New Way to Cut baggage weights

Congratulations on your weight lose. That is an interesting way to “Lessen the load” so to speak. We were able to lose a few pounds during the lockdown but not enough to buy clothes with less material. We’re Happy to fit into those clothes at the back of the closet, and figure we have “new” travel clothes when things open up.

Frank II, as someone who is going in the opposite direction, I can say the converse is true as well. But I do think its important to note that, as someone once pointed out to me here in the forum, bigger people need bigger clothes, shoes, etc., so the packing light mantra doesn't always help.

Frank, I did the same thing. My calculations indicated I had 15 OZ less weight but I like to round up to a pound. More importantly, less stress when I'm pushing/pulling my bag. My back has thanked me.

Well done Frank!

At the beginning of this mess, I used my extra free time wisely and boosted my exercising and was eating well. I was looking and feeling good! But then I went back to work full time, and things are challenging there (customer facing role). I've regressed. Now I'm significantly up compared to pre-Covid, and bought bigger pants.

I keep saying today's the day I'll make the change -- but I must confess there are cupcakes in the kitchen!

Even though I exercise almost every day and try to be careful about what I eat, I have gained back the 10 pounds I lost on 3 trips to Europe from June-Oct last year. I just can't make myself walk 4-6 miles a day at home.

covid-belly = going the wrong way. Speaking just for myself.

While Nigel May have Covid belly I’ve got a pandemic paunch.

Above posters are all assuming that the pounds you have lost are from yr person (if so, congratulations)

If, upon strictest reading, less pounds for the suitcase just mean the clothes have less fabric, please put yr slacks back on and stop wearing yr speedo to the grocery store. :)

I have lost quite a bit of weight since COVID. Hadn’t thought how helpful it may be for less travel clothing!

I have lost about 10 kilo / 20 pounds since the lockdowns started. Not enough to move to smaller clothes yet as I was doing good to button up what I had and was too stubborn to get larger clothes when I should have. I am not doing anything on purpose, but living alone I have no one to blame but myself if there are things to eat around that I shouldn't. The pandemic coincided with my retirement, so I am no longer eating the free comfort food provided by the company cafe 2 meals a day anymore, I'm sure that is helping.

I'm hoping that smaller sizes will positively affect my light packing when I finally get to travel again. But the 50 pounds I lost in the past 18 months was for health reasons, not so I could pack lighter.

Staying home because of Covid has actually resulted in fewer calories and carbs going into my mouth. We haven't eaten out or gotten take-out or bought anything other than a latte in a drive-through since mid-March.

The size drops were so dramatic that I literally had to replace about 95% of my clothes. (Pobrecita 😉!) I looked hilarious in things that had been tight before, even though my skeleton remains the same and so do my feet.

My replacements are fewer, different and almost all are good for travel. It's amazing what's available in regular misses vs. plus sizes 😊.

I think that's a win win win. Better health, new clothes, lighter packing. I hope to add another win by traveling next year.

I just can't make myself walk 4-6 miles a day at home.

I have the same problem when I return from a trip to France. I think it's because in the course of my walks in France there's often a winery, a boulangerie or a cheese shop to motivate me to keep walking. Of course those things also negate the effect of all that walking.

During my cycling days that was my approach. Instead of worrying about shaving five pounds from my bike frame, I just took ten off of the bike's engine. Better all the way around.

Great job!! Dropping a size is great. For sure it will save ounces on your luggage.

I put on 20 pounds during quarantine but drop 11 already. I’ve been doing intermittent fasting, keto diet and HIIT too. I would love to drop a size too.

Pre-covid my wife went to the pool and gym. Since she cannot do that now, she spends that time making cookies etc.

Needless to say, I am jealous of those who have been able to lose weight..... but YUMM they are really are good cookies, can I send you some...PLEASE

Time to get the dust-buster and clean the keyboard.....

Frank II,

Congratulations! You've been able to succeed where many others have tried and failed (including me). I'm constantly trying to lose weight but so far have only achieved limited success. Even if I do lose a few pounds, my clothes will probably still fit so I won't be buying a newer and lighter travel wardrobe. Since I always check one bag, weight is not a huge concern.

We do takeout about once a week to help restaurant workers.

We'd probably do takeout if we lived in town, but living about an hour drive from the center of Tucson makes it a challenge we're not willing to meet.

Actually any pre-Covid eating out we did was connected to having appointments and doing errands. We haven't gone out from home for dinner just to do that in years.

It seems like the only times we go out for dinner are when we're traveling. No wonder I like going to Europe.

I get takeout meals on a fairly regular basis, and have also enjoyed some fantastic sit down meals at local restaurants. I'm also trying to support the local restaurants and the people they employ. Consequently, losing weight is always a challenge!

Ken, I knew I liked you for a reason! Same here! Traveling locally with my mouth - local foreign foods and immigrant families who own the eateries. Lately, my new lunch spot is El Salvador.