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Dumping Old Clothes and Body Image Issues, Too

One of the best feelings when you’re losing weight is when you pull on a pair of jeans that used to be tight and they fall right off of you.

Maybe you wear them with a belt. But when they get so big that even a belt won’t do, it’s time to give them away.

I know, I know.

You’re thinking: “But what if I gain my weight back and need this pair of pants?”

Let’s think about this.

If you’ve reached your goal weight and the pants are one size up, I’d keep them in the closet.

I think gaining a couple pounds over the holidays or during a vacation is a pretty common occurrence. These are pounds that you can quickly shed when you get home and resume your exercise routine and healthy eating habits.

I’m referring to the pants that you wore 20 pounds ago.

Yes, that pair.

I think it’s important to make a commitment to your health by deciding you no longer wear that size and have no intention on wearing it again.

“But I paid a lot of money for those pants,” you say.

Isn’t losing weight more valuable?

Aren’t you and your health more valuable?

When you fill up that donation bag with old, baggy clothes, it’s taking one more step on your weight loss journey. You’re accepting a new body image of yourself.

I believe that once you do that, the odds are in your favor that the weight will stay off.

For good.

Alice Warchol is a freelance health writer and fitness instructor.

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