Tag: #FitnessMotivation

Posted on

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.

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

Posted on

The Nighttime Ritual: Embracing Discipline at the Gym

As the sun sets and the world winds down, a different kind of journey begins—a journey to the gym. For those of us who find solace and strength in the stillness of night, this time becomes a ritual of dedication and discipline. The gym, illuminated by artificial light, becomes a place where we transform ourselves, both physically and mentally.

Each step toward the gym is a small victory. The temptation to stay in, to relax after a long day, is strong, but the commitment to our goals is stronger. The nightly ritual begins with a decision—to show up, to push through, to make the most of this time. It’s not just about working out; it’s about building a habit that fosters resilience and determination.

Inside the gym, the hum of machines and the clink of weights create a rhythm that drives us forward. The sweat that beads on our skin is proof of our effort, a tangible sign that we are pushing our limits. Muscles ache, and fatigue sets in, but these are just part of the process. With every rep and every set, we are chiseling away at our weaknesses and building a stronger version of ourselves.

Mirrors in the gym reflect more than our physical appearance; they reflect our dedication. Each visit, no matter how tired we feel, is a step toward our goals. The transformation is gradual, but it’s happening. We are getting stronger, more resilient, and more disciplined with each workout.

Discipline is the key to this transformation. It’s the commitment to go to the gym, even when we’re tired or unmotivated. It’s the resolve to finish that last set, to push through the discomfort, and to keep showing up, night after night. This discipline isn’t just about building muscles; it’s about building character.

As we leave the gym and the night deepens, the sense of accomplishment is palpable. We’ve faced the challenges, pushed through the fatigue, and emerged stronger. This nighttime ritual of discipline and dedication is more than a workout—it’s a testament to our commitment to ourselves.

But it’s not just the physical progress that we notice. The mental clarity and emotional resilience we gain are just as important. The discipline we cultivate in the gym spills over into other areas of our lives. It becomes easier to stay focused at work, to manage stress, and to maintain a positive outlook. The act of committing to our nightly workouts strengthens our ability to commit to other goals and responsibilities.

The gym at night also offers a unique sense of peace. There’s a certain calmness that comes with working out when most people are winding down. The fewer distractions and quieter atmosphere allow for deeper focus and introspection. It becomes a time for us to connect with ourselves, to reflect on our day, and to plan for the future. This quiet time, coupled with physical exertion, creates a balanced space for both body and mind to thrive.

Sticking to a nightly gym routine requires planning and foresight. It’s about preparing meals ahead of time, setting out workout clothes, and prioritizing sleep. These seemingly small actions build a framework of support for our discipline. They remind us that our commitment to fitness is not an isolated effort but part of a larger lifestyle choice that promotes overall well-being.

As we continue this journey, it’s important to celebrate our progress, no matter how small. Each session, each set, each drop of sweat brings us closer to our goals. Acknowledging these achievements reinforces our discipline and motivates us to keep moving forward.

So, let’s embrace this nighttime ritual. Let’s honor our commitment to the gym and to our goals. Each visit is a step toward a stronger, more resilient self. And in the quiet of the night, let’s find not just physical strength, but the strength to pursue our dreams with unwavering dedication. The journey is long, and the nights can be tough, but with discipline as our guide, we will continue to transform and thrive.

xoxo
-S