Tag: #WeightLossJourney

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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

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Unboxing My Virta Health Package: Tools for Success on My Keto Journey

My newest video is up, and it’s all about the exciting unboxing of my Virta Health package! If you’ve been following my weight loss journey here, or on LevelUpSaho, you know I’ve been living that keto life for a while. So when my insurance company sent me a letter saying I qualified to use the Virta Health program for free, I was intrigued. Free keto help? Absolutely. Plus, I wanted to check it out to see if it’s worth sharing with you all, so others can give it a shot and be successful with it, too.

The package I received from Virta is packed with tools to make tracking and staying on top of my keto game easier than ever. Inside, I found a meter that tests both ketones and blood glucose (all in one—so convenient!) and all the necessary supplies, a digital scale that syncs to my phone, a food scale, magnesium supplements, bouillon cubes, a sample pack of LMNT (you know how much I love that stuff), a recipe book, and a cool tote bag to carry it all in. This kit alone has me feeling like I’m stepping into the next level of keto success.

Setting it all up? Well, let’s just say there was a slight learning curve at first. Trying to figure out the meter and syncing the scales had me feeling like I was operating a small spaceship. But once I got everything working, it was smooth sailing; and now I’m officially all set to track both my ketones and glucose like a pro, which is going to help me fine-tune my keto plan even more.

One of the biggest tips I’ve found helpful in this process—is the importance of discipline over motivation. You’ve heard me say this before, but it’s still so true: motivation is great, but discipline is what gets you through those tough days. By sticking to my macros and eating almost the same meals every day, I’ve found a rhythm that works for me. I know exactly what to eat and when, and that predictability takes away a lot of the guesswork (and temptation).

Another key to my success? Being prepared. Before I started with Virta, even though I was taking phentermine to help with my hunger, I’d still get hit with that classic 3:30 PM snack attack—and let me tell you, it didn’t always end with good decisions. But now, thanks to the tools and guidance from Virta, I’m staying ahead of those cravings. By planning my meals, packing my snacks, and making sure I’ve got everything I need for the day, I can breeze through the afternoon without reaching for something I’ll regret later.

As for what’s next? Well, this unboxing is just the start. I’m excited to see how using these tools continues to help me stay on track and push my results even further. I’ll be sharing more updates as I go, and if you’re curious about how to set yourself up for success on keto—or just want to watch me figure out how to use all this new gear—be sure to check out the video. There’s something in here for everyone, whether you’re new to keto or just looking to refine your routine.

xoxo
-S

P.S.
If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe, both here and on YouTube, to stay up to date with all my keto tips, unboxings, and updates on my journey! Your support means everything. While you’re at it, be sure to follow me on Instagram @LevelUpSaho for more behind-the-scenes content, meal prep ideas, and day-to-day motivation! Let’s keep leveling up together! 💪✨

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My Weight Loss Journey: 5 Tools to Lose 100lbs in 18 Months

Hello, everyone! 🌟

I’m thrilled to kick off my weight loss journey and share it with you all. For those who don’t know, I’m on a mission to lose 100lbs in 18 months. It’s a big goal, but I’m ready to tackle it head-on. This post is a companion to my latest YouTube video, where I reveal the 5 essential tools that are going to be helping me along the way.

1. Gym Consistency 🏋️‍♀️

Building a habit of regular workouts is crucial. I’ve committed to going to the gym consistently, and it’s already making a difference. I’m focusing on both cardio and strength training to help burn calories and build muscle.

2. Keto Diet 🥑

Embracing a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle with the Keto Diet has been a game-changer. It helps keep my energy levels stable and supports fat loss. Plus, there are so many delicious recipes to try!

3. TDEECalculator.Net 📊

Understanding my Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) has been key. TDEECalculator.Net helps me figure out how many calories I need each day to reach my weight loss goals. It’s a fantastic tool for staying on track.
You can view my video on that here:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/R6vXIuKO2TY?si=RFtCfNyNgt5ULIgh

4. MyFitnessPal 📱

Tracking my meals and progress with MyFitnessPal has been incredibly helpful. It keeps me accountable and makes it easy to see what I’m eating and how it fits into my daily goals.
You can view my video on that here:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/y5ay9fL6J-4?si=xKanUB4-C7916ElA

5. The Secret Weapon 🔒

There’s a special secret tool, my 5th game-changer, that I reveal in my video. It’s something that’s will hopefully make a huge difference for me, and I can’t wait for you to discover it!

Sharing My Vulnerability

In this journey, I’m being real and raw. I’m sharing my true stats and before footage because I want to show the reality of my starting point. It’s not easy putting myself out there, but I believe in transparency and authenticity. If you’re in a similar situation, know that you can do this too. We’re in this together.

A Positive and Supportive Space

This is a journey of transformation, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I want to create a space where we can support each other. Negativity and bullying have no place here. Let’s lift each other up and celebrate every step forward.

Join Me on This Journey

Thank you for being here and supporting me. If you haven’t already, check out my YouTube video where I dive deeper into these tools and share more about my journey. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates and tips!

Watch my video here:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/2OPs-vtO-Ic?si=qU12my7exs4of2oY

Together, we can achieve our weight loss goals and become the best versions of ourselves. 💪

Stay strong and stay positive,

xoxo
-S

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Embracing the Power of Saying “No”

In our quest for a balanced and fulfilling life, one of the most empowering skills we can cultivate is the ability to say “no.” As I prepare to share a detailed video about my goals on my YouTube channel, Level Up Saho, I want to emphasize the importance of protecting those goals by confidently using the word “no” when necessary. Remember, “No.” is a complete sentence, and it is a vital tool in our journey toward self-improvement and alignment with our true aspirations.

Why Saying “No” Matters

Saying “no” is not about being negative or uncooperative. It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters to us. When we commit to our goals, whether they pertain to small-scale homesteading, weight loss, or any other life changes, we need to guard our time, energy, and focus. Every “yes” we give to something that doesn’t serve our purpose is a “no” to something that does.

The Challenge of Saying “No”

For many of us, saying “no” can be challenging. We fear disappointing others, missing out on opportunities, or being perceived as selfish. However, the real challenge lies in realizing that our time and resources are limited, and spreading ourselves too thin can dilute our efforts and derail our progress.

The Power of a Simple “No”

It’s essential to understand that “No.” is a complete sentence. It doesn’t require justification, explanation, or apology. This simple, yet powerful word helps us maintain our boundaries and stay true to our goals. By confidently saying “no,” we honor our commitments and ensure that our actions are aligned with our intentions.

Practical Tips for Saying “No”

  1. Be Clear About Your Goals: Knowing what you want to achieve makes it easier to recognize when a request or opportunity doesn’t align with your objectives. When you’re clear about your priorities, saying “no” becomes a natural response to anything that could distract you from your path.
  2. Practice Assertiveness: Assertiveness is the ability to express your needs and boundaries clearly and respectfully. Practice saying “no” in a firm, polite, and direct manner. Remember, you are not obligated to explain your reasons unless you choose to.
  3. Use “No” as a Shield: View “no” as a protective shield that guards your time, energy, and focus. Each time you use it, you are reinforcing your commitment to your goals and values.
  4. Be Prepared for Reactions: Not everyone will understand or appreciate your boundaries, and that’s okay. Stand firm in your decision and remember that your primary responsibility is to yourself and your goals.
  5. Reframe Your Perspective: Instead of viewing “no” as a rejection, see it as an affirmation of your priorities. Saying “no” to one thing often means saying “yes” to something more important.

Saying “no” is a vital skill for anyone committed to personal growth and goal achievement. It empowers us to protect our time and energy, ensuring that our actions align with our aspirations. As I prepare to share more about my goals in an upcoming video on Level Up Saho, I encourage you to embrace the power of “no” and use it confidently as a tool for staying true to your path.

Stay tuned for my upcoming video where I’ll dive deeper into my goals and share more insights on how to align your life with your true passions and purpose.

Remember, “No.” is a complete sentence. Use it wisely and watch how it transforms your journey.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic in the comments below. How have you learned to say “no” and what impact has it had on your life? Let’s support each other in our quest for a more aligned and fulfilling life!

Stay Level Up,
xoxo
-S

If you enjoyed this blog post, don’t forget to subscribe to Level Up Saho for more insights on homesteading, weight loss, and life changes. Together, we can achieve our goals and live our best lives. You can also follow my here on this blog, Diet Coke and Hairspray, for more personal stories and tips.