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Reflecting back, 8 years ago, I weighed in at 250 pounds. Fast forward to today, and it’s been six incredible years since I achieved—and maintained!—a 100-pound weight loss. My journey hasn’t been about strict diets or intensive surgery; instead, it focused on nurturing my body, transforming my eating habits, and incorporating joyful movement into my daily life.
For a deeper dive into the beginning of my journey, check out an early blog post here.
Six years down the line, my healthy lifestyle has evolved far beyond simple weight maintenance. Today, it’s all about healthy active living, eating mindfully, and finding joy in body movement. Here’s how I’ve tweaked my routines to maintain a healthy lifestyle I love:
Tips for Sustaining a Healthy, Active Life:
- Embrace Mindful Eating: Mindful eating has been a cornerstone of maintaining my weight loss. It involves listening to my body’s cues, savoring every bite, and choosing foods that are both nourishing and feel-good. This practice helps me maintain a healthy relationship with food, 90% of the time I eat for nourishment rather than out of boredom or emotion.
- Find Happiness in Body Movement: Instead of viewing exercise as something negative, I look for activities that bring me happiness. Whether it’s lifting weights, dancing, or walking, I choose workouts that feel enjoyable to do. This approach keeps me consistently active and excited about moving my body most day.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is super important for overall health, aiding digestion, and improving energy levels. I make it a habit to carry a water bottle everywhere I go so that I stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Keep Stress Low: Managing stress is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I engage in activities like meditative breathing, journaling, walking, somatic stretching, and reading which help reduce stress and keep my mental health in check. For me, this is all about preventing emotional eating.
Living Positively While Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
Keeping off a huge amount of weight over the years isn’t just a matter of staying physically fit—it’s really about staying positive and truly loving the life you live. I’ve found that the key to long-term weight loss success lies in maintaining a positive outlook on the future and making sure every day is as enjoyable as it can be. So, how do I keep things fresh and stay upbeat about my health journey?
Firstly, I make it a point to celebrate the small wins just as much as the big ones. Whether it’s choosing a salad over fries, adding an extra five minutes to my cardio workout, or even just drinking some extra water—every win counts and deserves a little celebration! This helps keep me feeling good about myself and focused on my goals.
I’m also always mixing things. Sticking to the same old routines can quickly turn your healthy lifestyle into a dull chore. To avoid this, I try new recipes, switch up my workouts, or even take my exercise outdoors to connect with nature and keep my body guessing. It’s all about finding new and exciting ways to stay active and engaged.
Having Support:
Finally, I prioritize time with friends and family who uplift and support me. Sharing meals, working out together, or even having a good laugh over coffee can reinforce positive habits and remind me why I started this journey in the first place. It’s about building a community around wellness around me that inspires and energizes me every day.
By keeping my approach to health and weight maintenance light-hearted and varied, I not only maintain my physical health but my overall happiness in life as well. It’s not just about the number on the scale; it’s about building a healthy life you love living.
As I continue on this path of healthy active living and weight loss maintenance, my focus is on enjoying each day and living a lifestyle that keeps me vibrant and feeling fulfilled. Remember, whatever stage of your health and weight loss journey you are in, it’s about making choices that resonate with your needs and goals.
Start each day with a burst of enthusiasm and a solid commitment to your health journey, and you’ll discover that sticking to a healthy lifestyle isn’t just doable—it’s actually a fun and rewarding part of your daily life. When you begin every morning with a positive mindset and a clear focus on your weight loss goals, it becomes easier to make choices that feel good and are good for you. This approach doesn’t just keep you on track; it turns what could be a chore into something you look forward to every day. Embrace this energy, and watch as living healthily becomes a source of joy and pride in your life.
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