My 2024 Weight Loss Journey

How I Lost 40 Pounds in 6 Months – A Real Talk Recap

Waking up every morning used to feel like dragging a boulder up a hill. The physical weight of being overweight pressed into my body before I even opened my eyes. My joints ached, my breaths were shorter than they should have been, and a lingering fatigue never seemed to leave. But the mental weight was heavier.

Every glance in the mirror came with a tidal wave of shame and frustration. I was tired of feeling stuck, tired of making excuses, and tired of pretending I didn’t care. On July 1st, 2024, I decided to change.

How I Started My Weight Loss Journey

I didn’t set out with vague aspirations or soft goals. I gave myself a deadline: lose 100 pounds in 18 months. It was ambitious, but I needed that kind of bold commitment. My first step was reaching out to my doctor to try phentermine.

Making that call was terrifying. Would I be judged? Lectured? Instead, I found compassion. Sitting in the doctor’s office and describing how exhausted I felt just living my day-to-day life felt like unloading years of unspoken pain.

Though phentermine didn’t work for me, it was the first domino to fall. A few weeks later, I discovered Virta Health, a program focused on nutritional ketosis. This wasn’t just a diet. It was a complete shift in how I approached food, health, and even my relationship with myself.

Documenting My Weight Loss Progress

From the beginning, I knew I wanted to share my journey publicly. Putting myself out there on YouTube and Instagram wasn’t just about accountability. It was about creating a space where others like me could see that change is possible.

Through Virta, daily gym visits, and tracking everything with MyFitnessPal, I started to see changes. Slowly, the scale began to move. My clothes started fitting differently. My energy levels climbed. Yet, despite all this progress, the mirror still felt like my enemy.

The Challenges of Losing 40 Pounds

The journey hasn’t been smooth. The holidays tested my resolve with tempting foods and disrupted routines. Exhaustion from being overworked often felt like an excuse to skip the gym.

But giving up was never an option. I leaned on my Virta Health coach for support and reminded myself why I started. Discipline beats motivation every time.

Celebrating Weight Loss Milestones

I’ve lost nearly 40 pounds in six months, but I’ll be honest. It doesn’t always feel like enough. I catch myself thinking I should have worked harder, eaten better, or spent more hours in the gym.

Then there are moments that remind me how far I’ve come.

The way my clothes now hug me differently.

A random compliment from a friend who notices my progress.

The steadiness in my mood and the energy I feel throughout the day.

What I’m most proud of, though, is sharing this journey openly. Putting my story online is terrifying. It’s raw and vulnerable. But it’s also empowering.

My Next Weight Loss Goals

The new year is here, and with it comes a renewed commitment. My next big milestone is reaching the 200-pound mark. An equally significant goal is wearing jeans again.

It’s been over five years since I’ve worn jeans at all. Leggings, while comfortable, have become my only option. What once offered ease and stretch eventually started to feel like a prison. They became a constant reminder of what I’d lost.

I’ve held onto a few pairs of size 11 jeans, saved for the day when I could wear them again. Those jeans represent more than just a size. They’re a symbol of reclaiming choice and confidence. Slipping into them will be a moment I’ve envisioned for years. A clear sign that the hard work has been worth it.

What I’ve Learned About Weight Loss

If there’s one thing I know now, it’s that waiting for the perfect time is a trap. The best time to start is always now. If you want to be the person who does X, whether it’s losing weight, starting a business, or anything else, just start.

This journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about persistence. Nearly 40 pounds down and counting, I’m just getting started.

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What’s been the biggest challenge in your wellness journey? Share in the comments! I’d love to hear your story. Let’s inspire each other to keep going!

xoxo
-S