I read the comics first thing every morning. Okay, here is a confession: I read the paper while I eat breakfast and lunch. I’ll say more on that a little later, but the funnies are my priority.
I loved the strip yesterday in Non Sequitur by Wiley Miller. The Dad is going on a date, and he can’t fit into any of his good slacks. He tells his daughters that he wore sweatpants all winter, so he didn’t realize how bad his eating habits had become.
Danae, his um “challenging” daughter, says it proves her theory that sweatpants make you fat. I’ll second that.
When I first started working at home, largely by phone, it was natural go for comfortable pants with elastic waists. It was just so easy; but I didn’t like the results.
The scale said I weighed the same amount, but my jeans no longer fit as comfortably. I don’t know if my weight redistributed to my waist or if I lost muscle tone: probably both.
How our clothes fit is a good indicator of when we are getting smaller – or bigger.Always wearing loose clothes can mean that we don’t notice the changes, like what happened to Joe in the comic strip.
I don’t mean to suggest that you should wear clothes that are tight or uncomfortable. That is not good either; just find the right balance that works for you.
I got corduroy pants that are soft and have a relaxed fit at the waist – but enough tone that I can still feel them. It reminds me to keep some muscle tone (although I still could use more!)
Has anyone else noticed changes from wearing primarily sweatpants? Is it just me or have you noticed it too?
Oh – and about reading while you eat. Reading can take away your mindfulness, so this needs to be an individual decision. I read the newspaper and I don’t get overly involved so I’m still paying attention to what I eat. Usually I don’t eat more (than if I wasn’t reading) and I thoroughly enjoy my meal – but it is something to tune in to.
When clients ask me about watching TV or reading while they eat, I suggest they experiment. Is it different when they stop the activity? Do they eat less or enjoy it more? That is what you need to know to decide if it works for you or not.
Cheers!
Find more nutrition information, my Mindful Eating CD, and my monthly newsletter on my website: http://healthyhabitscoach.com.
Eat well!