I stopped listening & I’m down 15lbs

I did what they told me to do.

I tracked my food.

I pushed through workouts 5 days a week.

I cut carbs, avoided sugar, chugged water, and counted every macro like my life depended on it.

And yet…

💔 I still felt exhausted.

💔 I still felt puffy + inflamed.

💔 I still felt anxious and on edge.

💔 I still couldn’t lose the weight no matter how hard I tried.

At one point, I genuinely thought I was broken.

I remember crying in my car one day because I was doing EVERYTHING “right”… and still felt like a failure.

But what I didn’t know then was this:

👉🏼 My body wasn’t failing me.

It was protecting me.

From stress. From overload. From the chaos I was ignoring.

The truth is, if your cortisol is high, your body is in survival mode.

It holds on to fat.

It fights weight loss.

It shuts down digestion.

And it hijacks your mood and energy.

No one told me that. Until I found out the hard way.

Once I stopped treating myself like a problem to fix and started supporting my stress and hormone health?

Everything shifted.

My body felt safe again.

My energy came back.

The puffiness started to leave.

And the weight that refused to budge? Slowly started to fall off—without the grind.

✨ Drop “STUCK” + follow me and I’ll DM you the exact steps I took to reset my hormones and finally feel at peace in my body again.

Because if you feel like nothing is working…

It’s not because you’re failing.

It’s because you’re fighting against something you can’t see.

And I can help you fix it.

.

IG (TheCortisolCode)

.

.

#PCOSReality #HormoneHealing #BurnoutRecovery #CortisolReset #ThatGirlHealing

2025/5/30 Edited to

... Read moreAre you struggling with weight loss despite doing everything right? Many people face this challenge, feeling exhausted and defeated by their own bodies. The hidden culprit? Elevated cortisol levels due to stress can sabotage your weight loss efforts by putting your body in survival mode. Instead of solely focusing on strict diets and intense workouts, consider supporting your hormone health to foster a balanced approach. Prioritize stress management techniques such as meditation, gentle exercise, and balanced nutrition to help reset your body. By shifting your mindset from a problem-solving approach to nurturing your health, you can unlock your body's potential for weight loss and feel at peace within yourself. Remember, it's not about grinding harder, but about finding harmony in your lifestyle and treating your body with kindness.

16 comments

Lori Elliott's images
Lori Elliott

Please send

karla's images
karla

stuck

See more comments

Related posts

A split image showing a woman's body transformation. The left side shows her before weight loss, wearing an olive green top and jeans. The right side shows her after losing 73lbs, wearing a black dress. Text overlay reads: "Things I did to lose 73lbs AND HOW YOU CAN TOO!"
A woman's profile is shown with text overlay discussing weight loss. The text explains that understanding weight loss involves considering how much you eat, how your body feels with certain foods, and how you move your body to achieve desired shape.
A close-up of a piece of toast topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon, garnished with dill and pepper. Text overlay advises to "Train yourself to eat until your satisfied NOT full," emphasizing nourishing meals over overly filling ones.
70lbs Down: Here’s what I learned for you 🤍
#bodytransformation #caloriedeficit #Weightloss
🤍 Alissa Lyvon 🤍

🤍 Alissa Lyvon 🤍

2820 likes

A woman in a black dress poses, making a peace sign, with the text overlay 'How I went from 180 to 135lbs in 3 months'.
A woman in a black sports bra and shorts stands, with the text overlay 'Month 1: 180lbs Unmotivated, sad, hungry', representing her starting point.
A woman in gym attire takes a mirror selfie in a gym, with the text overlay 'Month 3: 135lbs focused, happy, healthy Here's the secret'.
How I went from 180 to 135lbs in 3 months🏋️‍♀️✨
I have always struggled to lose weight my entire life and have dealt with binge eating since I can remember. I always thought I’d stay stuck in a body I believed wasn’t my full potential…until one day i said “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”. Hope these tips help you and your fitness/weightloss journey, as it did
TrendyJenni

TrendyJenni

22.7K likes

A split image showing a woman's 'before and after' weight loss transformation, with text 'How I stopped OVEREATING & lost 50 lbs SWIPE'. The left shows her heavier, the right shows her slimmer, both taking mirror selfies.
An overhead shot of a meal with pasta and shrimp, a laptop, and a drink, illustrating the tip '1. LISTENING TO HUNGER CUES' with advice on recognizing fullness.
A woman in a gym drinking from a large water bottle, illustrating the tip '2. DRINKING WATER' and explaining that dehydration can be mistaken for hunger.
How I stopped overeating (& lost 50 lbs)
HOW TO STOP OVEREATING 👇🏼 Yknow that feeling of knowing your full, but not be able to stop eating your meal- THE WORSEEEE😕 But when I started doing these couple things, eating because a lot more enjoyable, I found a lot more gratitude in the food I ate & I finally stopped feeling so full
Jessica Ferro

Jessica Ferro

24.3K likes

A pink backpack with a water bottle and a burger keychain. Text overlay reads 'I Stopped Using Duolingo & this is why SWIPE', indicating a personal review of language learning apps.
An image comparing Duolingo and Falou language learning apps. It shows the Duolingo owl icon and the Falou monkey icon with an arrow and text 'I SWITCHED TO FALOU', highlighting a transition between platforms.
A screenshot of the Falou app asking 'What language would you like to learn?'. Options include French, Spanish, Italian, German, English, and Korean, each with its respective flag.
I Stopped Using Duolingo 🤧
Here’s Why: Duolingo is easy… almost too easy. It does not challenge me enough to actively learn the language. And look at how dramatic he is !! He looks like he’s dying from lack of attention (relatable tbh) 😭 🪄 Why I Use Falou Instead: - The courses have Speaking, Writing, then a Cha
caed

caed

9519 likes

What I ate to lose 15 lbs in 45 days..
CABBAGE SOUP! 🍲 She is that GIRL when it comes to weight loss while making sure you get your nutrition. Do it for however long you like but after 10 days, you should start seeing results! As someone who JUST started strength training and cardio training, I always add chicken for the protein
Sydnieray

Sydnieray

955 likes

Down 15lbs 🎀
Not as bloated as I used to be, energy levels are elevated and I’m enjoying the process #weightlosshealthjourney #seamoss #chiawater #coconutcult
Relah Windè

Relah Windè

7002 likes

Meals i eat to lose weight 40 lbs down
One of my favorites right now Easy way to get your veggies in and so flavorful and delicious 🤤 87 grams of protein per 2 cup serving #weightlossmotivation #weightlosstransformation #weightlosstips #protein #highprotein #snack #snackideas #Recipe #food #embracevulnera
Alli 🐊

Alli 🐊

1184 likes

Down 25 lbs in 2 months: workout split.
Wednesdays & Sundays tend to be my 2 rest days of the week I really focus on getting my steps up on rest days. On Sundays I make sure to just hit my fasted cardio in the morning to finish the 6 out of 7 days of cardio :) Yes. I do hit legs 3 times a week because I have to focus on my ti
Braley platz

Braley platz

70 likes

When you stop listening to Music
Here’s what happened to me when I stopped listening to music for 3 months. #muslims #islamicreminder
Z O B A I D A

Z O B A I D A

135 likes

how i stopped spiraling every night
My brain used to make everything feel bigger at night. Tiny problems became life crises, and I couldn’t stop replaying conversations in my head. Going on “silent walks” without trying to fix my life Writing thoughts down BEFORE sleeping Replacing doomscrolling with calming music Stopping fake
cozypp

cozypp

41 likes

A person's midsection, with a pink flower emoji covering their face, showing a 'before' stage of a weight loss journey. Text overlay indicates this is the starting point of a 50 lb weight loss.
A person taking a mirror selfie in a gym, showcasing a more toned physique after one year. Text overlay indicates this is the 'after' stage of their weight loss journey.
A person taking a mirror selfie, with a phone displaying the 'growwithjo' YouTube channel, featuring home workout videos. Text overlay describes doing home workouts daily for the first six months.
Lose 50 lbs!
My 50 lb weight loss journey. This is for educational purposes only! 💕💕
maya! 🎧

maya! 🎧

1314 likes

What I Did To loose 60lbs With God By Myside✨🙏🏽🌸
This journey wasn’t just about losing weight—it was about honoring God and the body He blessed me with. If you’re on a similar journey, remember to invite Him into it. You are not alone. 💕
Christy Villegas

Christy Villegas

1089 likes

I stopped fixing. I started listening.
I spent years trying to correct my body instead of understanding it. Listening felt unfamiliar at first. Slower. Quieter. Less impressive. But it’s where healing actually began. This reflection comes from More Than the Mirror. (Link in bio) #MoreThanTheMirror #GentleHealing
Allistar Banks

Allistar Banks

26 likes

Things I stopped doing when I started healing.
Saying yes when I meant no — boundaries aren't selfish, they're survival. Explaining myself to people who don't listen, some people only hear what they want. Checking my phone first thing in the morning, other people's needs can wait 10 minutes. Comparing my chapter 1 to someone'
Lilian

Lilian

52 likes

How I Finally Stopped Hating Mondays (My Ritual) ✨
1. I Created a "Sunday Sunset" Routine 🌇 I have a firm rule that after 6 PM on Sunday, my laptop is closed with no talk of assignments or deadlines. I treat my Sunday evening as a true end to the weekend, using that time for something restorative like reading a book for fun, calling my fam
emilie.studygram

emilie.studygram

44 likes

A woman in a sports bra and sweatpants takes a mirror selfie in a gym, with the text overlay "how i lost 15lbs in 3 weeks" indicating the article's topic.
An indoor fitness studio with Pilates reformers, featuring text about a food rule: avoiding crinkly-packaged foods that lead to overeating for three weeks.
A vibrant display of fresh produce in a grocery store, illustrating the importance of daily walking for movement, even without extreme motivation.
how i lost 15lbs in 3 weeks
#Lemon8 #summeraesthetic #bodytransformation #embracevulnerability #fatloss
Grace Weight Loss

Grace Weight Loss

22 likes

The Moment I Stopped Fighting My Body
This season, I’m not chasing strength. I’m creating it—by slowing down, listening in, and rebuilding from my core. Your body holds your truth. Every breath, every sensation is a message. Reconnection is the new strength! #femaleempowerment #energyhealing #holisiticwellness #c
Victoria Dosen

Victoria Dosen

1 like

How to Fix Obesity -92lbs down👇
How do you fix obesity? You stop overfeeding it. I know that’s not the answer people want to hear. People want a special tea. A pill, injection or workout. I wanted one too. But the truth is I reversed my obesity by stepping away from the plate. I stopped eating all day. I sto
OMAD Coach Ria

OMAD Coach Ria

6009 likes

A woman in athletic wear smiles in a gym, with two smaller inset images showing her before weight loss. Text overlay reads: '3 things I did to lose over 130lbs SWIPE'.
Three clear containers filled with meal-prepped food, including cooked cabbage, sausage, and vegetables. Text overlay states: 'Starting eating in a calorie deficit and tracking/prepping my food SWIPE'.
A woman in a gym lifts dumbbells overhead while seated on a weight bench, with her reflection visible in the mirror. Text overlay reads: 'Started lifting weights more to build strength and tone (also helps fat loss)'.
3 things I did to lose over 130lbs in 2 years
Eating in a calorie deficit is soooo important when it comes to fat loss (especially belly fat). If you’re unsure of how many calories you’re supposed to be eating then google a TDEE calculator, input your info, and it’ll tell you your numbers for maintenance and weightloss. Weight lifting play
Que

Que

1320 likes

A woman in a car, looking at the camera, with the overlaid text "Why do you only listen to worship music?" This image introduces the article's central theme about choosing worship music.
A woman in a car, with a child visible in the back seat, and the text "just listen to the lyrics." This image emphasizes the importance of the message within the music.
A screen displaying lyrics from a song: "I will not fear 'Cause I know you're with me, Lord You're never gonna let me drown." This highlights the comforting and faith-affirming content of worship music.
I stopped listening to secular music and here’s what happened.
When I made the switch to only worship music, everything changed—my mood, my peace, my mindset. It’s more than just music; it’s ministry. #WorshipOnly #FaithOverFame #ChristianTikTok #JesusMusic
Morgan Allen

Morgan Allen

61 likes

A smiling woman in glasses and a red sweatshirt flexes her bicep, with text '40 Lbs Down IN 3 MONTHS' indicating her weight loss journey. The image also includes 'MY SECRET...' and 'Lemon8 @cinbc'.
Two side-profile photos show a woman's body transformation, with the top image showing a larger physique and the bottom a slimmer one. The text 'THE PROOF' is displayed, illustrating her 40lb weight loss journey.
A screenshot of a workout routine from a notes app, detailing cardio (treadmill, elliptical) and finisher exercises (row, stair-master). It mentions losing 40lbs in 3 months and professional certifications.
40lbs Down in 3 MONTHS
Hi guys! ✨ Losing weight is never an easy task, so I wanted to share what has worked out for me. This is my favorite workout that has helped me lose weigh and fall in love with the gym again❤️. Remember that the most important part to lose weight is to be in a caloric deficit! #Lemon8Fitness
Cintia Enis

Cintia Enis

630 likes

Tips that helped lose 15 lbs
#weightlossabdfatloss #weightlossjourney #sustainableweightloss #caloriedeficit #weighhtlosstips
hannahfitness

hannahfitness

144 likes

A split image showing a person's before and after weight loss transformation, with the text overlay "HOW I LOST 120 LBS NO EXERCISE."
A plate containing two waffles and two hard-boiled eggs, illustrating the concept of "1. CALORIE DEFICIT" for weight loss.
A plate of noodles and fried rice from a restaurant, accompanied by the text "2. STILL EATING OUT / NO RESTRICTING," demonstrating eating out while losing weight.
How I Lost 120 lbs Without Exercising
I didn’t work out. I didn’t meal prep. I didn’t cut out fast food. Here’s exactly what I did to lose 120 lbs the lazy way: 1. Calorie Deficit I stopped eating like I had no limits. I didn’t obsess over counting, just made sure I was eating less than I was burning. Lazy math, real results.
Kay🎀

Kay🎀

302 likes

I Stopped Overeating When I Started Doing This (55 lbs down)
Day 4 of my April Challenge and I need you to hear this: You don’t need perfect meals. You don’t need to cook all day. You don’t need “discipline.” You just need to build a simple 50/50 plate: ✨ 50% starch ✨ 50% veggies …and eat your leftovers. That’s it. This is exactly how I st
NicoleEatsPlants

NicoleEatsPlants

22 likes

Bench pressing 225 lbs X 5 reps
My current body weight is 172 lbs. My current one rep max is 295. Getting close to touching that 300 lbs mark. I am finally able to put up 225 five times. on a side note I had a bad experience and got stuck with this exact weight when i was in college and stopped putting on clips for that exact
RollyVeebball

RollyVeebball

1 like

A person's legs and feet, wearing gray sneakers, are propped up on a wooden bench outdoors. The text overlay asks, "Do you ever feel like things in your life need to change?" The background shows greenery and houses.
A March calendar with a scenic image of a canyon hangs on a light-colored wall. An overlay explains the importance of not overbooking schedules and having margin between commitments for mental well-being.
A person lies in bed, smiling, with a small brown dog resting on their chest. The overlay text discusses the benefits of a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for bed around 9 PM for mental clarity.
Things I stopped doing for my mental health
Mental health is a topic I’m passionate about! While there are lots of avenues to pursue more health in this area, there are some foundational habits that are small but will make a huge difference. Here are the basic things I did to improve how I was feeling mentally. Any things you would add?
Brianna

Brianna

11 likes

A person holds a child in a grassy field, with text overlay 'THE PARENTING ADVICE I STOPPED LISTENING TO', indicating the article's theme about parenting advice.
Two babies, likely twins, lie on a colorful playmat on a couch, looking at each other, with the text overlay "'stick to a schedule'", referencing common parenting advice.
A child's hands are shown doing an autumn-themed craft, placing paper leaves on a drawn tree, with text overlays 'at first I loved it' and 'now it makes me miserable', reflecting a change in perspective.
The Parenting Advice I Stopped Listening To 🫶
Everyone told me, “Stick to a schedule — it’ll make your life easier.” (Especially with twins.) And honestly, when my twins were newborns, that was true. I work from home, and having everything timed out — naps, feeds, work blocks — kept the chaos manageable. But now that they’re two, that same
Modern Mom | Shannon

Modern Mom | Shannon

16 likes

I’m 5”3 and I went from 150 to 190lbs
There was a time in my life where I stopped eating, I wanted to be this picture perfect person. But it almost killed me. I am now at almost 200lbs but I still love myself
Brooke Johnson

Brooke Johnson

276 likes

I lost 25lbs-> Here’s What I’ve noticed✨
Weight loss can be a touchy subject for some, I used to be very adverse to talking about it. I wanted it so bad but just never knew how to achieve it. But after 2 kids in 2 years and some of the most stressful times in my life, a divorce, and a car accident that left me with 5 herniated discs and a
Elle Hunt

Elle Hunt

440 likes

What I did to drop 9lbs in 1 month
#summerdiary #lemon8contest #weightlossglowup #weightlosstransformation #weightlossprogress #bodytransformation #embracevulnerability #unfiltered #healthylifestyle2024 #weightlosstips Let me know if you want more specifics 🫶🏼😌
Desiree Marie

Desiree Marie

49 likes

weightloss tips i wish i knew 15 lbs ago
#weightlossandfatloss #weightlosstipsandtricks #weightlossjourney #weightlosstips #caloriecounting
eathealthywithella

eathealthywithella

6 likes

Down 50lbs and 25 more to go !!
#bodytransformation #weightlosstransformation #bodytransformation #summerbod #50lbsdown
laeshonely

laeshonely

58 likes

15Lbs Down ⏬️
Calorie Deficit & Protein 🥹 #summerbod #caloriesdefic #healthy #weightlossandfatloss
Abigail t.

Abigail t.

1233 likes

How I reversed PCOS & lost 25lbs of stubborn fat
I was on the pill for over 7 years! The pill was kind of a bandaid for my pcos. I didn't know I had it until I tried to get pregnant 🙃 I tried everything from keto to vegan. Nothing was sustainable. I started making slow changes over time that led up to me reversing pcos and losing the
Sarah G.

Sarah G.

4 likes

A rusty yellow warning sign with a radiation symbol and the text 'she didn't shut down. you just stopped listening. - author' is affixed to a cracked wall. To the right, a dark, dusty corridor is dimly lit by overhead lights, with one light in the distance glowing green.
when she stopped talking, you missed the warning
she didn’t shut down. you just stopped listening. the signs were there long before the silence. save this so you remember what distance really means — a warning you missed, not a mood she woke up with. follow for more fallout fridays.
author

author

15 likes

Workouts I did to lose 15lbs in 6 weeks
🩷This is what worked for me, based on the research I did and my body goals! My goal is to body recomp and get under 25% body fat I stopped loooking for validation from my scale especially with weight lifting! You are building muscle while burning fat, that can cause scale fluctuations that can be a
Kash

Kash

1082 likes

Grocery haul 100lbs down
I try to eat 100g+ of protein a day and these are some of my fav things that make that easy!! I also try to follow a 1:10 ratio of protein:cals as much as I can! So if something has 200 cals, it should have at least 20g protein. Another way to check is to drop the last number from the calories a
Jules

Jules

1080 likes

Down 27 lbs & lost my double chin
Comment a “❤️” below, but first be sure you’re following me @TheCortisolCode so you’ll actually be able to receive my message ❤️ This “silly little water hack” completely changed my life. I was done listening to experts who shrugged off my symptoms and told me to “just eat less and move more.
BreeAhna Swade

BreeAhna Swade

48 likes

A flat lay of breakfast in bed with coffee, waffles, blueberries, a tablet, and a candle, featuring the title "How I Lost 10 lbs Without Starving Myself" and a "CANDLE STORY" card.
A sunlit room with white curtains and a window overlooking green trees, illustrating the text "I Eat Every 3-4 Hours" to keep blood sugar steady, prevent extreme hunger, and reduce binge moments.
A kitchen counter with a healthy breakfast including avocado toast, a soft-boiled egg, berries, and coffee, accompanying the text "I Started With Maintenance Calories First" for sustainable weight loss.
how i lose 10 lbs without starving myself
#weightlossandfatloss #weightlosstipsandtricks #weightlossjourney #weightlosstips #caloriecounting
eatcleanwithstella

eatcleanwithstella

287 likes

I LOST 20 LBS!
This is my one-year postpartum journey. During the first eight months of breastfeeding, I wasn't able to lose much weight. However, after I stopped, I began to move more and watch what I ate. The biggest change came in the last four months.😅🥳 #postpartum #pregnancy #weightlosstransfor
Jirina 🍋

Jirina 🍋

1727 likes

Fat Burning DETOX Smoothie• 15LBS Down 💪🏼🔥
🥭 1/4 Cup of Frozen Mango Chunks 🥛 Unsweetened Almond Milk 🍏 1/2 Sliced Apple 🍐 1 Pear 🥬 2 1/2 Cups Of Spinach Here's a breakdown of the weight loss benefits for a smoothie made with mango chunks, pear, spinach, unsweetened almond milk, and apple: 🍏 Fruits (mango, pear, apple): Low
Angel

Angel

467 likes

Tips for weightloss: How I lost 100lbs+ ✨
My heaviest weight documented is 325lbs. My current weight is 195lbs. 🌙 No late-night snacking. I stopped eating after 7pm and let my body rest till morning. Not every evening has to end with a snack. Sometimes tea and sleep are enough. 🍽️ Not chasing “stuffed” every meal. I had to learn t
alim

alim

775 likes

WIEIAD 100lbs down in 10 months
I have the egg ick 99% of the time sooo wanting an egg yesterday was very exciting #protein #wieiad #weightloss #caloriedeficit #whatieat
Jules

Jules

1179 likes

How I Stopped Being an Angry Mom
Okay, mamas, let's have a real talk moment. I was that mom who yelled, who snapped over spilled milk (literally), who felt her blood pressure rise with every dropped toy, and whose patience ran thinner than my kiddos attention span. I was an angry mom, and honestly, it sucked. It sucked f
Mommy Ro

Mommy Ro

943 likes

She stopped chasing peace. She became it.
I used to wait for peace to arrive like a package I ordered… Checking the energy forecast, hoping things would finally feel calm. But peace isn’t a place you go. It’s a frequency you choose. Again and again and again. Today, I choose peace & happiness. Not when the inbox is cleared.
Bailey | Holistic Healer

Bailey | Holistic Healer

10 likes

A blonde woman wearing headphones and a grey t-shirt smiles while walking outdoors on a path, with text indicating a 2 lb weight loss this week and asking what she did.
A woman in a grey jumpsuit takes a mirror selfie, with text detailing prioritizing protein with eggs, steak, protein bars, and sweet treats like chocolate rice cakes for weight loss.
A woman in a black outfit takes a mirror selfie in a restroom, with text emphasizing weight training 5-6 days a week as a key part of her weight loss routine.
Down 2 lbs. this week.. here’s how!
#weightlossglowup #microinfluencer #weightlosslifestyle #losingtheweight #bodytransformation #consistency #embracevulnerability #beforeandafterweightloss #healthylifestyle2024 #unfiltered
emily walker

emily walker

735 likes

How I lost 26 lbs in ‘26 🌸
#pcostransformation #pcosweightlossjourney #2026 #summerbod #embracevulnerability
MG 💗

MG 💗

14 likes

See more