I just hit the huge milestone of losing 55 pounds! I have a lot of thoughts about this because this is the most I’ve ever lost, and definitely the quickest (not that I’m going for speed). More than the scale, my mindset, life, closet, and more have changed significantly since shedding that amount of weight. Here’s where I’m at:
To be completely clear, I am going to a weight loss clinic where clinicians are helping me weekly and monitoring everything I’m doing the whole time. 🤓 I go to my appointments on Wednesday mornings, and that alone has been a cool shift in my ex-diet culture brain. Instead of my week beginning on Monday’s, my week begins on Wednesday. What that translates to for me: weekends are no longer freebies or for trash eating. I know that I have to show them everything I eat and I have to weigh in in just 3 short days, my weekends are precious work time. Instead, I often have a treat meal or something on Wednesday after my appointment or plan things for Thursday or Friday. This has been really good for building consistency for me and not allowing weekends to throw me off- I can’t afford it!
My first appointment started with heart scans, blood work, and a weigh in. Every 30 pounds I lose, I have to have new blood work done to make sure I’m still healthy, but it’s also great to see my overall health improve. They take my blood pressure at every appointment because I am also taking an appetite suppressant. The weigh-ins are amazing because it gives much more information than just the number on the scale. It tells exactly where the weight came from: fat or muscle, and how much water I’m retaining. All of this information is given to me every time so I can track and keep up with my progress. It’s all super helpful, and interesting, because I am watching my health improve weekly. 🤩
A huge game changer for me is taking the appetite suppressant. Probably not for the reasons you’d expect though. Yes, it curbs your appetite (I have to remind myself to eat- literally with an app on my phone), but the way it has helped me the most is curbing my cravings. I am a grazer so if food is out, I’m going to nibble on whatever it is. I’m limited to certain food groups right now, so the suppressant helps me not want to nibble on those things. One thing I can’t refuse right now: grapes and blueberries. They get me every time.
So my diet plan has been mostly protein. I’m allowed a serving of veggies if I go on a walk, and I’m allowed to have some healthy fats to help with digestion. This has been a big adjustment, but once I got in the swing of things and saw results, it got really easy!
Because of this diet, I also have to take a lot of supplements to make sure my body is still getting all of the nutrients it needs. I have a huge pull box like my grandpa used to have, and I load that thing up. I’m currently taking: calcium, fish oil, magnesium, a fat burner, and a multivitamin. Throughout the day I also take St. John’s Wort, a serving of sugar-free electrolytes, and colostrum powder. I’ve also been starting every morning with hot lemon water with salt while I get ready, and really love that part of my routine. Taking all of these really helps with my water intake too! At night, I also take magnesium and zinc.
At my appointments, we recap progress, how and what I ate that week, we tweak my menu and goal for the next week, and I’m on my way! I also have the option for B6 and B12 shots to help with nutrients as well. Studies have also shown that consistent use of these shots can help with metabolism and weight loss. I don’t do it every time. It’s oil based so it hurts for a second, but for me it hurts all day, so I skip it most of the time.
Mindset shifts that have changed how I think about weight loss.
Be at least 90% adherent 90% of the time for results.
This advice is from Macros Coach, Lexus Gordon. She gives really practical advice on eating to live. I can’t wait to follow her plan once I’m in maintenance. I’ve really leaned on this quote during this time. I love a sweet treat at night, so 5 M&M’s won’t kill my whole diet if I’m doing everything else right. Trying a bite of Mac n cheese at a killer restaurant also won’t do it. Most of the time, I just want a bite anyway, so I’ve learned to share food.
“I would love to come back here when I can order whatever I want.”
I’ve been traveling a lot lately and just going out to eat in general. I used to just splurge and order whatever because, “I’m traveling,” or something like that. Now, I just remind myself how excited I am to come back to this place. Sometimes I even take pics of the menu to remind myself of what I want to try. Leaving the door open on the opportunity is super helpful in not feeling totally limited.
If you fail to prepare, then you prepare to fail.
I’ve always been a meal prepper but on a meal plan like this, I cannot afford not to meal prep. I cook a huge batch of taco meat each week, make sure I have everything for protein shakes, eggs and sausage for breakfast, and all dinners planned. If I don’t, I get grilled nuggets from Chick-fil-A. I’m not mad about it, but like, I shouldn’t do it everyday right? I started calling it my “emotional support taco meat” because I feel panicked if I have to think about what to eat. It is so nice to have something in the fridge at all times, and really gives me the freedom and drive to try new recipes and new foods!
Overall, I’m feeling great! I’m a full size down, consistently. Sizing is so unpredictable which can make losing weight frustrating. But I finally hit a point where I am a size (mostly 2!) smaller at every store! Shopping still isn’t the best, though. I feel like I don’t know how to dress my new body, my clothes are all too big, but I don’t know what size I need. Trying not to buy anything also, because I am still losing a lot.
A little tip with the clothes nightmare I am currently living in that I think could work for everyone: In my closet, I have 2 bins. One is for clothes that I love that need alterations, the other is for donations. As soon as I try something on that doesn’t look right anymore, I make the decision right then. It does not go back on a hanger. This has drastically reduced my closet, and I’m thrilled. I’ve gotten rid of 2 trash bags and have 2 trash bags of clothes that are all too big, but that I want altered one day. I am keeping this system forever, it is just so handy!
Another thing I’ve noticed is that my eating habits have also naturally changed. I don’t feel like I need to eat everything on my plate. I’m more aware of portion sizes and making sure I get enough protein and fat. I also settle for a bite or two of something decadent instead of ordering for myself or finishing it. It’s refreshing to view food differently!
I have a ways to go for my final goal and my end of year goal, but 55 pounds is a huge accomplishment for me! Would love to answer any questions or share more about my experience if you want to know more!
