LOTS.
And if you know me, you probably already know much of what I’m going to say.
And if you are my mother, you are shaking you’re head.
Here’s the deal.
I love being healthy and feeling my best.
And I know being healthy isn’t only about weight, but I can tell you that part of me feeling my personal best is being about 15-20 pounds less that I am right now.
EVERY SINGLE YEAR I gain 15-20 pounds.
And EVERY SINGLE YEAR I lose 15-20 pounds.
It’s ridiculous.
And I’m fully aware it’s ridiculous.
But it’s what I do.
And every single year I say I’m not going to gain it back, but every single year I do.
January-ish through April-ish I lose the weight…
and then April-ish through December-ish I gain it back.
So…. it’s January (sigh), which means it’s time for me to start making better choices.
And please know that I FULLY REALIZE I should just make those better choices all year long, but I’m just not that dedicated.
And everybody that says “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.“, has clearly never eaten queso.
Or pie.
Or french fries.
Just sayin’.
Here’s something else you need to know about me.
Even though I can gain up to 20 pounds, I never buy a bigger size.
How is that possible?
Easy.
I just squeeze myself into my regular size and find myself quite uncomfortable for the majority of each day. That’s where I am right now.
Still fitting into my current clothes, but just incredibly uncomfortable doing so.
So, it’s time to get busy this year!
And while I’m not dedicated year-round, when I do start this journey every year, I GET SERIOUS. And Monday (January 19th) is my start day.
So, what have I been doing to prepare?
1)
Pinning work-outs that I can do at home.
2)
Pinning recipes that are healthy and look yummy!
3)
Buying cute and functional new work-out gear!
And let’s be honest….there’s a 4.
4)
Eating basically whatever I want to because I know my days are numbered.
It’s just who I am.
#bringonthequeso
So, we will get to some of my work-out and recipe pins in a minute, but first I want to share my new work-out gear with you!
For the last 2 years I’ve been hearing from many of you that the Zella brand at Nordstrom is where it’s at. I’ve mentioned Zella on the blog several times because of this, and it’s always gotten a great response from y’all, but I’ve never tried it myself.
So when Nordstrom reached out to see if I wanted to talk about Zella Activewear, I was so excited!
So I scoured the site, read lots and lots of reviews, and placed an order!
I ordered lots because since I’d never worn the brand, I didn’t now what sizes and pieces would work the best on me.
Basically, the reviews all say a lot of the same thing:
The gear is well-constructed.
It stays in place during workouts.
It’s slimming.
It’s stylish.
It’s long-lasting and washes well.
FOR SIZE REFERENCE ON ZELLA GEAR:
When reading reviews, many people suggest sizing up in Zella gear, so that’s what I did in the tops.
I got mediums in the tanks, the sports bra, and the jacket…and I’m glad I did.
I wanted to make sure the pants weren’t baggy, so I still got a small in those.
And again, I’m glad I did.
I do feel like I need to write a small disclaimer before you see all of the pics of me in the gear.
I want to be up front and honest about the fact that I wasn’t even breathing in these pictures.
No lie. Like I was sucking in so hard that I was unable to breathe.
Plus, my selfie angle (above the right shoulder and angled slightly down) is seriously slimming.
Try it and see for yourself!
Here’s hoping in a couple of months I will be able to rock the work out gear AND
breathe at the same time. 😉
SO LET’S GET TO THE GEAR!
I really liked this combo, and I felt a little bit more fit just putting it on. For realz.
jacket HERE / tank HERE / capri pants HERE / sneakers HERE / $8 stud earrings HERE
THESE capri pants have 176 5 STAR Reviews!
Again, for size reference: medium in tan and jacket / small in capri pants
Here’s what one reviewer had to stay about the capri pants:
I have several pairs of the Zella Capris that I wear to work out in. They stay in place whether you are doing Zumba, strength training or running and do not roll down like many other brands do in this style. I hope Zella continues to make these for many years and that Nordstrom’s continues to carry this brand!
This is what I read over and over again (and heard from several friends). It seems that the best thing about Zella gear is the fact that it STAYS PUT. It sounds like a lot of other gear out there (even though it’s more affordable) rolls down during a work out. That’s no good!
In this next picture you can also see the the straps of the sports bra I’m wearing under the tank.
You can find the sports bra HERE.
For size reference, I’m wearing a medium in the sports bra. But BEWARE, when I took the medium out of the box, it looked like it was made for a toddler. But it stretched in all the right places and fit great! It gave great support, but it wasn’t uncomfortable!
The jacket is amazing.
You can find the jacket HERE (ON SALE!)
I really like the double zipper, and I love that the collar can be popped!
Also, I wasn’t sure what the purpose of the thumb holes was, but I read about it….and the jacket coming down over your hands serves two purposes: to keep your hands warm and to keep the sleeves from riding up during a work out. Um, GENIUS about the sleeves not riding up.
Since the jacket I’m wearing has limited quantities, you can click HERE for all versions of the Deja jacket (regular and plus size) in various colors!
SHOP THE ABOVE LOOK FOR YOURSELF:
OUTFIT CHANGE!
All of the small thumbnail pics say they are $110, but when I checked the link this morning, they are actually ON SALE right now for $89.94!
Some different choices for tops here:
Choices for bottoms here:
A great selection of plus-size Zella active wear
However, when we moved, we didn’t bring the bike with us.
So now, here I am, needing to get started, without my bike.
I decided to do what I always do, I turned to Pinterest!
I have pinned some (what look to be) easy at-home workout routines.
And I’ve pinned some “skinny” recipes.
Also, the last several years I’ve used the “Lose It” app. to track my caloric intake and my calories burned. It really helps me to see it in black and white. The app is free, so check it out!
Find my GET HEALTHY board HERE!
Here are a couple of the pins that I’m most excited about. I know that the best way for me to make good food choices is to have good food on hand!
I will throw these wraps together for easy lunches at the house, and maybe pair it with some veggie soup! Click HERE.
Click HERE for this tex mex chicken salad.
Click HERE for a chickpea salad with a honey lime dressing.
I also pinned this workout.
Although the hubby just looked at it and said he thinks it might kill me.
And I think he might be right.
So….this year I’m going to change something.
Mom, I now you are hoping I’m just going to say that this is going to be the year that I just stay healthy all year long.
Sorry, no dice.
This year I’m not even going to act like I’m not going to gain it back.
🙂
SO, MONDAY…IT’S GO TIME!
Let’s all get healthy (and swimsuit ready) together! Heck, let’s just all get to the place where we don’t have to unbutton our jeans in the car when we are at a stoplight. Not that I’ve ever done that myself. 😉
Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!
And please, if you have ever tried Zella, leave your thoughts in the comments below!
xoxo,
Sheaffer 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Love you friend! I love you just as you are…always perfect. This winter, Erika, Narci and I want you to come to the gym with us! I promise that we'll have fun (sort of…). XO
Wish U.S Were Here says
I hear ya sista! I feel exactly the same right now. Operation eat healthy starts next week! 🙂
Anonymous says
I used to be one of those Lulu devotees. And then I got a pair of Zella pants from sister one year, and now I'm a Zella girl. Their stuff is awesome and it really lives up to all the hype!
Lauren says
Love Zella workout gear! Anniv sale is really the best time to stock up. Also, I've always hated working out and now I love it! My studio does piyo which you can totally do at home and combines Pilates and yoga moves with strength and flexibility training. Honestly it's life changing!
Anonymous says
I have 3 sisters, and we all wear Zella work out gear like it's our job. Two of us work out (1 actually runs marathons), and two of us don't…..and yet we all still wear it. I happen to be one of the ones that doesn't work out, and I just wear it around the house and doing errands. It's obviously very comfy, but I still look cute and like I'm dressed.
Kellyann Rohr says
Sheaffer you are so funny! Every year you say you gain all this weight but you never look like it! You are gorgeous all the time and definitely know how to dress. I wish you well on your journey, I'm cheering you on!
Klm513 says
I love Zella workout gear!!!! I used to only wear lululemon but Zella's pants are all around better! I have the same "get healthy" start date, best wishes!!!
Erika Slaughter says
You're also a professional at hiding it!!! I can never tell that you've gained weight!!!
laurasyes says
I love Zella ! I have the capri and regular length of the live in leggings . I love them! The regular length I wear all the time just as regular leggings – they don't look "active " at all. I have run two half marathons in the capris – that's how comfy they are ! They don't slip or ride up, even while running .
Lyndsey says
Love me some Zella! And you look fab in it!!
Stephanie Jennings says
You are beautiful and never look different. At least you gain and lose the same 15-20 pounds. I gain 5, lose 1. Gain 6 lose none. Ugh! I'm looking forward to hearing your journey. It will help motivate me. I'm not a gym person, but I use exercise DVDs. Have you tried that? My problem is the eating. Keep pinning those recipes, I'll check them out. Have a great day 🙂
Valarie says
I just bought my first pair of Zella leggings and so far so good! They are comfy and stay in place when I do workout (usually running and some strength exercises). They also wash EXTREMELY well!! Thank's for keeping it real with us about the weight loss, your brutal honesty is always appreciated 🙂 Happy Friday!!
Leigh says
You never look like you gain a pound! I too yoyo with my weight every year (well I've had 2 kids the past 5 years so let's not count pregnancy weight). My youngest is 7 months and I lost the pregnancy weight plus 15 pounds extra super fast. Well here I sit having gained lots of it right back. So now I'm not pregnant but still carrying an extra 20 pounds. Yuck. I need motivation. Maybe I'll put pictures of models in bikinis on my fridge DJ Tanner style. Do you remember that? Lol
Sallie says
Gosh, I do the same thing . . . every year! Hate it, but at least I know I am going to get it off!
Liked your Get Healthy board. . . and by the way, LOVE my new plaid coat!!!
Anonymous says
I bought my first pair of Zella workout pants this summer when they were on sale. I LOVE them. I've gotten another pair since!
Kathleen Boney says
I can't even express how much I love this post. It is honest, it is realistic and it is me. Thank you for letting me know I am not alone in the yearly yo yo weight. Here's to us getting healthy!
Courtney {Alkeks Abroad} says
I love your honesty! I've been on the fence about trying Zella out but I think you have convinced me to make my first purchase!
Anonymous says
Here's to a woman who actually tells the truth, I love it. You never look like you gain, whichsis hard to do when your not tall!… How much do you weigh at your heavier times.. I'm guessing 120, your beautiful, funny, and aamazing
Anonymous says
You always look great, but good luck on your weight loss journey. I think having a dog and walking it several times a day has helped me lose 10 pounds and was fairly easy.
nichole says
Most of my running gear is lucy. Do the pants or the jacket have a zipper pocket? I like to stash my key in one of those while I'm out on a run.
Alyssa Lopez says
Most Zella pants have a tiny pocket in the top seam that's the perfect size for a key 🙂 It doesn't zip, but it would be REAL hard for the key to fall out. And their jackets almost always have zipper pockets!
Kristen says
I love you! #4 is sooooo me!!! I can justify anything! 🙂
Tory says
Love it! I have recently been doing workout videos at home from PopSugar. They are so awesome! And most of them are short and to the point so I don't waste a lot of time!
Leiah says
OMG I am exactly the same! I always always end up gaining a happy minimum 10 lbs during the winter. I have been telling myself for the last 3 weeks that I am starting new, and every day a new delicious treat overrides my desire for the gym. My cute new workout clothes have been hiding in the dresser drawers getting zero use. I am with you – let's do work and look great this summer! (And then eat like crazy come fall ;))
Bridgette Langdon says
Hi there! I love how motivated you are, and I've been hunting down a variety of workouts lately, as well. I came across an amazing app called the 7-Minute Workout, which I've been using every day for several weeks now. You can do all the exercises at home and all you need is a chair for a couple of the workouts. I wrote about it on my blog here: http://letloveguideus.com/archives/2964 and highly recommend for those days where you're just swamped!
Alyssa Lopez says
Quick tip! The Live-In leggings are reversible! SO, the slight sheen you see can be flipped around and put on the inside and VOILA! No more sheen, perfect leggings to wear with EVERYTHING! Love my Live-In leggings – I used to work in Active at Nordies and own 4 pairs of Live-In leggings. I now teach and wear them 80% of the time during fall/winter/spring. It's probably an unhealthy attachment, but I love my Zella leggings!
Jodi says
I have a Zella hoodie zip up and I do love it because it is so cozy however on someone with a long torso it is a tad short. I still wear it though I just put a long tank under it. Problem solved!
V @ X-tremely V says
First of all, you always make me laugh! Love the new workout clothes and shoes! But girl, you look great! If I could look like that without working out and eating what I want I would take it!!
Kara says
I love all things Zella. Seriously, I like them better than the lulu that I have splurged on. I don't see them on Nordstrom.com anymore, but my favorite pair is the Zella booty pants. I love the material and that they hold you in so well. I need to try the live in leggings next 🙂
Anonymous says
I would absolutely LOVE if you could keep doing status updates and check ins. I need some help getting motivated and would love to lose some LBS.
PS. gave my mom the blardigan for Christmas along with some bauble bar goodies! She is obsessed! Thank you! Xo Mallory
Cory says
I LOVE Zella! I own five pairs of the live-in leggings, three tops, and one tunic. (Thank god my hubby doesn't read this blog!) The Zella prices are amazing and I honestly think the quality is better than lululemon. Yup…I said it!
KB says
Wait, you're saying my Christmas tree shouldn't still be up now that it's mid-January?!? 🙂
Queen In Between says
I love, love, love Zella live in capris and seriously stalk them for sale time. The quality is great and I can wear them for any of the workouts I choose. By the way…am I the only one who is only thinking about you on that darn exercise bike at the top of your stairs during this "get fit-athon" last year?? I totally remember seeing that and cracking up!
Narci says
Okay. First, where do you put your extra weight each year BECAUSE I NEVER SEE IT? Also, I second you joining our gym. I think you would like it!!!! ❤️
Kaylee Steiner says
Just in case you stick to working out at home, I can tell you the BEST two workouts-both by Jillian Michaels from biggest loser. These are AMAZING. I can always tell a difference the next day. Seriously. After doing one or both videos consistetly for a week, I promise you will feel so much stronger and skinnier. And they are both on Youtube…legally…by the company that produces them.
First: 6 week 6 pack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ8Zdj0OPMI
Second: No more trouble zones (full body with light weights workout): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfkuK3mMowM
(With the 2nd one, I can only ever do like 2 or 3 of the circuits for the first week of doing it, and doing just half of the video kills me personally. Just don't get discouraged if you can only do half or less of it the first few times. It's still a killer) 🙂
Good luck!
Brittany says
Did you not get/like the on sale Zella jacket you posted earlier to IG/FB?
Lisa says
3rd try commenting is the charm?? I love my Zellas! Much prefer them to Lulu (their quality has gone down!! + the $$) I personally prefer the sheen side because I hate when leggings aren't the blackest of black (…the must have Hues :(…)
ALSO you're first reader commenter in the post need not worry – Zella is a Nordstrom brand – so they'll will definitely continue to stock/sell 🙂
EMC says
I just got my first pair of Live in Leggings and a jacket. Love them both. My sister told me that Zella is the sister company to Lululemon??
Hannah says
I love the Zella leggings for everyday wear but will say I don't love them for running. I am constantly pulling at them and pulling them up.
Sarah Kuykendall says
I love, love, love your honesty!!
The Rohman Family says
Bring it. It'll be Chick-fil-a for every meal until Monday morning and then I'm losing it. 10 pounds…that's what it will take to get back to the "comfortable" range for me.
Amanda Bajin says
Love your pins of heathy eats!! Really, can you wear Live in Leggings to work and with tunics????! I'm nervous. I may bite the bullet and try!! Thanks!! Definitely trying your selfie pose too…you're too cute!! xoxo
The Calhoun Clique says
You are hysterical and I love your honesty! Last summer I was pregnant so I didn't have to worry about swimsuit season. Uhh!
Paula says
We could be one in the same! EVERY year I gain, EVERY year I lose. EVERY year I say I will not do this again. EVERY year I forget that promise. And your #4, cram it in before "the date", um….totally do that too!
You're so cute and quite funny!
BTW, I bought the blue plaid jacket per your recommendation! Should be here next week! Excited!
Vesti says
I love this post…because I do the exact same thing!! Always happy to hear I'm not alone!
Lori says
I don't know how you do it. If I gain even 8 pounds I have to change sizes. But I'm only 5' 1" so there is really nowhere for it to go… That's when I start living in yoga pants.
But for at-home fitness, I have the answer. Check out Suzanne Bowen Fitness online. I am not a rep and get nothing from this, I'm just telling you because it is awesome. I have been doing her streaming workouts for about 9 months now and I still love it. It's a fusion of barre, interval cardio, pilates and strength training. You can choose workouts from 10-45 minutes and there are TONS to choose from (and she adds new ones all the time). She is also adorable and will make you think she is your new BFF (please don't tell me she's not really my BFF, because I'm sure she is). You can try it free for 48 hours- TRY IT!
Your blog is the best. It's my favorite new addiction of 2015.
StacyHudson says
I'm just starting to jump into the Zella world of fashion. 🙂 For years I've always bought from Lululemon but it seems their quality is slipping a little. I also love Athleta. But let me tell you…I just got THESE in the mail this week and I wore them for three days straight. What I look for in my workout clothes are fun colors and prints…because it makes me more excited to put them on and actually GET to the gym. You really need to try them on. Very fun colors and a great fit/feel. I'm 5'5" and they are long but because they are reversible I just cuffed them. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/zella-live-in-cosmic-space-dye-reversible-leggings/3975045?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=945&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_3_A
Sheaffer says
Thank you Stacy! I just put this on facebook!!!!!!! I LOVE them!
Jessica says
Thank you for being real! It's so refreshing to read! Check out Moms Into Fitness for at-home workouts. The workouts are intense but 30 min or less so you can get back to your day. There is a calendar telling you exactly what to do each day (which I personally need!) She also has tons of free workouts posted to her Pinterest boards.
MorganizewithMe says
You are so real and I love that! If you ever have any health/fitness questions I'd be happy to help, but you look fab! I always feel I have to refocus in January…after all the holiday "extras"!.
Steph. says
Read "Trim Healthy Mama." It will change your life 😉
Haven't tried Zella but I do work out and I love those cosmic leggings another reader posted! So fun!
Jill Sloothaak says
I can't wait to try these leggings! I can't believe I've never heard of them before. I like using workout DVDs to exercise at home. I just got Jillian Michaels' "Ripped in 30" and HOLY COW…..it's tough. It's only $7 on Amazon! Can't go wrong! I also really like her "Banish Fat Boost Metabolism" and "No More Trouble Zones" workouts. Good luck!! 🙂
katk17 says
I just discovered how to avoid panty lines when wearing yoga pants because I guess the hiney covering rule may not apply when working out ?!? Anyway, under armour makes some underwear that are made for this! They are one size which is weird but I got the brief style. Love them! I got them at a local store but I think I saw them at Dick's too.
-C- says
I love this! Every girl needs a new set of workout clothes! I also love how you said, "Nothing tastes like how skinny feels" has never eaten queso"!! That is so true! It's all about moderation 🙂 Thanks for sharing all your finds. I was so excited to see Nike pegasus came out with a new color! Good luck with your fitness adventure! You will do great!
Melissa H. says
Add a little coconut oil at every meal. It is healthy and will curb your appetite!
Aleessa Epstein says
I seriously am shocked that you have gained weight! I was just thinking over the last few months how skinny you've been looking!! Honestly your pics make it seem you've lost weight! You obviously know your angles lol! Don't be too hard on yourself, even if u have gained weight you are still rocking those clothes!!