That post title might be a bit misleading. You see, over the years, I’ve learned how to manage my weight (within the same 5-7 pounds anyway), but I’m not exactly fit. I think there’s a difference between thin and fit, and I’m probably somewhere in between.
I’ve had a few gym phases in my adult life, when I was all about fitness, but as jobs, schedules, and responsibilities grow, my dedication to staying fit wanes.
Maybe that’s an excuse…okay, of course it’s an excuse. We have time in our lives for what we prioritize. But honestly, at this point in my life, I’m not so worried about those extra seven five pounds, that I’m willing to make the sacrifices needed to get them off. (I’m looking at you, tacos!)
But at the same time, I know I feel better when I get out and move. I know fresh air helps to calm my anxieties and clear my mind. And regardless of what the scale reads, I know some form of daily exercise is good for my health. And I now know, cute and comfortable workout clothes are more likely to get me doing it!
Athletic clothes have never been high on my radar…and I honestly thought they were pretty much all the same, with the exception of the name brands and price tags. I’ve owned plenty of workout shorts and pants over the years, and never really cared one way or another about any of them. They got the job done.
Until I discovered Zella pants last year. They were literally ground-breaking for me…to the point that I couldn’t stop talking about them, or wearing them. Before I knew it, I was doing laundry just to make sure my one pair of Zella pants would be clean for the next day! I found them so comfortable, I started pulling them on even when I had no intention of exercising…which usually leads to me actually exercising!
At this point, I’ve only tried the capri-length (check out all those 5-star reviews!), but the reviews on the full-length and boot-cut are just as good. I’m just too hot-natured for longer pants, but love that these fully cover my thighs. #aintnobodywantstoseemejiggle
Miss Maggie has not only brought our family huge amounts of joy, but she’s another reason why I get out and move everyday. I’m not doing anything strenuous…usually just walking…sometimes for a long walk, other times it’s just around the block. Mr. SP and I take her for long walks on the weekend, and use the time to catch-up and reconnect. And now that the weather is nice and the days are longer, the whole family goes for a walk after dinner.
You know I love a good jumping pic! But how obvious is it I wasn’t a cheerleader?!
It’s taken me a lot of years to embrace the shape and size God gave me, and now I’m grateful for what my body has given me, and all it allows me to do. Sure, sometimes I wish parts of me were different or smaller, but never enough to pass up tacos, or drinks with the girls. I’ll never be that girl picking at a dressing-free salad and sipping water, because no one ever lay on their deathbed wishing they’d skipped dessert!
What tips do you have for staying fit and keeping your weight in check? Have you tried Zella clothes before, and are you as obsessed as I am?!
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*This post is written in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothes, tips & awkward jumps are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
Zella stuff is the best! I'm slowly working my way up to a wardrobe of them!
Such a healthy approach to body image and size – thank you for that! Life is too short for constant dieting and fretting over sizes. A healthy lifestyle is key and your tips make perfect sense.
i loved reading this and i feel the same- i pretty much stay in the same range of weight and use my clothes- rarely stepping on a scale. i do exercise a lot though- i run 4 mornings, walk long walks 2 mornings, and then walk the dogs each afternoon for a second long walk. the thing i can't get into is the weights…. i go through phases with that. i do need to eat better- not what i eat but just eat less. 😉 i allow myself a cheat on the weekend, and i eat a big bowl of ice cream, but in my defense it's usually a day i have run at least 8 miles- ice cream well earned, IMO. i think we all just have to find the balance that works for us and our bodies and our families individually. what i do works for me- i love getting out before dawn with a friend and running together… and i also love having special time with my dogs out on a walk. those are activities that calm my incessant brain and make living with me more bearable for the fam. 😉 anyhow… sorry for the super long rambly comment!
I am a huge Zella fan! I used to be solely dedicated to a fancy schmancy workout clothing brand whose name rhymes with Hulu :), but I now own several Zella pieces and like them just as much. Your approach is similar to mine. I've gone through phases, but generally, I just know being active is good for me and I can't give up Mexican food. One thing that actually helped me was getting a Fitbit to keep track of my steps. On days that I don't move as much, it motivates me to get moving!
I think your energy level says so much about your overall health…and girl, you have energy for daaaaaaaays!
I had not heard of Zella, can't wait to check it out! What a balanced, healthy approach to eating and activity! I work out quite a bit to offset my raging sweet tooth!
I'm in need of cute workout clothes. I try daily to workout and use a weight tracker app (knock off weight watchers) to keep my weight in check. Measuring food proportions helps a lot, tons of water, and a small dessert at night is enough to satisfy sweet cravings.
Thanks for sharing these tips! I love the idea of eating dinner on smaller plates and am going to try this out! I agree about the chocolate chips and try to have dark chocolate chips on hand for this exact reason! Love your outlook on life and really enjoy your blog 🙂
I just tend to live by the mantra that a fat dog means the owner isn't exercising enough. 😂 If I walk enough to keep Miley's weight in check, I'm usually pretty consistent on my own weight.
I love Zella! Nordstrom always has a few pairs in the Anniversary sale, so that's when I picked up my first pair! After my athletic days in high school, I didn't focus on diet or exercise. After a few years, I was over 200 lbs. When I knew we were ready to start a family, I made it a priority to lose weight so I could have a more healthy pregnancy. I've been able to maintain a healthy weight ever since then (going on 8 years). I still struggle with my diet (bring on the tacos), but am trying to find a more consistent balance.
My one fitness tip is to move with friends! Most nights during the week, my girlfriends and I head up to the park with kids in tow. The kids play and we workout. It's been so fun to spend some time with them, and get our kiddos moving too!
I have to say that you look perfect and very pretty. You have that inner joy and peace that money cannot buy. Miss Maggie is adorable.
Girl I'm a fitness instructor and gym owner and I live in workout clothes. I have never tried zella! I will give it a shot! For tips and tricks to staying FIT please have a look at my blog http://www.abercrombieandFITness.wordpress.com I'm no pro at blogging but I have years of experience in the FITness industry! love your blog!
Dogs can inspire you to move more–I'm out with my dog in all weather, she won't let me slack. Love your philosophy and the cute workout clothes!
We love taking family walks outside in the evening too! Getting out in the fresh air is so much better than sitting around watching too much tv at night. You (and your figure) are darling!! Thankful to have shared many good meals with you friend!
Cute workout clothes! But a serious question here…does the tank have a built in bra? I run and bike often and a sports bra is a must. Can't have my girls all over the place…#realtalk. Thanks for the recommendation. Zella is on my radar now.
My Zella pants are some of my absolute favorites! I also love Fabletics. I just love this post. I'm at this point in my life with fitness/weight. I love a good run to clear my head, but I don't let it stress me out if I don't get it in on a consistent basis. I'm happy with the way I look, and my clothes definitely tell me if I need to watch what I eat for a few days. Thanks for your honesty.
Good for you! I don't think that people who keep their weight at the right level get enough applause! Yes, it's a great accomplishment to lose 50, 100 lbs, or more. However, I don't think that people generally appreciate the dedication and self control required for many of us to never become overweight in the first place.
"I'll never be that girl picking at a dressing-free salad and sipping water, because no one ever lay on their deathbed wishing they'd skipped dessert!"
Amen Sister!! I also find that the clothes you choose can really camouflage those extra 5 pounds and no one is the wiser! But you look great in tighter fitting clothing! I want all of your dresses. 🙂
You look great in athletic wear, too! I appreciate your honesty and advice on staying healthy and eating right, bit leaving room for snacks and treats.
Such a great post! I need to take notes FO SHO! And great pics of you and Miss Maggie!
I stay fit and slim and healthy by following a whole foods plant based diet that is also very delicious!!!!. Being healthy is the most important part to me and being able to be thin while not starving myself and counting calories is a bonus. I eat very little processed foods which have chemicals that are not good for you. I used to eat all the diet crap to try to stay thin and have found out how bad that is for your body. I also do some weight training as keeping muscle mass is very important as we age. I find cute workout clothes at TJ Maxx and Marshalls-designer at a big discount. Great book I recommend is "How Not To Die" by Dr. Michael Gregor.
Thanks for the tip, Jeannie…I'll def check that book out! xo
Welcome! He also has a daily short video or blog you can checkout for free at nutritionfacts.org that covers all health/food related topics. They are all based on scientific studies and he takes no money from industry. Yes I am a nerd on this stuff. I love your blog. Always makes me smile/laugh which is also very healthy 🙂 Thanks
I use the chocolate chip trick to satisfy my sweet tooth too. Trader Joe's chocolate chips are my fave.
YES!! There's are bigger, it seems, right?!?!
So the capri length – are they really capri length on us vertically challenged girls (5'0") and all 'capri' length clothes fit my like hi-pants! I wud luv to find some that were cute and fit correctly.
The capri length fit me just below the knee (I pull them up a tad so they hit at the narrow part)…and I'm 5'4". 🙂 xo
Since I'm taller (5'10) I like old navy's high rise work out pant. It also holds in the pooch 😉 I have been strength training twice a week for a year, walk at least 3 times a week during my lunch breaks and work hard during the summer on our 3+ acres. Since making fitness a priority, I find I want to do more!
Since I'm taller (5'10) I like old navy's high rise work out pant. It also holds in the pooch 😉 I have been strength training twice a week for a year, walk at least 3 times a week during my lunch breaks and work hard during the summer on our 3+ acres. Since making fitness a priority, I find I want to do more!
I write a healthy living blog. Please check it out. http://bit.ly/1yFOyK2 or follow me on facebook…http://on.fb.me/ZTIm4O