A 5 Year journey
For the past 5 years, I have been on and off ‘fad’ diets and the result?… I failed! I used to get random bursts of ‘let’s eat better and get the fitness journey started, but for whatever reason, I would end up giving up within a week as everything i have tried in the past has been to constrictive.
In August I turned 30 and I knew I had to improve my lifestyle. I was eating whenever i wanted and I wasn’t even hungry, only because I was bored, upset or just used to the routine. Lockdown didn’t help either.
I promised myself to start a healthier lifestyle a day after my birthday as I was tired of continually gaining weight and eating for no reason so before starting anything, I did a little homework on what would work for me and the first thing I did was download a calorie counting app. The one thing I knew I couldn’t do was give up my chocolate and crisps as this girl has a sweet tooth LOL!
How it started and my journey
In my early twenties, I was between size 8-12, including two pregnancies with my daughters when I was 21 and 22. When I got to the age of 25 I got comfort eating because I felt insecure in myself because of very personal relationship circumstances that really affected my self-esteem and confidence. From then onwards my weight spiralled out of control and I’ll be honest, I never even noticed it much because I bought larger clothes and it wasn’t until they got tight that reality sunk in and stepping on the scales was another reality check.
I changed my mindset. I knew I couldn’t continue on that route because it was damaging for me physically and more importantly, mentally. It was slowly getting painful for me so I decided to get fitter and healthier not just for myself but for my kids too.
10 things that helped me lose weight
- Food scales – These have been the most helpful thing in my kitchen! I measure most things I eat with this. Using scales helps me know how much I am eating because with eye measurement you don’t know unless you have been using scales for a long time.
- Avoiding Liquid Calories – Now i can’t say I completely got rid of sugary drinks, I like to have them on occasion, like a weekend. Other times I prefer to have sugar free drinks or flavoured water.
- Using NutraCheck or MyFitnessPal – My absolute favourite thing ever! It has kept me motivated and shown me all the food calories and nutrients I eat, love it!
- Wearing a step counter – I like to keep my steps to 10,000 and having a counter whether it be a phone or watch helps keep me motivated.
- Enjoying the foods you eat – Now I love to eat and I like to make sure I eat what I like. I fit foods I like into my calorie deficit.
- Eating plenty of protein – Protein has been a big help on the journey so far as it helped keep me fuller for longer. Eggs, yoghurts and tofu are my favs!
- Taking progress photos/Measurements – I know it sounds daft but I never noticed the loss until I took photos. My clothes used to be tight but now they are loose haha!
- Try out new recipes – I bought a couple of cookbooks to help me learn to make healthier alternatives. My fav at the moment is pinch n nom.
- Treating myself to something every 10lb lost – I like treating myself to something for saying girl, you go this! I have previously got makeup, a house plant and books.
- Finding the extra motivation Occassionly when needed – Sometimes I need a kick up the bum for motivation so I like to read books on confidence, anxiety and positivity. This could vary for everyone but for me, it helps. Feel-good films also help me.
I am here for the long haul
I don’t have a goal weight in mind but I will see what happens when I go back to the gym and when society is back to normal. One thing I am excited about is to start weightlifting again. It also shows you that it’s mostly calories/nutrition compared to going to a gym. But the gym does help polish up everything and the atmosphere is awesome!
I know weight loss isn’t for everyone and that is fine. We are all unique and we all know what we want for ourselves and me, this is what I want and I love the journey i have been on and continue. Loving yourself is important.
The journey to lose 40lb has taken me since August. It hasn’t always been plain sailing as some weeks I wouldn’t lose and other weeks I would stay the same, its a journey and I am enjoying flowing with it rather racing ahead.
Anyways I am happy with how I have improved in terms of mind and soul. I know it might be a slow journey but this girl is enjoying it, no matter how long it takes, I am here for the long haul.
Until next time
Mel x
Check out my other recent fitness posts
You look incredible! Well done! I had a real health push towards my 30th birthday and actually hit my 8 stone target loss on my birthday. Sadly now I am closer to 40 and need to lose that weight again. I get married this year and I know my dress won’t fit. You have really inspired me so thank you x
Well done you, this is an amazing achievement – you look incredible!! It’s so great to hear how motivated you are xx
I love this post, and it’s fantastic to see that you are feeling happier with your weight after lockdown. This is a brilliant achievement and I think the small steps you’ve outlined can all come together to create a positive way to lose weight while also looking after your mind and body 🙂 well done you x
You look absolutely amazing! Congratualtions on your success! It just geos to show, you don’t have to starve yourself or deprive yourself of foods you love to loose weight. I love the Pinch of Nom books! I’m going to use my step counter as you have done to achieve the magic 10,000 number! You’re an inspiration!xxx
I loved reading about your journey. You look great. Congratulations on your progress.
This is a great achievement! I am glad that this made you happier and that it’s a journey you have been keeping up during lockdown and after it! Thank you for sharing x
That’s great, I bet you feel so much better and you lot the weight sensibly.
I’m glad you’re happy with your weight loss and I hope your achieve your aim. I know dieting can be hard, tried going keto myself, but the pandemic caused me to break that due to lack of food and I just wasn’t able to start it again as it took it’s toll on my mental wellbeing. I hope you’re able to turn what you’ve done into a healthy and sustainable lifestyle change
Love this post. It really does prove that you do not have to be too hard on yourself to make some changes,
You look amazing and a huge congrats on your weight loss, that’s an amazing achievement and you should be so proud of yourself! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
This such an awesome story. You look amazing. I too have struggle with my weight and your story is inspirational.
Oh wow, congratulations on all your hard work! I got a FitBit for Christmas and now I feel more motivated than ever to make sure I get my steps and exercise in for the day 🙂
Kate ♥ | https://asimplesliceofkate.com/
Great job! I too struggled with fad diets and found success when I gave up that mentality. I’ve lost a little over 40 pounds in 3 years and am working on some more currently by learning better eating habits.
Be proud that you’re creating a more sustainable lifestyle where you can feel happy and healthy 💕
I love how you said you’re fabulous in both photos, which is a good message for anyone trying to lose weight. (but the caption and the photo contrast each other, I think you accidentally wrote right instead of left)
I’ve tried a bunch of diet fads and I just ended up losing a lot of hair, but now I exercise almost every day and I try to eat healthier. Protein is a great way to keep away hunger, I always bring some nuts, raisins, and sunflower seeds up to my room to snack on. It’s amazing how you stuck to your goals, great job on your weight loss. Thanks for the tips Mel!
Great work! You look amazing either way, but I totally understand wanting to lose weight. I have found that the calorie counting apps, eating what I enjoy, and rewarding myself have helped. That said, I am currently off the wagon again. This reminded me that I need to get back to using my calorie app! Thank you and congrats on your weight loss!
OMG! AMAZING!! Losing weight is so hard and I applaud anyone who does it! I’ve been more conscious of my body and consumption and have lost a little bit of weight since Christmas! Hoping to lose more for summer too! Thanks for sharing xx
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This is incredible! Well done! And love how you’ve not resorted to any fad diets either. Those can get in the bin! Here’s to healthier and happier life! x
Wow what a journey! I am so with you with no drinking my calories and actally enjoying healthy good. For me, there is no point eating boring chicken and veg because I’ll just cheat! Well done, you’ve done amazingly!
Rosie
Congrats on your weight loss!!
You look absolutely stunning (even before losing weight)! I am currently on my own weight loss journey and it’s tough!! I hope I can shed as much as you. Keep up the brilliant work and stay healthy!
xxxx Aga
Congratulations and well done. While most of us have gained weight during the pandemic, is inspirational to see that you have done so well! Thanks for sharing!
Well done, that’s an amazing achievement! Thanks for sharing
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