What I Gained from Losing 48 Pounds in Three Months
Becoming stronger, healthier, and happier
My physical image reached a very embarrassing point. I never imagined I would be the fat one in the group. It happened, and I stayed overweight for several years.
I realized how bad my shape was only after losing all 48 pounds, and now I never want to go back.
The toll of excess weight is much bigger than you think. Being overweight is not good.
The mental effects include reduced self-confidence, lack of self-esteem, increased depression, and anxiety.
The effects on physical health are high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
Considering all the risks, at some point, you realize you have to do something.
Life challenges and big changes never let me follow a consistent diet or workout plan.
It’s the beginning of 2020, Covid-19 has entered our life, and I’m stuck home, thinking I will sure put more weight on. I decided to do a blood test to check up on my health. It turned out I had very high uric acid, low HDL cholesterol, and high LDL cholesterol.
I didn’t know much about nutrition, so I started getting educated to improve my image and the numbers.
The entire process led me to places I wasn’t planning, some not related to weight loss at all.
Here are my actions and respective findings.
Intermittent Fasting 16/8
For years the idea of fasting felt wrong to me. Many nutritionists suggest you have as many as six meals a day. Recently there is a major trend towards fasting and its health benefits.
We are very polarized on nutrition: so many viewpoints and a lot of debate on how and when we should eat. Following the increased popularity of fasting and its more acceptable positive effects, I decided to try it. I started eating during an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours.
I learned a lot from Dr. Michael Greger and his fascinating book How Not To Die, offering the most up-to-date knowledge on a good diet. One of his findings is to opt for an evening fasting (5 pm to 9 am) by skipping dinner. According to his research, starting your fasting window earlier in the day is associated with better health benefits.
On my first night of fasting, I could not fall asleep. My brain was still fully functional, and at times I felt as if I just woke up. My body was reacting to this major change.
After a few days, sleeping became a lot better, and I would wake up much more energized. Getting out of bed became easy, while I felt calm and stress-free.
The most incredible thing about fasting is that by not eating, you give room to your body to do other useful things. It cleanses our body of toxins and forces cells into processes that are not usually stimulated when a steady stream of fuel from food is always present.
Months into fasting, and the positive effects are amazing.
I feel alert all day, and all my senses are working at 100% capacity.
I get in the zone immediately, and distractions don’t bother me.
Mentally and physically, I feel stronger, my body is leaner, and my mind works at a more advanced level.
“Fasting is the greatest remedy — the physician within” — Paracelsus
We are what we eat
There are so many food choices out there that are so tasty!
We think that losing weight means going on a specific diet and depriving us of our pleasure to eat. This mentality is changing.
You can start eating in a healthy, pleasant way, supportive of weight loss, and follow it for life.
By researching, I discovered so many amazing choices that I had no idea about. I’m now enjoying food more than ever.
Eat healthy — as much as you want!
Have variety — our tongues can differentiate between 100,000 different flavors.
For your daily nutrition, I recommend you follow Dr.Greger’s Daily Dozen Checklist. There is an App to help you stick to the checklist.
Lastly, you’ll be happy to know that a cheat is good for your body because it reduces cravings, provides a mental break, and boosts metabolism.
So pick a day to have your favorite pizza!
You will enjoy it more because you don’t select it often and you’ve earned it.
Walk as much as possible
Walking is underestimated.
I used to drive everywhere I go. I decided to switch to walking if it takes up to 30 minutes.
It may not feel like much, but you burn around 200 calories every half hour of walking. And it's not just that. Walking more improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, and supports your joints.
Scientists say that walking as little as two hours per week can help you live longer.
I’ve recently set a new habit of taking a break from work midday and walk for 15 minutes at a dynamic pace. I return to work lightened up with a clear head, and I have noticed an increase in my productivity.
Walking is easy but highly effective for improved mood and weight loss.
Walking is by far the best value for effort.
“Thoughts come clearly while one walks.” — Thomas Mann
Healthy mind for a healthy body
The above is a quote from ancient Greek philosophers.
The effects of negatives emotions are strong on the body. Excessive stress impacts all major systems of the body. Systems such as musculoskeletal, respiratory, and cardiovascular.
Taking care of your mental health is crucial for a healthy body and a balanced weight. Practice daily meditation, perform breathing exercises, take more holidays, and relax.
Finding greater inner peace is a big step before your body finds peace.
To take time to heal your soul and mind may be the greatest lesson I experienced during my weight loss period.
“An unhealthy mind, even in a healthy body, will ultimately destroy health.” — Manly Hall
Listen to your body
Most people ignore the signs.
If your stomach does not feel great 3 hours after you eat, it's a clear sign your body is not happy about your food choice.
Write down two lists, one with food that makes you feel good and one with food that doesn’t. Update it constantly and follow the good list.
If your body feels good after a long walk, it's a clear sign your body enjoyed that. Do more of it.
Keep open communication with your body.
“Your body is like a quiet talker with the most important thing to say.” — Marissa Vicario
A creative path via weight loss
Finding ways to lose weight will lead you to ways to improve many areas of your life.
What started as a challenge to lose weight became constant amazing discoveries of great things for my body, heart, and soul.
Take the decision to start your path to improve your health. You will notice the range of benefits for your whole life, which are far greater than you can imagine.
My recent blood test results were my life’s best, with perfect numbers. I feel in the strongest physical and mental state ever.
A successful weight loss plan is an amazing feeling that will boost your self-esteem and elevate your well-being.
After that, new goals will feel more achievable because you will know what it takes to make a big change in your life, starting with your own body.
