Over the last year, I lost 40 pounds.
Just from changing my eating habits. And moderate exercise. No extreme dieting.
As a freelance writer, I often spend 10-12 hours at my desk. This led to a lot of weight gain.
I walked to fetch my kids from school, but it was close to our house.
I skipped meals. Survived on coffee, and told myself I would eat later.
By 3 PM, my brain was porridge. I used to eat what was easiest, often grabbing a chocolate, or cookies.
The Sitting Situation
Sitting for hours, destroys your metabolism.
I already learned this when I still worked in an office. That’s why I walked every lunchtime.
It’s not that simple when you’re working from home. You’re running between work and kids. It’s time to make supper again, before you know it.
Then your body burns fewer calories. Your circulation slows. Inflammation increases.
My varicose veins got much worse. I realized I had to start moving, and lose weight.
I decided to make changes.
What I Changed
I stopped skipping meals during busy periods.
A proper breakfast and lunch helped me cut down on snacking.
My brain fog became a thing of the past.
I broke up my sitting time.
Every hour, I stand for 5 minutes.
When I have a flare up of Interstitial Cystitis, I have to get up regularly to go to the bathroom.
How I Actually Ate
In the past, I followed strict diets, and lost a lot of weight fast.
This time, I did it differently.
I didn’t cut out any food, I just cut down.
If I wanted a muffin, I’d only eat half.
I ate smaller portions at meals.
I realized I didn’t enjoy common carbs, so cut many out.
I stopped eating bread, pizza, pasta, pies and biscuits. Mostly.
I eat more white meat and less red meat.
I still eat unhealthy snacks, but cut back when I see my weight go up.
Making It Stick
I weigh myself every day. It’s easier to take action when you’ve gained 2 pounds than 10.
Some would say this is obsessive, but it works.
I still have 20 pounds to go, but I already have more energy.
I’m clearer. More resilient. More productive.
By refusing to skip meals and forcing myself to move, I actually get more done.
Your body is the only one you’ve got.
Feed it. Move it. Respect it.
Even when you think you’re too busy.
