The Turning Point: Time for a Change
Let’s face it—transforming your health and wellness doesn’t come with a magic wand or a shortcut. It’s not a one-day makeover; it’s a journey that takes time, patience, and a whole lot of determination. For me, that journey started with a hard truth: I couldn’t keep living like this.
Long hours glued to my desk, putting everyone else first, and indulging in sugary coffees and processed foods had finally caught up to me. My portion control? Let’s just say it was more “all-you-can-eat buffet” than balanced meals.
The results weren’t pretty. The weight kept piling on, my blood pressure was climbing, and my energy levels hit rock bottom. I started avoiding mirrors like they were bad luck, skipped family photos (sorry, kids—no holiday memories for the fridge), and said goodbye to outdoor activities. Hiking, which I once loved, became an embarrassing struggle. The smallest hills felt like mountains, and I’d end up breathless and ready to pass out halfway through.
Something had to give. I knew I needed to change—but where do you even begin when everything feels like it needs fixing? That was the question staring me in the face.
The answer? Start small. Because even tiny steps can lead to big results.
The Realization That Sparked a Change
I knew I couldn’t overhaul my life overnight. Fad diets and quick fixes might offer short-term results, but I wanted something that would last—a true lifestyle shift that wouldn’t leave me back at square one. I needed sustainable, realistic changes, so I decided to start small.
In 2020, I made my first move by cutting out something that was weighing me down—literally and financially: sugary coffees. My daily large, extra-shot Iced Cocomo from Dutch Bros was packing over 400 calories a day and taking a serious toll on my wallet. Letting it go was a simple step that felt like a double win from the beginning.
That one decision set off a ripple effect in my journey. Around the same time, I gave keto a try and managed to drop 30 pounds over a few months. While I eventually transitioned away from keto, I stayed committed to avoiding sugary coffee. And the best part? I didn’t regain the weight.
Cutting out sugary coffee turned out to be a pivotal change for me—one that has helped me maintain progress and reinforced the value of small, intentional steps. It’s a victory I’ll continue to celebrate, not just for my health, but for my wallet and overall lifestyle too.
Hitting a Wall
Even with the progress I’m making, I hit a plateau—a frustrating reminder that health journeys aren’t always linear. Feeling “stuck” is tough, but I remind myself: this is a journey, not a destination. Instead of giving up, I focus on shaking things up and pushing forward by making meaningful lifestyle changes.
- Leaving My Sedentary Job: Sitting at a desk for hours every day with little movement takes a toll on my body. Leaving that routine gives me the opportunity to prioritize more active habits.
- Cooking Wholesome Meals: With more time at home, I’m focusing on cooking with simple ingredients, whole-food meals. Knowing exactly what’s going into my food is a game-changer for both my health and energy levels.
- Focusing on Movement: I’m rediscovering the joy of movement—whether it’s taking walks, stretching, or exploring new activities, I’m finding ways to get my body moving every day.
These changes are still a work in progress, but I’m learning to celebrate the process. Each small step brings me closer to where I want to be.
The Journey Isn’t Over—And That’s Okay
I’m nowhere near the finish line, but that’s the beauty of this journey—it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. I still have plenty of work ahead to make these changes stick, but I’m learning to embrace the process and take it one step at a time.
If you’re on your own health journey, here’s a little reminder: every small change counts. Whether it’s cutting back on sugary drinks, squeezing in a short walk, or cooking a simple meal at home, those little actions add up.
The results may not show up overnight, but the effort is always worth it. Keep showing up for yourself, one step, one habit, and one day at a time. We’ve got this!
Effective Steps to Kick-Start Your Health Journey
1. Pick One Habit to Tackle First
- Start small! Maybe it’s swapping your sugary coffee for tea, taking a quick 10-minute walk after lunch, or sneaking an extra veggie onto your plate.
- Choose something simple but impactful—baby steps lead to big wins!
2. Track Your Progress Like a Boss
- Grab a journal, download an app, start a blog (For me, my blog is my accountability partner right now), or slap a sticky note on your fridge—whatever works to keep you on track.
- Watching your progress grow is like leveling up in real life. Every small effort adds up, and tracking shows you just how far you’ve come.
3. Celebrate Like a Champ
- Hit a milestone? Time to party! (Okay, maybe not a full-blown party, but you get the idea.)
- Treat yourself to new workout gear, a fun activity, or even just a guilt-free Netflix binge. Progress deserves recognition, no matter how small.
Here’s to taking it one small step at a time and resetting our health for good!
