How I lost 20+lbs

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to dive deeper into how I managed to lose over 20 pounds, transforming from 135lbs to a healthier 114lbs. Many of you ask what losing 20 pounds actually looks like, and for me, it was a journey of understanding my body and building sustainable habits, not just quick fixes. This wasn't a race, but a steady, mindful progression that truly changed my lifestyle. One of the cornerstones of my approach was incorporating FASTING. I found that eating dinner a bit earlier and then breaking my fast around noon the next day really helped me manage my calorie intake without feeling deprived. It trained my body to be less reliant on constant snacking and allowed my digestive system a good rest. This wasn't about starving myself, but creating an eating window that worked for me and my energy levels. I’ve heard about "water fasting results," but for me, this gentle intermittent fasting was the key to consistency. When it came to food, my DIET wasn't restrictive in the traditional sense. It was all about MINDFUL eating. I focused on balanced nutrition, ensuring every meal had a good mix of protein, greens, and healthy carbs. Think vibrant bowls with salmon, rice, and fresh seaweed salad, or grilled chicken with couscous, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. I paid attention to portion sizes and truly savored my meals. It was a shift from being "unaware of food intake at 135lbs" to understanding what truly nourished my body. If "meal prep" is your thing, this mindful approach makes it easier to plan balanced plates! MOVEMENT became a joy, not a chore. While I don't follow a traditional "WEIGHT LIFTING" routine, I discovered my love for Pilates videos and consistent running. I also embraced walking, yoga, and even dancing – often while listening to my favorite podcasts. The goal wasn't to burn a specific number of calories, but to simply keep my body active and strong, contributing to a gradual "body recomposition." It's amazing how much difference consistent, enjoyable movement makes. And let's not forget HYDRATION! While I absolutely love my coffee, making sure I drank plenty of water throughout the day was crucial. It helped with satiety, energy, and just made me feel better overall. For SNACKS, I found my go-to in popcorn – a satisfying, low-calorie option that curbed evening cravings without derailing my progress. This journey definitely required DISCIPLINE, but it also taught me immense self-compassion. There were days that were harder than others, but instead of giving up, I learned to be kind to myself and get back on track. My "BACKGROUND" included a metabolism change in high school, and finding what truly works for my body was empowering. There's no one-size-fits-all answer for "how long to lose 20 pounds," but by focusing on these sustainable practices, you'll see great results over time. It’s about building a lifestyle you can stick to, not just a temporary fix.