Okay friends, get comfortable. This is going to be the realest of the real talks. This topic is a tough one, one that people often dance around or avoid altogether, but we’re going to talk about it: Weight gain.
Let me start by saying, IT’S OKAY! Weight fluctuation happens to almost everyone at some point. While it’s generally our first assumption that it happens from eating too much, there are actually many other factors: having a baby, health conditions, side effects from medications, or personal trauma. Throw in a global pandemic on top of that, and most of us have seen the numbers go up. Although it can be very frustrating and upsetting to not have the body you had 5 or 10 years ago, it doesn’t have to be a monumentally awful thing. I want to talk about how to ensure you still feel great about yourself!
Other than stepping on the scale, generally the first sign that we’ve gained weight is when our clothes don’t fit like they once did. Ill-fitting clothes don’t just add clutter to your closet; having them around brings along an emotional toll and adds clutter to your mind. Opening your closet and seeing clothes that don’t fit has a tendency to bring your energy and mood way down. We get upset at ourselves for not fitting in them anymore, and sometimes even vow to get ourselves to an unrealistic (and unhealthy) size, no matter what it takes. This is completely unnecessary. Please understand – you are not beautiful because of your dress size, you are beautiful because of the person you are inside!! So you deserve to feel good in the clothes you wear. To keep your energy positive, keep only clothes that fit you at your current size in your closet.
Some people hold onto clothes for motivation to get them back to a size they once were. The reality is that if you’re working to lose weight, you’ll more likely than not want to treat yourself to some new outfits once you get to your desired size. Only keep around one or two motivational pieces, at most. If there’s a dress you love that you want to wear to your cousin’s wedding next summer, feel free to hang onto it to remind you what you’re working towards. But don’t keep around five dresses that don’t fit; have one great dress you’re working towards, and make sure your other clothes fit you properly.
Another problem we run into is ending up with three or four different sizes in the closet: jeans in a size 12, blouse in a size small, workout clothes in XL – how are you supposed to put together cute outfits when you’re working with every size imaginable?? When you own a plethora of sizes, you go shopping for what you need in the moment, adding even MORE build-up to your closet. At least twice a year, you should go through your clothes and get rid of what doesn’t fit. This way you know what you need, and don’t end up with multiple pairs of pants ranging in sizes from 6 – 16.
Weight and body change is tough to talk about, but I am happy to talk with you about it. With me, you get a friendly ear and zero judgement! If you need help finding your correct sizes and styles, book an appointment! Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make, so stop putting it off. Start feeling better in your own skin today!
