After dropping over 40 pounds, I realized that in the journey of weight-loss, diet alone was not enough—there are life keys to losing and keeping off weight. I used to always say that I do not like to work out, but I work out so I can eat. I admit, I am a foodie.
So, how did I do it?
It wasn’t easy, but after reflecting on my journey in the last few years, I discovered there were three major lifestyle shifts that I made to get to my goal weight.
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Shift Your Mindset
Weight loss begins with your mind—you have to make a decision and commit to change. It sounds simple, but it’s an essential step. Let me take you back to when I shifted my mindset.
When my Daddy died in November 2018, I still went to the gym regularly, but I sat on the couch, nearly all winter, and I ate sour cream and onion potato chips and ice cream (his favorites). With the stress of grief, work, and managing family responsibilities—I was at my heaviest weight of 240 pounds. My 50’s were coming and I looked at myself in the mirror and said “50 is not gonna catch me fat.”
When you make your decision, believe you have the power to make it happen.
I joined a weight loss program under the care of a doctor and nutritionist. I increased my workout schedule and by the time I turned 50, I was down to 193 pounds—a size 10/12, med/large and in the best physical shape of my life since I was a teenager. I still don’t love to work out, but I need to do it —it is part of my self-care and mental health wellness.
I do some sort of physical activity 6-7 days a week for at least 30 mins. Some days, it just may be my elliptical. Other days, it may be my trainer, a virtual class, or boxing. When I shifted my mindset to one of commitment — I made better decisions daily.
Exercise helped me to exhale and center myself in a way that I never thought imaginable. You have to find what works for you. For me, I do best with the structure and direction of my trainers. I invest in myself.
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Shift Daily Habits
Big goals are achieved with small strides. I had to truly look at my daily habits in order to lose weight. I am intentional with what I put in my mouth and plan for days when I am less intentional (cheat days).
I started to pay more attention to my body. The key is to find how your body responds to carbs, gluten, sugar, etc. After eating certain foods, I look in the mirror to see if I am bloated. I monitor my weight weekly.
I am constantly learning about foods and exercise programs with my trainers and nutrition coaches. Certain employers may even offer discounts or free services and coaching as part of their wellness packages. I use all of it!
I began to read labels at the market. I replaced junk foods with healthier options. I reduced my intake of foods that are high in sugar and carbs. It is a lifestyle change, but once you subscribe to it, it gets easier and it just becomes who you are.
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Focus On Spirituality
I know, without a doubt, that anything I will do or have done would not be possible without my faith and connection to God. There is a connection between mind, body, and spirit; a healthy balance is crucial to overall wellness.
If you do not believe in a higher power, find some spiritual connection to your journey of weight loss. Whether through meditation or yoga, develop your inner peace. Finding time and space to be still and bring calmness and tranquility into your space is key to losing weight. Why?
On the days that you want to give up, you will have to pull on that spiritual strength to get through. It will deepen your journey. Meditation teaches you how to reflect, and be more thoughtful in your daily acts which can help you with self-discipline. Before I start my day, I spend time reflecting. I journal often which helps me to stay clear and focused on my goals.
A part of spirituality is staying connected to nature, so when I am able to, I spend time in my peaceful, outdoor space. I decorate my home to be a place of peace and tranquility. I nurture myself, which allows me to do for others, and keeps me strong enough to endure through the difficult times of life.
Weight loss can be challenging, but it is rewarding—you have everything you need inside you to achieve your dream body.
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