How I took backControl! Pt 4
Progress photos.
Truthfully, I wanted to lose weight for so long that if I think back I lost motivation in traveling because every time I ordered clothes only 10% would actually fit. Back in June, I put myself on a donut diet. I ate it everyday, I used it as a pick me up in regards to mood and energy but the donuts daily were leading me to pre-diabeties and if it wasn’t for my work best friend catching how much sugar I put in my coffee. If it wasn’t for him noticing my frequent bathroom breaks and him bringing it to my attention the signs I would have never did anything.
The first part of starting anything is awareness. I was aware that I wasn’t happy with my weight but that wasn’t enough to encourage me to change until it finally was. I stepped on a scale for the last time in June and weighed about 219 and when I started my diet in December I started at 211 so overall I was starting to make better choices.
From June to December I cut out donuts, I lowered my sugar intake in my daily coffee and I made sure not to repeat meals for example if we had pasta already this week I wasn’t doing it again. But truthfully, reflecting back I had to create those small habits first before doing this lifestyle change in an instant.
In my journey of weight loss and recovery, the transformation was not merely physical but mental as well. From consuming unhealthy foods like donuts to embracing nutritious options like broccoli and chicken, the shift was monumental. Assessing my eating patterns highlighted the impact of sugar on energy levels—an essential aspect to consider for anyone on a similar path. The support from friends was crucial; recognition of unhealthy habits often prompts awareness and motivates change. It’s vital to develop healthy relationships with food, understanding which choices nourish the body versus which ones lead to negative feelings. Learning to substitute and diversify meals helped combat boredom and establish a sustainable routine. Setting incremental goals is key—begin with manageable changes, such as reducing sugar intake and planning meals to avoid repetition. Keeping meals interesting and satisfying is fundamental to retaining motivation. Measuring progress through thoughtful journaling can also strengthen commitment; visuals like progress photos create tangible evidence of success. Sharing these experiences fosters community and connection—an essential aspect for persistent motivation and accountability. Whether it’s through social media platforms or smaller support groups, interaction with others on a similar path can provide encouragement and inspiration. It’s all part of the journey towards achieving a healthier lifestyle.