My weight loss journey

When I began my weight loss journey, I weighed 180 pounds. Looking back now (at 115), there are several key lessons I learned along the way that truly helped me achieve my goals. Here’s a reflection on my experience, and the tips that made a difference:

Celebrate the small wins

It’s easy to get caught up in the big picture, but celebrating small wins is crucial to staying motivated. Losing half a pound in a week may not seem like much but it’s still progress and when I lost 4 pounds, it was definitely a reason to celebrate! Recognizing these small victories kept me focused and reminded me that every step counts.

The importance of working out

I started working with a trainer early on, and quickly learned how easy it is to lose muscle and how difficult it is to build it back up. Starting small was essential. I focused on building core strength first, then gradually added single-body part exercises with weights. Over time, Pilates and jogging became easier, and I began to enjoy working out. It shifted from something I had to do to something I wanted to do. This shift in mindset was a game-changer.

Nutrition: the hard work of counting calories

Nutrition played a major role in my journey. Counting calories was a time-consuming chore in the beginning. I was worried I was not doing it correctly. Soon, food prepping and grocery shopping became routine. The reward of seeing a new low on the scale was all the incentive I needed to keep going.

Trial and error with protein

Along the way, I realized I wasn’t eating enough protein. Once I increased my protein intake, I found that I felt fuller for longer, which made a significant difference. It’s all about trial and error – figuring out what works for your body and adjusting as needed.

The impact of alcohol

I started by reducing my alcohol intake to just one drink per week. Then, I made a deal with myself: if I met my end-of-month goal, I would reward myself. It quickly became clear that alcohol was holding me back from shedding the weight. So, I had to choose – wine or my weight loss? I chose to focus on my goals, cutting out alcohol until I reached key milestones. Only then would I allow myself a celebration.

Sleep: a critical component

Sleep is often overlooked, but it’s vital for weight loss. If you’re tired or not getting enough rest, you’re more likely to make poor decisions the next day. Lack of sleep can derail your efforts, so prioritize rest. Go to bed when your body signals that it’s time. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel when you’re well-rested.

Managing stress

Stress was another major factor that impacted my weight loss. Whether it’s work, life, or anything in between, stress can take a serious toll on your progress. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol and ghrelin – hormones that make it harder to lose weight. No matter how clean you eat or how much you work out, stress can cause your body to hold onto weight. Learning how to manage stress and find ways to let go is key to success.

It’s not about feeling motivated

Let’s be honest – most days, you won’t feel motivated. The reality is motivation is fleeting. But in this journey, you don’t need motivation to move forward – you just need consistency. Take it one step at a time, even when you don’t feel like it. Trust the process. Small steps lead to bigger ones, and eventually, you’ll see the results.

Consistency is key

At the end of the day, consistency is what matters most. Every day is an opportunity to move closer to your goal. So, ask yourself: How badly do you want this? Can you commit for one week, one month, two months, or even six months? Before you know it, you’ll be at your goal.

Maintaining your goal

Reaching your goal is an incredible accomplishment, but maintaining it is just as important. Surround yourself with a strong support system, including a knowledgeable doctor who can offer guidance and accountability. Remember, this is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. Without embracing this shift in mindset, the weight won’t stay off.

I’m so glad I took this journey and learned so many valuable lessons along the way. If you’re on a similar path, take it one day at a time and remember, consistency is your best friend. You’ve got this!