Yes, I finally had to admit to myself that the dryer didn’t do it. I convinced myself that the dryer had magical properties and was able to shrink jeans while leaving everything else intact. But alas… nope, the dryer didn’t shrink my jeans.
I can’t be the only one that has ever wanted to blame the dryer, but when I look back over the past few weeks, I find other areas that might be responsible for my jeans fitting more tightly.
Homemade cinnamon rolls.
Margaritas. After all, there is a reason they are referred to as calorie bombs… especially when made in a Tervis.
I thought about trying to convince myself that I must be building muscle, but my lack on consistent, intense strength training tosses that excuse to the curb fairly quickly.
I even considered the fact that I know am delayed in eating breakfast. I wake up at 6am and don’t eat until Hailey gets up at 8:15am. Maybe that has something to do with it?
Maybe.
But at the end of the day, facts remain. My jeans are too tight. A couple-pounds-up-kind of too tight, though I refuse to jump on the scale and check.
In the past (the way past- 6-7 years ago), I would have immediately given the number on the scale way more attention than it deserves. At times when I feel my jeans start to shrink, it’s tempting to wage all out war, like I used to when I would cut all carbs, resulting in an Atkins diet.
Now, I’m trying a healthier approach. I stocked up on good, clean foods.
I’m remembering to focus on good carbs, like brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, instead of cutting all carbs.
I’m going to consistently make it to the gym and keep a mix of running and weights.
By the way, I’m 5.68 miles in towards my 31 miles in May.
I’m cutting back on treats. For a lot of people that means sweets, but for me, it’s tortilla chips (mmm, salty!) and wine.
I’m also going to try and eat breakfast, at least a little something, earlier. Oh, and water. I’ve been horrible at drinking enough water lately. I’ll need to work on that, too.
So here I am, with jeans that make it uncomfortable to sit (yes, they’re that tight). Instead of waging war, I’m trying to remember what I would tell my health coaching clients. Don’t panic. Clean up your eats. Don’t drink your calories. Hydrate. And MOVE more.
What are your best tips for getting back on track?
Adria @ A Spoonful of Healthy says
I’m happy that you are not being too hard on yourself. Instead, you are coming down with an action plan! Way to go! Don’t give up. We all have ups and downs 🙂
Erica says
I noticed the same thing a few weeks ago and also decided to just clean up my diet for a few weeks and am already back to ‘comfortable fitting’!
Nicole says
Group exercise classes really help me – when I want to quit, my competitive/prideful side pushes me to keep going.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I am totally with you on preferring salty snacks for treats. They are just so darn addictive! I have been loving lentil chips right now. Maybe you could try those as a substitute? 🙂
Neil Butterfield says
Congrats on how you are approaching this situation. Stick to your plan and you will fit into your jeans in no time 🙂
Hanna says
When I get off track with my eating, I try to pay closer attention to my calories (I count them everyday). I wish I didn’t have to but it’s working for me right now. My goal is to one day learning how to eat intuitively and not weigh myself everyday.
blackhuff says
Best tips from me:
– cut alcohol for a few weeks;
– once a week cheat meal only;
– try to maintain 3 times a week exercise
I am sure you will jump back into those jeans comfortable soon.
Lauren says
You are an inspiration! It is refreshing to hear you are confident in an action plan to take charge of a situation. What an example for your daughter!! I am happy that you aren’t going to look to the scale for validation. You’ve been able to solve the problem yourself without having a number distract your from the real issue of having a little too much fun lately 🙂 Thank you for posting this and giving me a goal to strive towards!
Karen says
I agree with Lauren, you are def an inspiration. I am also one that jumps back and forth with weight (usually 2 pounds less or 2 pounds more) but I think as long as you have balance in your life, you’re all good!!
Parita says
Love that you aren’t using the scale to measure your progress. I know for me, if I start down that path, it leads to a dangerous place. So I tend to stay off now too. And it sounds like you have a great plan in place to get back on track. Knowing you, you’ll get to a good place in no time!
Beth Sheridan says
Love your plan! I am trying to do the same thing myself…I don’t know if I have gained a lot because I refuse to get on the scale, but I know my pants are TOO TIGHT. My downfall is sweets…I can eat so wonderfully for my main meals, but after I eat, I want something, anything chocolate. I’m really trying to cut back on those 🙂
Mandi says
I loved this post. Your healthy outlook is so refreshing and a great reminder. We all go up a few pounds from time to time, especially after a fun weekend. It’s so easy to get into that panic mode, but it’s so important to keep it all in perspective and simply get back into a normal, healthy routine. Thank you again for a great blog!!
katie says
Gah, I never realize the jeans are getting too tight, I only seem to realize when I absolutely can’t zip them or sit in them for dinner. But I’m working on it. I have added a yogurt into my lunch routine. And I try to stay busy in the afternoon. Otherwise if I’m home I turn into a snack machine!
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
Salty foods and wine are my weakness too. If I need to cut back, I stop eating at 7 pm. Late night snacking seems to be my downfall.
Erin @Axell's Kitchen says
Good for you love! Alcohol and sweets are definitely my weaknesses!
Maria says
Great reminders! I had a bit of a setback last week and was retaining water like crazy. It’s also so easy to point fingers (darn you dryer or darn you weight training) and I let it get to me at first – for that I’m not proud. But what I am proud of is how I bounced back. I made some smarter choices, hopped back on the workout wagon and things seemed to balance themselves right out again…without doing anything drastic.
Shelby says
I’m dealing with this same problem!! But I made the mistake of actually stepping on the scale… Let’s just say I won’t be eating ice cream as many days of the week as I have been lately! Here’s to jeans and shorts that fit!! 🙂
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
I think it’s great that you are going more on how you feel rather than a number on a scale. As long as you realize that you might need to curb things back again, you’re still on the right track! I definitely just try to stock up on more veg when I’m feeling like that and get in some more sweat sessions! 🙂
Kelly says
I needed to hear this today.
lauren says
Wait…you put jeans in the dryer?! I hang mine to dry and they’re still always tighter the first hour or so they’re on.
That said, it’s great that you know when enough is enough and you need a little reset. Usually I’ll know when I find myself scrounging around looking for candy at a weird time of day…like around breakfast time. That’s when I know I need to clean it up!
Karen says
I agree when I was younger I watched the scale alot more than now also.When I notice the gain,I just keep a closer eye on what I am eating and also, try to consume more water. Maybe even go for an extra walk with my kids. Every calorie you burn counts:)
Crystal @ Simply Playful Fare says
I am finding myself in a similar situation. Only in my respect, I need to stop being lazy and do the things I know I need to do. Basically eating healthier and exercising. But I am ready! You are an inspiration. Thanks for putting yourself out there!
Andrea Seaner says
Oh yeah, my pants are a bit snug too! Too much indulging this weekend- birthday parties, cinco de mayo, etc. Seems like its going to happen a lot during the upcoming summer months. Eating clean during the week definitely helps, but I have to work on not going overboard at parties and events. It’s fine to sample all the yummy food, but I don’t need to have a 3rd slice of pizza like I did this past weekend!
Sarah says
Those are great tips! Isn’t it true that we can be so much harder on ourselves than others, too! These will definitely be my guiding principles as I try to maintain a healthy weight for the rest of my pregnancy, then work on losing a few pounds afterwards.
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
My pants have been SHORT lately. LOL. Fine in the middle, but I think I’m growing.
Dana C. says
Giving up wine is a challenge for me because at the end of the day it’s a nice treat. But for the better goal of losing weight and being in shape I think it’s a little thing to have to at least pause on for a while. Also, I was encouraged by your plan which motivated me to rethink what I am doing (eating, exercising, etc.) Thanks for your great detail!
Lynn B says
Are you sure it’s not the dryer….darn!!!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
So…did you read my (and Maria’s) mind(s)? We were just having a “conversation” yesterday about body image, etc., and separately, simultaneously pointed to you as our inspiration for healthy attitude towards body image, nutrition, and fitness…and health in general. This post is just another reminder that you are a true role model for so many in this HLB world. I am getting to a place where I can be more confident and comfortable, but seriously, just wanted to shout out (publicly) how much I admire you. 🙂
Kris says
My tip is water, water, water and make an exercise plan for the week, or even just for the next day. I’m following a pretty stringent plan mainly for the motivation I get of quickly dropping some water weight, plus it breaks the cycle of salt/sugar/alcohol. I can do this knowing I will easily modify from the strict regime, carrying forward healthier eating habits and more gradually losing the pudge I’ve gained.
Danica @ It's Progression says
I actually laughed out loud when I read this post title because I literally just thought this same thing last weekend!! 🙂
I’ve just been letting all of those “treats” happen too often lately. I refuse to step on the scale too, but I’m determined to clean up my eats!