I turned 68 years old in 2015. And truth be told life was going very well. I moved to Tucson in 2010 and was really enjoying retirement. In December 2015 I had just returned from a magical river cruise through Germany and Austria, visiting Christmas markets that glowed with twinkling lights and fragrant with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. The trip had been a dream fulfilled, but it left me with an undeniable realization: my body was struggling to keep up with my adventurous spirit and looking back at photos I didn't like the plump girl who was looking back at me.
I unpacked my suitcase and made a decision: I was going to lose 40 pounds, not just to look better but to feel healthier and reclaim my energy. My goal was 118.
The Plan: No Fads, Just Balance
Over the years I had tried several different diets— Weight Watchers, low-carb, keto. They left me feeling deprived and frustrated. They did the trick at the time because I wanted to shed just 5 - 10 pounds. This time I wanted to shed 40 pounds, so I decided I needed to do things differently.
“I’ll eat what I want,” but I’ll cut my portions in half. No more finishing the whole plate just because it’s there.
I also made one other commitment: to move my body every day, whether it was a brisk walk, a yoga class, or dancing around my living room. But I also joined LA Fitness.
The First Few Weeks
I woke up on January 1, 2016 ready to start cutting calories - (I really didn't count calories until closer to goal weight).
At first, cutting my portions felt strange. Didn't my Mother say finish your plate there are starving children in China? But soon, I learned to serve myself smaller portions.
After about 2 weeks, I didn’t feel deprived. I ate everything I loved and began to notice I felt satisfied with less. And because I wasn’t banning any foods, I didn’t have the usual cravings that sabotaged my past diets. Sunday was still pizza night and instead of 2-3 slices I had 1 slice and a salad. (And I cut desserts to Wednesday and Saturday only. I have a great big, sweet tooth.)
I had more energy after eating smaller portions', so I also started walking around the neighborhood each morning for about 30 minutes.
Midway Motivation
By March 15, I had lost 12 pounds. My clothes were looser, and I really felt great. Encouraged by my progress, I treated myself with a mini shopping spree. I was going on another trip to Europe later in the month and wanted a few new things.
By June 15 a day before leaving for Great Britain I had lost 20 pounds.
The Final Stretch
My determination did waiver a little especially while traveling through Great Britain for 3 weeks in June, but I came back determined to lose the last 20 pounds. I felt stronger, more confident, and more at peace. And the mirror wasn't my enemy - well maybe just a little.
In August I went back to Dayton Ohio for a visit. Down 30 pounds now. Still eating half portions.
By October I reached my goal, but in September I started counting calories to adhere to around 1200 calories a day because weight loss had slowed down.
On January 1, 2017, one year later, I weighed 115.
A New Chapter
In retrospect, at that point I really didn't have a plan on keeping the weight off even though I did keep it at bay until December 2023. Then I noticed my clothes were a little tight again. Yep, I was up 10 pounds.
So, stay tuned for what I did in 2024. (it’s not a diet but I lost 3 inches on my waist, and a couple of pounds)
I appreciate everyone who is following my journey. These musings are like a journal for me. Journaling really helps me understand myself better. For those of you who know me well, back in July 2016 I had a big upset in my life. But I did not let it knock me off my weight loss path.
Louise x
your determination and consistency paid off. Brava to you. b