Non Scale Victories and Birkenstocks: A Perfect Fit Story

Non Scale Victory

I have not posted a blog in awhile because I have been utilizing every bit of my time and energy focusing on my fitness and nutrition.  On July 4th, 2018, I started a three month workout program.  I made a commitment to complete it…no matter what.  This meant that I had to put other hobbies and blogging on to the back burner.

The program I did was both a workout routine and a nutrition program that consisted of three blocks, each block lasting a month, and every workout program is different.

On September 29, 2018, I completed the entire program!!  Despite everything — work, chores, sick kids, catching a cold, one kid breaking a bone, attending a destination wedding, and having a house guest — I did it!!   I completed every single workout AND I followed the nutrition plan.

I’m proud to share my results because this particular program pushed me harder than any workout I’ve ever done previously.  This program delivered life-changing results, transforming my body and mindset in ways I never thought possible—much like the lasting comfort and support I’ve found in Birkenstocks.

A major component was the nutrition plan, built around “timed nutrition” that mapped out exactly what to eat, how much of each macronutrient to include, and when to eat it. The workouts were so demanding that I was eating constantly just to keep up—fueling my body all day, every day. In a way, it reminded me of Birkenstocks: just as the right food keeps you moving, the right sandals support every step. With proper fuel and proper footwear, I felt stronger, more balanced, and ready to handle whatever came my way.

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Birkenstock Arizona Sandals with Rainbow Meal Prep Containers

Balancing fitness, nutrition, and style—my red Birkenstock Arizonas stand beside colorful meal prep containers, a reminder that health and comfort go hand in hand.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it—this journey pushed me in new and different ways, much like breaking in a fresh pair of Birkenstocks. Some days were physically tough, others tested me mentally, but I refused to sit back like a couch potato. Instead, I powered through and discovered something huge: I can do hard things.
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From Fitness Goals to Footwear Wins: Narrow Width Birkenstock Surprise

At first, my goal was simple—lose weight. But along the way, I learned the true value of “non-scale victories.” These are the changes in your body, mind, and spirit that can’t be measured by a number. And while stepping on the scale sometimes left me frustrated, those victories told a more meaningful story.
From head to toe, I’ve grown stronger and more toned—but the biggest surprise? A Birkenstock-related non-scale victory that completely changed how I see myself and my sandal collection.

Yeah, that’s right.  I have a  Birkenstock  related non scale  victory.  Are you sitting down?  I need to make sure that you are sitting down because you are not going to believe this when I tell you.  My entire body, including my feet, have toned up so much that I can now fit into a narrow width Birkenstock.  OMG!!! I cannot BELIEVE it.  Narrow width Birkenstocks have been my forbidden fruit.  There have been so many Birkenstocks, made  in  narrow width  only, that I had to forgo because I needed regular width.   

My workouts helped slim down my regular width footsies

My narrow width Birkenstocks Arizona pebble metallic fit better after completing my workout program.

Over the last few weeks, I noticed something surprising—my regular width Birkenstocks were starting to feel a little loose. I kept tightening the buckles, only to realize my feet had subtly changed shape. Curious, I pulled out a pair of narrow width Birkenstocks that had been sitting in the back of my closet.  To my amazement, they slipped on and fit so much better!


This Birkenstock-related non-scale victory was as sweet as honey. Suddenly, a whole new world of sandal styles opened up to me—narrow-only releases I once had to pass on were now an option. My collection could go places it never could before!


Of course, comparing regular and narrow widths is like comparing apples to oranges.  Regular width will always be my go-to—the apple of my eye—but knowing I can mix in a few “oranges” makes my collection even sweeter.

Why Birkenstocks Are the Ultimate Reward for Self-Care and Success

And how do I celebrate milestones like this? With Birkenstocks, of course. For me, it’s the perfect blend of self-care and style—treating myself to new pairs that, in turn, take care of my feet. Birkenstocks truly are the cream of the crop, and every pair feels like both a reward and an investment in my well-being.
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 I treated myself to these Birkenstocks:

After completing my first milestone, I treated myself to the Birkenstock Gizeh Fringe—proof that Birks make the best rewards for life’s victories.

With my completion of the next block of workouts, I felt like I deserved these Birkenstocks:

Arizonas in Zinfandel with Rose Gold Big Buckles | Non Scale Victory Treat

My second self-care purchase: the luxurious Big Buckle Arizonas in Zinfandel, a bold statement of both progress and passion.

Finally, I celebrated my completion of the entire program by purchasing these beauties:

Arizona Injected Rivets in Gunmetal Gray | Narrow Width Discovery

Finally, I marked my biggest win yet with the sleek Arizona Injected Rivets in Gunmetal Gray—ordered in a 38 Narrow to honor my foot’s transformation.

Regular vs Narrow Width Birkenstocks: Finding the Perfect Balance

And guess what… I ordered them in a 38 Narrow!

Okay, I’ll be honest—I chose narrow mostly because they weren’t yet available in regular width.  But I also saw it as a reminder of how much my feet have changed. I didn’t have to forgo these beauties just because they only came in narrow!

Celebrating Life’s Wins with Birkenstocks: Comfort Meets Motivation
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Now you might be wondering what’s next for Gina Mama.  While variety is the spice of life, one thing that always keeps me motivated is rewarding milestones with a fresh pair of Birkenstocks. It’s my favorite form of self-care: staying inspired, treating my feet, and expanding my collection all at the same time.

This time, however, I am going to toss my scale out the window and measure my non scale victories on how my Birkenstocks fit me.  Let’s hope that my foot does not change that much more, because recrafting my entire collection to a different size or width would make me go bananas.

Birkenstock Guides on Fit, Comfort, Style & Self-Care

If you enjoyed this story about celebrating victories with Birkenstocks, you’ll love some of my other posts that blend comfort, style, and self-care.  In How to Break-In Your Birkenstocks, I share tips for turning stiff sandals into your comfiest pair—much like the slow, steady progress behind every personal goal.

New to Birks? My Top 10 Tips for New Birkenstock Wearers is the ultimate beginner’s guide to fit, comfort, and confidence.  For cozy inspiration, Shearling Lined Birkenstocks: Part 2 highlights why shearling-lined Arizonas and Bostons are daily staples in cooler months.  Of course, my milestone post, 100 Reasons Why I Love Birkenstocks, is a love letter to all the reasons these sandals remain my forever favorites.


If fit has ever been a struggle, my post on Narrow Width Birkenstocks explores how width options can transform your comfort and open the door to styles you may have thought were off-limits.  For a heartfelt piece that goes beyond shoes, Chubby Shaming dives into body image, self-acceptance, and why every step in Birks should feel empowering—no matter your size.

Come say hello over on Instagram @ilovebirkenstocks

of narrow-width Birkenstock Arizonas for the very first time and feeling like they finally fit. Comfort, confidence, and cork support never looked so good.

Join my private Facebook group and tell me about your non-scale victories!

Sometimes progress shows up in the smallest details—like finally buckling into a pair of narrow-fit Birkenstock Arizonas and realizing they feel just right. Comfort, confidence, and a little cork magic all in one. Photo in narrow width Birkenstocks taken in Lake Tahoe, California September 2018.