I've been working out hard for about a year, however, I have had some circumstances/priorities come up in the last week that kept me out of the gym, so I havent worked out in about a week or 8 days......I actually feel thinner and my clothes feel bigger on me when I have had a break from the gym and have actually eaten horribly or without thought.... has this happened to any of you, and why do my abs feel flatter, pants feel bigger, etc. when Ive not worked out for a week? Obviously my muscles havent been worked, but strange that I feel, and even look thinner? Kinda weird..... anyone?

Your body needs rest. Every so often you need to take training breaks.

Also your body likes to be reassured its not being tortured within a inch of its life and needs to hang on to fat stores and water. If you are overtraining at all and hitting any stalls, a break is the first and best way to get out of it.

Yes I've had that same thing happen. I joke that when I want to drop weight I go on vacation. I believe what Leip said. Its when I take the breaks in the middle of INSANE training that I find the benefit of my hard work. However, it doesn't last forever eventually you have to just get back to it

when you constantly work out, your muscles stay swollen because of all the little micro-tears you create.

when you take a little break the muscles return to their 'normal' size.

Thanks for all the responses, I thought I was losing my mind, but guess it all makes sense!! Back to the gym!!