A week ago I admitted that the dryer didn’t shrink my jeans. With that realization, I decided I need to do a few things to check myself. Well, life happened, I left town and never really hopped on the ‘take action’ bandwagon.
This week is different. You guys, my jeans DON’T FIT. How did that happen? I’m still not hopping on the scale because I don’t need numbers to define my success, but it feels like a several pounds up. I just don’t like the way I feel in my body right now.
It’s not like my what I ate recaps aren’t true. During the week I’m pretty dang healthy. Maybe a little too much weekday wine, but didn’t you know I have a toddler?
My weekends, though, are out of control. Pizza, Mexican, breakfast out- nothing is off limits. So, I’ve devised a plan to clean it all up.
Eat Clean. Right now, for me, this includes focusing on whole foods and eliminating processed carbohydrates. Before anyone screams TOO RESTRICTIVE at me, let me define processed carbs- tortilla chips, pastas and breads (like pizza dough). I’m still embracing whole grains, like brown rice and quinoa, but right now I need a little reset. Some people go on sugar detoxes; well, I require bread detox! I’ll add them back in soon enough, but a week without pizza never killed anyone…. right?
Eliminate BLTs. That would be BITES, LICKS and TASTES. As a mom, I’ve found myself in the all-too-familiar territory of eating when Hailey eats, even if I’m not hungry. If she doesn’t finish a meal, I’ll finish it for her. It’s gotten to where I don’t even notice it. Last night I went to snag a bite or two of her macaroni and peas, even though my dinner was up next. I stopped myself and it made me take note that I probably do this more often than I realize.
Drink Water. I used to be great at this, but it’s fallen by the wayside. I’m planning on filling my oversized bottle from the hospital when I had Hailey every morning. I want to drink at least two of those a day, which isn’t too hard when I just remember to do it.
Replace Coffee with Tea. I’m not a big coffee drinker. The caffeine makes me shaky and my heart flutter. Also, if I’m not diligent on drinking water, I feel coffee’s diuretic effects. Tea is much gentler on me.
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Daily. For allergies, for blood sugar control and for all the reasons listed here.
Be Consistent with Exercise. For me, this means 4 days at the gym, but extra kudos if I hit 5 days. I am not setting up a specific plan I must stick to, but right now I’m aiming for something similar to this-
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|
cardio |
run 2-3 miles |
run 2-3 miles |
AMRAP |
yoga |
run 2-3 miles |
|
strength |
arm workout |
leg workout |
WORKOUT |
or Pilates |
back and abs |
*Please note I’m not a professional trainer, so this is just a setup I feel will work for me based on my own experience
At Least 8 Hours of Sleep. Sometimes I get in a bad habit of playing on my phone when I should be going to sleep. I need to make sure it’s lights and electronics out at 10pm, so I’m well rested by my 6am wake up call.
So, that’s the plan! I started yesterday and dare I say I feel better already? It’s most likely all mental at this point, but having a game plan that isn’t too restrictive makes me feel empowered and excited to whip myself back into better shape!
What is your go-to tip when you need a reset?
Erica says
Love all these points! I especially love the BLT = BITES, LICKS and TASTES. I definitely have to be vigilant about all the extra calories I consume just from standing around in the kitchen or while I’m cooking. You and I approach weight loss in such a similar manner – just eat clean, be sure to work out and rest + hydrate. Such a simple formula but it works!
Whitney says
I know you don’t like the scale but it keeps me in check. I don’t obssess over it but it just lets me know where I stand. If the number is higher than I like then I eat cleaner that day and all is well. I think it can be a healthy tool for some people! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I totally think it can be a good tool, same as calorie counting, but it’s not for me right now. I’m not against a weekly weigh in for myself at all times, but right now I know it’s higher than I want it to be, and am avoiding the number proof- real mature, huh? 😉 All the proof I need is in my jeans right now. When they fit a little more comfortably, I wouldn’t be against hopping on. Thanks for the input! 🙂
Kelli says
I second the BLT this is me my 6&8 year olds never finish their dinners so last night I ate their fries funny b/c I would never make myself fries or any of it but it doesn’t count when I eat theirs so starting today I will do the same off limits !thx for this push I need
Parita says
Sounds like a great plan. Sometimes all you need is a little structure to get back on track. I kind of felt the same way after this weekend. With the start of a new week, I’ve decided to be a little more aware of what I’m eating and doing. No biggie!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
Water and planning ahead. Whenever I feel like I’m a bit off track I shoot for a gallon of water a day and it helps me feel refreshed, energized and ready to get back on track. As for planning ahead, I take a few days and keep it really simple with foods that I know feel good and work for me. Once you fight through the cravings for a day or two, you’re usually happy to be back on track. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I really ought to shoot for a gallon a day, though I might not be able to venture far from the bathroom 😉 That’s a lot more than I’m used to drinking!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
It’s a lot, but it really forces you to get back on track. 🙂 🙂 I actually really started thinking about it when I needed to lose just a few pounds for a weigh-in for a certification and it made SUCH a difference. Now I’m much more cognizant about how much water I drink. 🙂
Beth @ Mangoes and Miles says
Awh this sounds like a great plan! My go-to tip is to just scale back excessive amounts of unhealthy food. For example, if on a weekend we have pizza, and I go for my 4th slice, I’ll ask myself, “Do I REALLY want this 4th slice?” If I’m still hungry (which I probably won’t be) or if I’m still really craving the pizza, I’ll have it. But otherwise, those first 3 slices should cut it!
Brittany Dixon says
Haha! I love that most people say ‘one slice of pizza should cut it’ but yu say three! I’m TOTALLY with you on that 😉
blackhuff says
Consistency is key when you are trying to lose weight and fit into jeans 😉
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
BLTs can really get ya!! It is amazing how all of those extra bites, licks, and tastes can add up. I am definitely guilty of this when I am cooking.
Dana says
I’m with you on the weekend thing. I exercise regularly, eat well, drink lots of water, and get a decent amount of sleep Mon – Fri, but those two pesky weekend days… I like your no processed carbs idea. For just a week to get back on track. Will you be my sponsor when the pizza place down the road is calling my name? 😉
Brittany Dixon says
Only if you’ll be my sponsor when Papa Murphy’s calls to make sure we are ok when we don’t swing by on Friday night 😉
Chantal says
That’s a great plan! I’m trying to reset my eating because we’ve been “cheating” a lot.
char eats greens says
I need to get better with the drinking water thing too. I used to be SO protective of my water (like, wouldn’t let husband drink from my glass because I was keeping track of my mLs!), but now, I’m just horrible!!!
Nicole @ FruitnFitness says
BLT’s are hard for me and I’m not making meals for others. I have a hard time walking through the kitchen without grabbing something. I gained some weight this winter while training for a half, bad I’m running so I can eat all the food attitude, and now am trying to lose it by eating less processed foods and refined sugars. I’m still eating them but trying to do so in moderation rather than diving head first into the bag of chips.
Jodi says
Sounds like a great plan! I have felt completely and utterly out of control since Emmy was born. My appetite is crazy, way crazier than when pregnant, with breastfeeding this time around. Unfortunately, we cook healthy meals, but my snacking is terrible. And between chasing a toddler, taking care of an infant, a crazy job and lack of sleep, my exercise is at an all time low….:( I hope in the up and coming months to have some type of take charge plan, but right now I feel I am in survival mode…I don’t have but a couple lbs to go for prepreggo weight, but nothing fits right. I actually bought a new pair of white Jean crops from Ann Taylor just to have something that fits… Then I washed and really did put my jeans in the dryer.!?!? Aghhhh…. So much for having jeans that fit! Oh well, the babies are worth it, but I am ready to get my body back… At least there is a light at the end of the tunnel! (I think…) ;/
Brittany Dixon says
Kiddos are totally worth it! And though I can’t relate, I imagine with two that being in survival mode sticks around a bit longer. I think it’s a great idea to wear what fits and to be comfortable first and foremost. Don’t be too hard on yourself about low exercise. I’ve seen A run around and she most likely has you covering a couple miles a day 😉
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
Good plan! I only think things are restrictive when it’s a ridiculous calorie goal or huge groups of food cut. I am definitely in the sugar detox category as that is my weakness. For example, I gave myself a pass this weekend and had ice cream cake, fro-yo, candy and an ice cream sandwich. Plus a giant apple cinnamon muffin yesterday from the coffee shop to cap it off. I tend to eat better when I don’t eat sugar though it does mean I give into nacho cravings more often. I might need to try the processed carbs.
jenny says
I can’t tell you how much I love this! What a healthful approach to cleaning things up. And I also love the term “reset” instead of detox or diet. It makes it sound so doable. I will be starting my own reset soon…thanks for the inspiration!
Andrea says
I do three things when I find myself getting off track and those jeans just aren’t fitting right:
1. wear clothes that currently do fit right so I don’t feel too crappy about myself. If I feel crappy I have a tendency to let it keep sliding. If I feel good, I’m more likely to work towards a goal.
2. set a goal and work towards it. I am in the same boat as you so while I wear my comfy jeans, I signed up for a race and had my first training run yesterday. I am more dedicated to a plan when I have a race to train for (versus some arbitrary line drawn in the sand telling me what I should weigh and by when).
3. bribe myself. I’ve wanted the lululemon Studio pants for so long …I’ll buy them for myself if I find I’m sticking to a healthier eating and training plan.
Brittany Dixon says
GREAT idea about wearing clothes that fit. I spent a whole day squeezed into my too tight jeans feeling pretty crappy, then gave in and put on my older, slightly bigger jeans and it did make me feel better. Great advice- thanks!
Christina says
Thank you for reminding me to watch the “BLTs”….I swear those are the reason my jeans don’t fit!!! And I’m going to fill my water bottle right now…..
Thanks, as always, for keeping me motivated!
Sarah says
This sounds like a really solid plan! I love your acronym BLT – I am definitely guilty of that, too! My son is a little older so we all eat the same thing together at the table, but I will still totally finish his meal after I’ve eaten mine! And I think we all know that “eating for two” doesn’t really kick in until after the baby is born, so no excuses there!
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
Sounds like a great plan! I’ve been struggling with the sleep thing and haven’t been drinking nearly enough water, so I’ll join you in trying to shape up in those areas. 🙂
The Grass Skirt Blog
Brittany Dixon says
The more the merrier! People joining in helps keep me motivated too 🙂
Beth Sheridan says
Oh the BLT’s is SO true! My 2 1/2 year old never finishes anything and I ALWAYS finish his, never even thinking about it!
I am going to try to do the same basic plan except that I need to limit my SUGAR intake seriously!!
Jen says
Dying at BLTs haha. It’s SO true. Sometimes the only time I can get Wyatt to eat is if I let him feed me his food first. And we thought they only made us gain weight during pregnancy!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Great tips! I love your attitude about it all rather than getting all crazy about calories and numbers. You got this!
Kaitlyn @Keeping up with Kaitlyn says
These are great tips! Just what I needed to read as I get on my own trek to feel more comfortable in my jeans!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
I admire how you’re taking such a strong initiative on this! I think everyone’s jeans get a little tight sometimes, but as long as you realize that you need to clean up the diet a little bit, everything falls back into place pretty normally 🙂
The food you got looks wonderful!
Maria says
Haha. I love the Hailey photo. When I was a nanny, I was always eating what the kids ate (a LOT of goldfish crackers, fruit leather and juice boxes) and despite running around literally all day with them, I remember feeling and looking uhh, icky.
My favorite reset tricks (which work well for me): lots of green tea (which you mention), salads instead of sandwiches, plenty of eggs for protein, and getting in my 10k steps with my FitBit, even if it doesn’t mean a “formal” workout for the day.
Bookmarking this page though because your plan looks great to me – and, most importantly, realistic.
Brittany Dixon says
You make me want a fitbit! I have a feeling I’d get hooked on seeing the numbers go up. Not sure if that would be good for me mentally or not, but it sure sounds fun 🙂
Maria says
I’ve heard of a few people getting obsessed with their numbers and as someone who used to be obsessed with the scale, I was nervous at first too…but I’ve had it since December and am doing great with it! Best motivator to move 🙂 Also, it doesn’t hurt that my husband has one and I cannot let him beat me!
Gcroft says
Sounds like a good plan. I too am guilty of indulging just a little too much over the weekends despite being good Mon-Fri. We all need a gentle reminder from time to time to re-set the carb-clock.
sarah (the SHU box) says
sounds very reasonable!
re: processed carbs – nothing wrong with leaving them out for a while! but for the future — i have found a good balance by eating those things with some meals when i want them but avoiding carb-based snacks. i used to looove to hit up a box of crackers or tortilla chips before dinner and now i just don’t buy them. i’m wayyyy less likely to go overboard and spoil my dinner by eating cheese or almonds 🙂
Karen says
Good luck and I know you will get back in those jeans. I usually do exactly what you are doing. I take in a lot of protein and try are cut carbs and sugar (which can be hard for this sweet tooth).
jen says
girl, so glad to hear i’m not the only one. i have been at the upper end of “comfortable” for a couple of months now. i have been really bad about the BLTs too! especially in regards to almonds at my desk and tortilla chips at home. snack, snack, snack!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, those dang tortilla chips. I need to cut those out and get to another one of your Sunday morning classes. Gosh I wish I lived closer!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Yet another post where I am so happy that you ‘exist’ in the blog world. Seriously. I feel like what you are aiming to do is how I used to approach pretty much everything when it comes to food and fitness, and over the past year or so, somehow, I have gotten TOO extreme (in the “good” and “healthy” direction). I love how you truly practice moderation and seem so at peace with it. I don’t know if behind the scenes you are secretly having freak-out moments or not, but I know you are genuine and real, and you are just so refreshing.
Brittany Dixon says
This makes me wish I was going to Blend so we could chat about all this fun health stuff in person! Surprisingly I’m not flipping out behind the scenes-haha. Maybe I should be since my clothes don’t fit? 😉 Nah, the situation will correct itself when I stop pretending the weekends are free-for-alls!
Alyssa @ Road to RD says
Great plan! I really like the BLT thing. I took a healthy ways to weight loss for women class last year and one of the professor’s suggestions was to only eat when you’re sitting at a table. Meaning, no bites, licks, or tastes! I think you’re onto something with that.
Marie says
Hi Brittany: Quick question: do you refrigerate your Apple Cider Vinegar after opening? The bottle says that I do not need to? I’m starting drinking it today. Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
I don’t. I keep it on my counter next to the coffee mugs to remind me to drink it. Start with a small amount because it’s pretty strong and takes some getting used to. Let me know how it goes! 🙂
Amy @ {Life to the Full} says
After reading this post, I’m officially hitting the “reset” button for myself, too! Especially cutting back on processed carbs, drinking more water, and sleeping more. I’m consistently working out 6 days a week, but don’t have a set plan for arms & legs workouts… Great post – very motivating! You’ve motivated me to WRITE DOWN my plan; that’s the first step for me 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
YAY! I love when others join in. It helps keep me motivated, too, so thank you. And high-five to you for working out 6 days a week! That’s awesome.
Lauren K says
Good plan! I need to join you considering I am about 8-10lbs above my usual comfortable weight. My dinner of wine, bread and a taste of ice cream tonight didn’t help. 🙂 I did do spin and yoga so there was some balance but not enough!
Brittany Dixon says
Sounds like my kind of dinner! Well, not anymore. Guess I have to change that 😉 Though spin AND yoga certainly help to balance things out- good for you!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
Sounds like a great plan! I have to admit I’m guilty of the BLT’s too! My son won’t eat certain things sometimes until I’ve taken a bite. Lately I’ve been taking a bite then secretly spitting it out (without him seeing me) so he’ll eat it. Little stinker!
Victoria says
I stumbled across your blog about 2 weeks ago googling a recipe for something or another. At that time I was 30 lbs over the weight I wanted to be, miserable, wanting to change it but not really knowing where to start so I didn’t. Then I read one of your posts and I don’t know what hit me but all of a sudden I was inspired! I started eating clean and walking (I used to be able to full on run but I’m quite out of shape) and in 2 weeks I’ve already lost 5 lbs. I started meal planning and now my boyfriend and I have no excuses to eat out and I feel so much better! I’m not even close to the weight I want to be but I’m starting to actually feel good about myself again which I haven’t been in almost 2 years and I feel happy! So any who I just wanted to thank you for making this blog because if it wasn’t for this I don’t think I would have gotten that push to change my life.
Neil Butterfield says
You are feeling better already as you have made the decision. This take a truck load of energy to do. Well done and good luck.