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
    • raul776
      raul776

      Yes Brazilian beaches are great! Lots of overweight or skinny Men wearing speedos too and nobody seems to Cate!

      May 11, 2016
      |Reply
  204. More importantly, how are your feet not killing you standing on those rocks. I mean, my god that looks painful. Oh, and you look GREAT in the suit. I wish I could find one of those. Me and all 248 lbs of me is headed to the beach for a week and I need something that doesn’t resemble a tent while bathing on the beautiful beach.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  205. Dee Moore
    Dee Moore

    I think you look great! If I saw you at the beach, I wouldn’t see anything wrong with your wearing a bikini. Yet, I cover my body up, because at age 50, I have “bingo arms,” and cellulite I wish I didn’t have. I think a lot of women tend to be harder on and expect more of themselves than they do of other women. Way to go! What I need more than a diet and exercise regimen if your courage and security about your body. You have every reason in the world to feel good about yourself!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  206. Ashlee
    Ashlee

    You’re so AWESOME! What a great way to help everyone accept themselves for the “flaws” the world defines. Behhh! Don’t listen to them! We are all gorgeous!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  207. Megan
    Megan

    Honestly I think the bikini is very nice and you look good in it. I guess I had expected everything to be hanging out, but your body looks classy. And I am not just a fellow overweight person saying amen to being fat. I am 5′ 2 and 110 and I would not be caught in a bikini after two kids…. but after reading this….maybe I would?

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  208. Jenny and everyone,

    Jenny you look great for a soft BBW gal! (proportioned)
    ~ You will down size when you are ready to… Do it for “YOU”…

    You look close to me when I started as a professional high class model… I am praised by body builders, certified personal trainers (retired too)… Along with many men who compliment me…

    I have PCOS, IR, Metabolic Syndrome, Heart disease(brewing), border Diabetic and started my journey of research… Created a PCOS blog in enlighten, inform and educate all on PCOS and related issues….

    The Body Type Quiz
    http://www.drberg.com/body-type-quiz
    ~ Great start to know what hormone is driving your weight and he tells you the exercise and what to eat… Highly enlightening!
    ~ PCOS ladies need to run from doctors who say diet & exercise! They have no clue cause that only makes us gain weight!

    I have dropped 4 full dress sizes recently for my careers and to ward off age related ailments in the future… Then I will be toning up and overhauling my lifestyle from eating, residence and full time job… I do best on combining a body builder’s diet with a Paleo one to stay small… I say i’m married to the body builder’s diet!

    IR and Diabetics should change the way they eat to low carb, all proteins, good fats and non-starchy veggies diet… Suzanne Somer’s doctor studied people and found they were healthier fast! Their sugar levels did not spike after meals and lost weight effortlessly… They went off their medications in months as well…

    Fact: All hormone imbalances are caused by “BAD” parasites! As well as most medical conditions(IBS, ADD, ADHD, RLS, Rosacea, allergies, etc…) especially most all skin problems… http://www.ParasiteTesting.com is the only lab testing all bad parasites in the world! 250,000 exist… US labs are able to maybe test 40 -50 types only… The two military labs 200 types only! Most US doctors are not trained on them so many people are misdiagnosed, etc… Most US docs treat only symptoms!
    ~ http://pcoslady.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/parasite-symptoms-extensive/

    Then add in the poisons of aspartame, mercury poisoning, free radicals, excitotoxins, etc… and you will get fat and have medical conditions…

    Jenny enjoy being “YOU”!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  209. Michele Beyer
    Michele Beyer

    Hello,

    I just read the article about you on Yahoo…….and it’s great that you are comfortable enough to wear a bikini – you really don’t look as bad as you made yourself out to be. However, glorifying obesity is not something you should be doing. You’re right, most people don’t want to see an overweight person in a bikini, it’s unappealing. But making a huge ordeal out of it and making fat people think it’s o.k. to be fat is hurting more than helping. It is insanely unhealthy to be obese – I don’t mean a little overweight, I mean down right large. I’m probably 40 lbs overweight, and I wear a bikini all the time – but I also workout 6 days/week and eat an extremely healthy diet so I can shed those excess pounds as I’m on the verge of diabetes, a disease I really don’t want. And that is only one of the many diseases brought on by being obese, not to mention an early death.

    While I think it’s great that you’ve got the self-esteem to wear what you want (again I don’t find you to be that large, but you could lose some weight), telling fat people all over the world that they should do the same without considering weight loss won’t help anybody. We are the second fattest country in the world, next to Mexico, and it is only getting worse. Support for being fat is not the solution.

    Overeating is brought on by something hidden deep down in our consciousness. And if people took the time to dig for those answers, instead of buying diet pills or getting so fat they need surgery, then they can be successful in getting down to a healthy weight. Nobody needs to eat so much that they weigh 300 lbs., but that is what’s happening, and it’s ridiculous.

    And having fibromyalgia is no excuse not to exercise – try yoga.
    http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2589

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
    • Michelle
      Michelle

      YOU MUST NOT BE OVER WEIGHT AND IF YOU ARE YOUR PROB. ABLE TO CONTROL IT OR HELP YOUR SELF!! I have been trying of and on for 10 years to stay fit, loose weight, tone, or even eat right. Its not easy i have my bad years and my good ones every one is different and how dare you think she is trying to glorify Obesity… Did you even read the article she a big girl and had a new years list and over came it and wore a two piece. Shes human and the first step to anything thing is to love your self!!!! its beautiful

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  210. Ashley
    Ashley

    I’m not understanding why you all are even entertaining negative comments. Negativity is one’s on pity cry. STOP replying to them that’s what they want ignore them because every bully has their day.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  211. Kimberley Michelle Fligor
    Kimberley Michelle Fligor

    It’s great to finally see some more normal looking bodies getting lots of attention for once. I’ve known people who were really big boned, and it just wasn’t possible for them to look “skinny,” so it’s encouraging to see a larger person look so elegant.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  212. Jane
    Jane

    It appears that you are very desperate for attention as a way to justify your obesity. I hope you are able to get to a healthier weight.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
    • JennyTrout
      JennyTrout

      No you don’t. You don’t care what happens to me at all. You just wanted to feel superior for a few seconds. Hope it worked.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
      • Amanda
        Amanda

        BURN!

        July 10, 2014
        |Reply
    • Jenny B
      Jenny B

      It appears you are a really unhappy person who attempts to feel better about themself by putting other people down. You might want to work on your self-worth. Unhappy people tend to die younger than happy people.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
    • britt
      britt

      mean and unneccasary jane. you missed the point that you can feel good about who you are regardless of size!

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  213. Ninja Mommy
    Ninja Mommy

    Cute bikini, looks great on you! “Haters gonna hate” as the kids are sayin’ these days. Some people are just searching to find things wrong with someone else- too fat, too skinny, too nerdy, too short, too tall, bad skin, bad hair. 99% of women do not and cannot fit into this ridiculous ideal that we should supposedly all hope to achieve. What would our society look like if suddenly all bodies were good enough?

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  214. Venla Tuominen
    Venla Tuominen

    First: I love your courage! As a naturally thin person who is “socially allowed” to wear a bikini, show them that such stereotypes are completely unfounded.
    Second: Copper Harbor?! I almost fell out of my seat when I read that. I’m a Tech student and know what beach you went to! There really is no going into Superior this time of year. Last year I went to a Midsummer Juhannus bonfire on Agate Beach (part of FinnFest) and was brave enough to put my feet in for two minutes. They were blue when I got out.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  215. Robert Latimer
    Robert Latimer

    Hello Jenny,

    It is wonderful to see someone trying to face the sigma of “being too fat” . I am ‘extremely obese’ and I shy away showing my body to anyone, even my girl friend, who is also fat, but not as much as I am. Some times rude people will tell me I am fat. If a mirror is near by I will rush to the mirror look in it, and turn to face the person who said I was fat, I try to have a shock look on my face, and I thank them. I say I didn’t realize I was fat, it must have happen since I last looked in a mirror.

    Jenny, don’t let others see it is upsetting when they talk rudely. I think you look very nice, you are very pretty . You have a nice day.
    Sincerely,
    Robert

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  216. Kelly
    Kelly

    As a woman with kids, this made me smile and start shopping. My daughter is always saying I wish I could wear a bikini. I showed her this blog and said why can we not wear them??? Who made the bikini rules? She smiled and said yeah lets shop!!!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  217. Michelle
    Michelle

    I Have Two kids and I am 26, 5’7″, 204.8 lbs after i had them i lost all my weight but not the healthy way!!! I was 125 lbs 3 years ago. I wore a bikini all the time with stretch marks and skin hanging all over the place but i inspired a lot of my girlfriends to do the same they all have marks too but it was amazing all of us going to the pool and feeling good about the choice we made to do so. I work out every day in hopes to wear a bikini again but seeing these pictures of you Jenny have opened that possibility for me once again!!!!! Thank you so much for being a beautiful Woman and inspiring me to be me again and to love myself once more!!!!!! YOU ROCK!!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  218. Donna Orban
    Donna Orban

    Great article! Cute pics!

    I LOVE this saying:
    How to get a bikini body: Put a bikini on your body.
    How to dress for your shape: Are you human shaped? Play up your self confidence and natural sex appeal by wearing whatever the F*#@ you want.

    Seriously, it is this simple. Tolerance is a super power. We need more.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  219. Tim
    Tim

    You look great.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  220. Mary
    Mary

    I think you are beautiful and brave and that’s what the world needs more of!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  221. Lori Hernandez
    Lori Hernandez

    Jenny – you look beautiful! Your picture just put a huge smile on my face 🙂

    Thank you!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  222. Susan
    Susan

    You are awesome and amazing and a great role model for your kids and the world! We need more people with your mindset in this world!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  223. Anna
    Anna

    Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
    The round goes to Jenny!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  224. Roger
    Roger

    Some guys like real, full figured women…guilty as charged…

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  225. Holly
    Holly

    You’re fabulous! I love the cute suit and you look great in it. 🙂

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  226. Tim
    Tim

    Well, I wrote wayyyy too much on the other postscript you had, but wanted to say bravo. The value of a person is in no way related to a scale or a shape. I think you are funny and a bit of a smart-ass, so I’m guessing a perfect friend in my book. Glad you posted this and everyone else, guys and girls, just do what you want. If it offends someone else (but doesn’t hurt them) then who cares? Live for you. Enjoy life, and stop trying to be what you think everyone else wants you to be. You pay your bills, not them. Find your happiness (and that is NOT in others peoples opinions!)

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  227. Sara Marblestone
    Sara Marblestone

    Fabulous swimsuit aside – you get props for even putting a body part in Lake Superior in June! You look great.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  228. Matthew
    Matthew

    Jenny I think you look absolutely amazing. A woman’s worth is not in her body size but her character. You showed souch confidence to do what you did. You look amazing and the whole look you have going on is more then sexy. I’d be a lucky man to call you mine.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  229. Jenny B
    Jenny B

    UGH! I cannot believe how many people wrote and asked where you got the awesome suit! Did they NOT read your blog? FOREVER 21 people!!!!

    By the way, you look simple maaaa-valous! 😉

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  230. Kitty
    Kitty

    Jenny, you look adorable and that suit is awesome!

    To everyone who claims this is glorifying obesity or telling people it’s okay to be fat… I think you’re missing the point! Nowhere does she encourage having an unhealthy lifestyle, just that everyone has the right to be who they are and ENJOY it.

    Besides, what difference does it make if the US is “the second fattest country in the world”? Does that affect your life in any way whatsoever? And does that mean that fat people shouldn’t be allowed to enjoy themselves or wear what they want? NOPE. It might be in some people’s best interest to get healthier (which is frankly none of anyone’s business but their own), but they’re still allowed to be happy and confident either way.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  231. BB
    BB

    Hey ma you gorgeous do you like black men or nah

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  232. britt
    britt

    hi I am just about your size and just as pale too! I never wear a swimsuit because I feel very ugly and gawked at. but im glad to see a brave soul just doing what all the other gals are doing at the beach. and I must admit when I was a teenager and very thin I was still very self conscious about wearing a swim suit in public. I guess you do what feels comfortable for who you are and challenge yourself to appreciate the parts of your self that you like!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  233. Jason
    Jason

    America is so damn obsessed with skinny. I am still waiting for the days that big women are the desired look, as it was in earlier centuries. I won’t judge skinny people or slam them for looking sickly and fragile though because that is just as bad as people that always fat slam… Anyway, you look amazing! not fat … just a lil plump in all the right places 🙂

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
    • In earlier centuries, being heavier was an indication that you had the leisure to not do manual labor and the means to eat any and everything you wanted. Being heavy was a sign of wealth and social standing.

      Now, being thin means you have the time and money to go to the gym regularly and, again, body type becomes a sign of wealth and social standing.

      It pretty much all leads back to the rich and famous among us and whatever trend they decide to set. And that is why America and much of the rest of the West is thin-obsessed.

      Personally, I just feel better when I’m thinner. Walking around Disneyworld last week and ending up with red, chafed thighs at the end of each day was not fun and I’m only a size 10! 🙂

      July 11, 2014
      |Reply
    • Karina
      Karina

      The obsession needs to be with health and feeling good about yourself.

      July 11, 2014
      |Reply
  234. Amanda
    Amanda

    You look amazing babe! That suit is actually super flattering, but I barely noticed because your smile is the biggest thing in the picture (and that includes your boobs!).

    I have to go bathing suit shopping this weekend, and the very thought of it has put me in a near-tears mood all week. After seeing you, I’m embarrassed by the shame I’ve been feeling. YOU ARE HOT STUFF!!! And now I want to be hot stuff, too. =)

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  235. Sunflhour
    Sunflhour

    I like your swimsuit print style, super sassy. I love Forever 21.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  236. Johnson Alexander
    Johnson Alexander

    I think you are sexy and your confidence is also sexy. Glad I came across this page 🙂

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  237. Gloria
    Gloria

    What gets me is all these people on here that are offering unsolicited diet and other advice to Jenny Trout. I don’t recall ANYWHERE that Ms Trout has ever asked for a whit of advice in this article in regard to her personal life. If she’s asked for personal advice in the many other things she’s written elsewhere,I apologize for my ignorance. I haven’t read much written by Ms Trout before references to this blog entry began appearing on news outlets.

    In case no one here realizes this, unsolicited advice is almost never taken. Giving unsolicited advice is plain RUDE.

    The assumptions made here by those with all the “superior” advice seem to be that (1.) Ms Trout is ignorant, (2.)has never thought about such things, (3.)is incapable of conducting her own research or (4.) is stupid. If all the people who are offering advice think any of those things about Ms Trout, why are you even reading her blog? What could you possibly hope to gain for yourself from reading it? Or, are you out there combing the internet for things written by people you consider “lesser” just so you can magnanimously impart your superior knowledge and wisdom to them in personal matters in order to make all their lives better?

    I’d personally rather read a book by someone with credentials and a verifiable track record of experience– that’s if I were Jenny. But I’m me.

    I started reading this blog just a couple days ago. But already I can see that the comments are not something I am interested in reading. So I’m turning off comment notification.

    Thank you for writing your blog Jenny, I’ll look in from time to time. You go!

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  238. Michele
    Michele

    Gloria, she opened herself up for diet advice by writing a blog that tells people it’s ok be fat.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
    • Gloria
      Gloria

      Michelle, you are making assumptions.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
    • Gloria
      Gloria

      Michele, I see nothing of the sort in her blog. You are choosing to “read into” what she writes about herself. What is it about what she writes that makes you afraid? Even if that WERE what she is writing, how does it possibly affect you? There are myriads of other sources in the world condemning overweight and shaming overweight people. What power does one lone voice have against all that?

      Plus she has never said it is OK to be overweight. I’ve never read that in anything she’s said elsewhere about this blog article. Perhaps it would be beneficial to reread what she really wrote–but that’s only if you want to understand.

      If you want, you could ask her personally why she wrote what she wrote–since you apparently completely failed to understand her message. That’s of course , something to do only if you are truly wanting to know something about HER. Otherwise, don’t bother, of course.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
    • Gloria
      Gloria

      It’s my impression that Ms Trout’s blog might make you afraid, Michele, but that may be my own false assumption about you. But DOES what she wrote somehow make you afraid? It seems to have done that to a bunch of other people writing here, judging by the kinds of negative blowback this post’s received.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  239. Gloria
    Gloria

    Excuse me–“Michele”, you are making assumptions.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  240. Michele
    Michele

    What on earth would i possibly be afraid of? You’re the one who sounds afraid of something. I’m and not assuming anything…..she wrote a blog for the entire world to see, good for her, but expect people come at you from all angles. If she didn’t want the attention…..positive or negative, then she wouldn’t have wrote it. Simple psychology dear Gloria. I fear nothing, it’s a waste of energy.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  241. Gloria
    Gloria

    Though I directed my last comments to you, Michele, they are similar thoughts to what I’ve been having in response to quite a few of both the negative and the “helpful” posts made by other people too. To me, no one “invites” criticisms and advice when simply talking about their own experiences and choices. They are just talking about their own experiences and choices– and often recounting them for the entertainment of others–as far as I can tell.

    Healthy people will let you know when they want advice. It’s the people who are out of balance, and who are afraid to ask for what they need, that expect others to read their minds. That never works out well in my life’s experiences with myself and others.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  242. Gloria
    Gloria

    So, Michele, if I made a mistake in thinking you are afraid, please excuse me. But I reiterate what I wrote. I see no requests or cries for advice anywhere in what she wrote. To me, the blog is to read for entertainment. It is entertaining.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  243. Gloria
    Gloria

    Michele, it’s also people who are out of balance that like to offer unsolicited advice to those who they deem “lesser” than themselves or “deficient” somehow. It’s a way of making the advisors momentarily feel good about themselves. And I wrote earlier elsewhere that it is a reflection of their own issues if they are driven to “advise” or criticize others.

    It’s tiresome for me to read. It’s also irritating– and saying that is a reflection of myself and my own values of course.

    So to the rest of the responders who are offering unsolicited advice and criticism, please go ahead and entertain yourselves. As I said, I have disabled receiving comments.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
  244. Gloria
    Gloria

    Has anyone here ASKED Jenny Trout if the reason she writes her blog is to get advice and criticism? I have have been assuming that’s not why. I could be wrong about why she blogs of course, but I myself have no interest in asking that question.

    She’s a published writer in two genres. I’ve figured the blog–besides providing free entertainment–is way of self-marketing. I could be wrong of course.

    But I don’t care to know why she writes the blog. I’d run across it once years before and enjoyed what she wrote. I did the same again with this post and also with some other writing of hers related to this post. I enjoyed her writings.

    July 10, 2014
    |Reply
    • Gloria
      Gloria

      I left out another reason why Ms Trout may write this blog. Some people just enjoy writing. It is a creative outlet.

      July 10, 2014
      |Reply
  245. Ani
    Ani

    Jenny, I used to be bulimic and this is about the first time I have ever thought it might be okay to be. .. happy at the weight I am.

    July 11, 2014
    |Reply
  246. Gloria
    Gloria

    I like to read knitting blogs too. As far as comments about wanting positive and negative attention and expecting people to come at you from all angles:

    Well, let me say… I have never seen comments coming from others to knitting bloggers that carry the kinds of intentions that I have seen here. Lots of people write blogs and include details about the difficulties they have had with knitting a project. And they show their finished projects off. Yet, the comments I’ve seen are always positive, unless a commenter is having trouble with a project, at their wits end, and asking the blogger for their advice. Yes, occasionally a blogger is unsure about a project and asks for advice. Even then, the comments are still always positive–at least in all the blogs I have seen.

    So what makes this topic so different that it garners unasked-for advice and negativity from others ?

    The question above is only rhetorical. I don’t actually want a response. I already know a good answer.

    July 11, 2014
    |Reply
  247. Jason
    Jason

    Not to take anything away from Jenny at all but honestly, I see hundreds and hundreds of women the same size as Jenny or larger wearing much less at any public beach. Heck, now days you can visit any walmart (especially in the south) and see less clothing on larger women. Again, Kudo’s to Jenny but honestly, she is not the only large woman in a bikini. It happens Everyday .

    July 11, 2014
    |Reply
    • Gloria
      Gloria

      It’s true, Jason. It does happen every day. But women are pressured to be perfect and not to show their supposed “flaws” in ways that men never are. There are a great many women who will not even show their legs in shorts because they have cellulite. “fat knees” or some other “problem”.

      Look at any women’s magazine rack and notice the diet articles advertised cheek-by -jowl with the “most sinfully delicious ever” dessert recipes. Notice the “women-empowering” articles right next to those dealing with facial “flaws”. Strange juxtapositions abound. Now look at the pictures of women inside the magazines advertising the products. Heck, look at men’s magazines too. Do you see any women there that look like those you usually see in that very store or even in your home? (And we know that even beautiful women are airbrushed to glossy perfection and thin models are photoshopped in ads to look even thinner.) If you are looking at something like an automobile magazine, just who is pictured with the product and what does that person look like? What connection does the person pictured with the product have with that product other than as window-dressing? Now go onto any news site that allows comments and begin reading the comments under articles written about prominent women. Notice how often people like First Lady Michelle Obama are called fat (fat!?) and how often people like Nancy Pelosi are put down for their looks. Look at the criticisms of even beautiful celebrities’ looks. That’s a lot of cultural pressure for normal-sized and normal-looking women to deal with.

      That kind of pressure just does not happen for men. Rush Limbaugh and Rob Ford look-alikes feel free to assess and criticize in detail the looks and body parts of beautiful women who would not look twice at them.

      If you haven’t yet read it, read Jenny Trout’s piece on her blog entitled, “Why are today’s disgusting bullies so unashamed of themselves?” Then go over to the Guardian and read the article Jenny is writing about. The fact is, women are held to an impossible standard.

      So Jenny wore a two piece/bikini in public. It was a big deal for HER. It’s hard to do that for many women because all of the judging of women’s looks that goes on in the world. Good for her! And I hope you understand this better now.

      July 11, 2014
      |Reply
      • Bonnie
        Bonnie

        Gloria, I agree! I think there is too much pressure on women to look perfect or even different. If your hair is curly, straighten it! If you hair is straight, curl it! If you’re thin, you need to eat and have some “curves”. If you’re fat, you need to lose weight! These are the messages we receive from the media/advertising. We need to stop this nonsense and embrace real beauty, and real beauty is natural. No makeup, no push-up bras, etc. I believe beauty can be found almost everywhere you look (in nature)- the beauty of a flower, the beauty of the trees and branches (even the beauty of the bare branches of a tree during winter, contrasted against the sky), the beauty of a woman’s face as she holds her newborn baby and smiles, etc. We’re all different (different shapes, different sizes, different ethnicities). Contrary what the media states, there is no one brand of beauty (a popular “brand’ is blonde, tanned, and implants and/or push-up bra). We all have our own unique beauty. We also all have our own special accomplishments, big or small. Why can’t we all celebrate our uniqueness, and be positive about things? Negativity only breeds unhappiness.

        July 11, 2014
        |Reply
        • Gloria
          Gloria

          Thank you, Bonnie. 🙂

          July 12, 2014
          |Reply
      • Jason
        Jason

        Gloria, I didn’t need 5 paragraphs to illustrate a single point about women feeling pressured to be skinny. You definitely covered that. To which, I agree. Over sexualization has been around for decades and it’s not getting better.

        I also see what you mean when you say “for her” it was a big deal to be shot in a bikini. I neglected to factor that in and I can see how that might be deemed insensitive so Jenny, I’m sorry for that. I guess I didn’t see it as a major triumph for her in my mind because she looks amazing. Very sexy, and her body is perfect (to me) so that is probably why I felt that way.

        Men are hit with the same advertisements. Look at any ad targeting men and you will see the 6 pack abs and full head of hair etc etc… I think the difference with men and women is that Men don’t seem to be affected like women. Us guys see the ads, we (typically) don’t feel pressured to look like the Baywatch guys. Why are women so pressured? Even though there are more examples of women being told to live up to some body standard, both genders are targeted but only one of us absorbs it and makes a big deal out of it? Those women that see the ads and feel they have to live up to some societal expectation are very insecure. Overcoming insecuring comes from within. Therein lies the triumph for Jenny on this issue.

        The last thing I will say is: Just because hollywood paints an image of what women are suppose to look like does NOT mean that the average man feels that way. Women likely get more pressure to look “skinny” from other women. Most guys dont’ care. We dont need all kinds of face paint and tummy tuckers and elastic this and padded that. It’s all fake. Women are unfortunately a product of their own insecurity and the media only perpetuates the issue. Women have to “allow” themselves to be pressured. You can tell me all day that I have to have 6 pack abs and I will just laugh because the reality is, I don’t… I need to be healthy and that is the goal. Anything more is “look at me”. I look at this issue as being 1 part insecurity and 1 part immaturity. In grade school and even high school you feel “peer pressure” and it’s a real thing. I get that. I used to feel pressure too at that age. However, at some point in your life your suppose to grow up. Mature, rationalize, and realize that this is not high school. The cool girls “clik” is not part of your adult life. Or at least it shouldn’t be. It’s juvenile to allow such pressure to look skinny because the “cool girls” are still going strong (in your mind) ok, ok, stepping off the soap box. I saught not to offenc anyone and I hope I succeeded.

        July 30, 2014
        |Reply
  248. Lou
    Lou

    So, I came for the body positivity… but looking at your pics, I was struck by how awesome that lake is! I want to go to that lake!

    And that made me think, that’s what really matters here – human beings feeling uninhibited by society’s nonsense about what bodies should look like, and enjoying nice things like swimming in beautiful lakes.

    Nothing should get between a woman and her lake. Nope.

    July 11, 2014
    |Reply
  249. Heidi
    Heidi

    You look awesome! This is making me rethink my personal avoidance of bikinis.

    July 11, 2014
    |Reply
  250. Barbara Tee
    Barbara Tee

    But on this day it happened for Jenny and she wanted to share. We all have different hurdles we want to clear and goals we want to meet. Jenny’s goal was to gain the confidence, as a larger woman, to go in public in a bikini and she met that goal and she shared her success.

    July 11, 2014
    |Reply
  251. Karina
    Karina

    Rock it girl. I am working up the courage. But Damn girl you have gorgeous skin, dont burn it haha. Health at every size, ie as long as you feel good rock it.

    July 11, 2014
    |Reply
  252. Jeninne
    Jeninne

    I have the same bikini and I rocked mine too!!!! I wish I could post the pic at the end of this comment but I’m not that tech savvy

    July 11, 2014
    |Reply
  253. Farty Fartsalot
    Farty Fartsalot

    No wonder America gets laughed at..

    July 12, 2014
    |Reply
  254. Totally made of awesome.

    July 12, 2014
    |Reply
  255. Mara
    Mara

    You have lovely curves and look very cute in a bikini. And that’s a really cute bikini (but I still hate bikinis. It’s too much like going out in your bra and drawers.)

    July 12, 2014
    |Reply
  256. jt
    jt

    I think being this fat and wearing a bikini is nothing to be proud of. The fat appreciation comments in modern society is a bad thing. Usually made by other fatties. Being fat is unhealthy and ugly and nothing to be proud of. And chubby is a first stage of fat. Voluptuous comes before chubby. That is the correct order.

    July 13, 2014
    |Reply
  257. Walter S
    Walter S

    Great work Jenny!!! 😀

    July 18, 2014
    |Reply
  258. z3po40
    z3po40

    So very pretty and super sexy in that bikini. No even a fraction of a reason why you should not feel great about wearing it because you look absolutely fantastic. Get a few more of them because you are totally rocking that beach sexy look!

    July 23, 2014
    |Reply
  259. Mandy
    Mandy

    You have totally given me the courage to wear a bikini! My husband and I are going away for our wedding anniversary and I have been having this battle with myself about wearing a bikini in public as I haven’t shown my middle in public since I was 12. As I was brought up being told that fat isn’t pretty and showing it was just not acceptable ( great parenting eh…). I had originally gone to the store to buy bikini that would a goal to reach, but found one that would fit now on clearance that I loved.

    August 1, 2014
    |Reply
  260. hey there
    hey there

    Bravo! You have just overcome one of your self-imposed limitations/

    August 1, 2014
    |Reply
  261. where is the LOVE button???

    you look gorgeous!
    the print! your hair! your smile!!!
    awesome! Awesome! AWESOME!

    self-confidence = sexy

    you are hot! Hot! HOT! 😀

    August 2, 2014
    |Reply
  262. frediffer flinstone
    frediffer flinstone

    You look gorgeous !!!!!!!!! Your beautiful in every way. Just saw you on steve harvey, so proud of you. way to be comfortable in your own skin.

    October 17, 2014
    |Reply
  263. Valarie Cisse
    Valarie Cisse

    You’re really cute . Have you ever considered dressing like a pinup girl? I think you’d really rock that.

    October 17, 2014
    |Reply
  264. Delta Juliet
    Delta Juliet

    CUTE bikini and you look FANTASTIC in it! Go you!

    December 9, 2014
    |Reply
  265. […] fit even more harshly than they would judge someone who is less fit. The same woman who applauded this awesome lady for wearing a two piece swimsuit might write that blog post asking that we not post pictures of […]

    January 19, 2015
    |Reply
  266. Grace
    Grace

    OMG YOU’RE GORGEOUS

    July 9, 2015
    |Reply
  267. raul776
    raul776

    When will a male-written counterpart of this article (“fat Man goes to beach in a speedo and nobody gets blinded”) will be published? ‘Cause body-shaming is maybe hugher for men

    May 11, 2016
    |Reply
    • When you write it? Jenny isn’t a man.

      May 11, 2016
      |Reply
      • Raul776
        Raul776

        Speedos are not my thing I’m more into tight swimming trunks, but maybe if I solve my body hair problems, I’ll publish some pictures and write about the experience (actually I put some in badoo, excessive body hair and everything, and got some positive ratings). But don’t expect to get so much positive feedback, ’cause the state of things is like this:

        Fat lady on a bikini: “you go girl! You may wear anything lou want” “looking gorgeous, I want that suit!”

        Overweight male in tight swimwear “yuk!”

        May 28, 2016
        |Reply
      • Hi everybody, I’m a short, balding, not too muscular,40-plus, fat guy who actually went to the pool wearing a speedo-cut swimsuit this week. And of course, just like in Jenny’s story, nothing happened: no one blinded himself, or covered his/her kids’ eyes, or looked at me in anger, or asked me to cover myself. And it was the more confortable swim I’ve ever took, not even feeling my swimwear, unlike with shorts or swimming trunks. So for all those articles about not daring to put on that kind of garment if you’re over-25 or over-30, or not beefed up, or don’t have a flat tummy or have too much body hair, I’ll just say F**K OFF, your prejudices won’t stop me from wearing something that make me feel comfy at the water. End of story.

        July 28, 2019
        |Reply
  268. There’s no rule that says you cannot wear a two piece when your size is big. No matter what type of clothes you’re wearing, if you aren’t comfortable with what you wear, it won’t look good on you. You carried yourself well and you felt comfortable with you two piece, that’s why it turned out fantastic! Consider taking your photos in a beach tent too. A photo of you in a tent overlooking the ocean would be a great shot

    April 5, 2018
    |Reply
  269. Barbara Blackburn
    Barbara Blackburn

    Va Va Voom definitely a pin-up

    August 24, 2018
    |Reply

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