Don’t get me wrong. I love leggings and have worn them for years. The same goes for sweatpants and pants with an elastic waist. Who wouldn’t? They are super comfortable.
But they have caused undue damage that is partially. . . okay. . . ALL my fault. My problem? They make me eat too much! That’s right! I pack on pounds without even knowing it when I wear them.
Stretch is great for comfort but not for your belly
I’m a foodie and live to eat. I’ve been like that since I was a little girl. Up until I was 45, I could eat to my heart’s content and barely gain an ounce. But after I turned 50, my figure turned on me. Suddenly, my pooch got poochier. . . and poochier . . . and poochier.
My legs were still okay. As a rectangle/apple shape, they have always been my best asset so I looked fine in skinny leggings with a long shirt or blouse. But as the years went by the scale started getting meaner. It’s easy to blame something other than yourself, right?
Toss your leggings in the donation bin
I switched to jeans which I always hated. They have never been very comfortable, but keep me in check. If I eat a morsel too much they scream at me. Mind you, I tried stretch jeans and they were a bust. They rode up my leg and looked awful.
My stretch jeans, leggings, and sweatpants have now been banished. Hopefully, someone else will appreciate them, or they are keeping a homeless person warm at night. I believe in recycling my clothes. It’s the ethical thing to do.
No more stretchy skirts
Up until now, all my skirts had elastic waistbands but they are gone too. Comfort is grand but too much makes you lazy. Click here if you love skirts.
Will I ever wear a belt?
I have to wear high-rise jeans or my will pants fall down. It has something to do with my flabby stomach. But, I found a hack for that. If I tie a shoelace through my back pant loops my pants will stay up. That way if I wear an un-tucked blouse I don’t get a belt bulge under it. Still, I’m looking forward to having a waist again so I can wear a belt. It’s getting there.
My plan is starting to work
I lost 15 pounds after implementing my no leggings, no stretch pants strategy. Between that, my mostly Mediterranean diet, and walking every day, it’s starting to pay off.
I look forward to having a waist again and I know it will happen if I keep doing what I am doing.
Check out these fashionable pants and skirts that button, zip, or clasp with no elastic to tempt you.
How about you? Stretch or non-stretch? Please leave a comment below.
WOW, congratulations! I have not seen my waist in decades, and am resigned that I never will again. I cannot bear giving up leggings, which I wear with long tops. Comfort is my mantra nowadays. I admire your motivation and willpower!
Believe me Meryl, I haven’t seen mine in decades either. But for me, wearing elastic is a big reason why. LOL
I wear jeans or jean shorts at least once a week or more but I will not give up my stretchy pants!
I know. It’s hard for me but I’m determined to get rid of my blubber. However, I sometimes wear my sweatpants and hoodie to watch TV at night. LOL
Gahhh! I just started wearing leggings after a lifetime of jeans. Now I’m re-thinking…
Well, Diane, they are comfortable as long as long as you can control what you eat. As a foodie, I have a problem with that. LOL
You are so disciplined! I love my elastics LOL but you are right
I’m trying. LOL