When I was interviewed by The Active Times, I was asked specifically about my weight loss story. It wasn't until I was in the midst of my response that I realized, I have two of them.
My first weight loss story started in my twenties
Twenty-something years ago (yes I'm that old) I dropped 80 lbs. That's almost a whole person, and it shocks me to this day to recall that I was north of 200 lbs. Yet I'm also proud to say that I lost and kept that weight off. Sure, I've gone up and down 5 to 10 lbs here and there, but mostly, I've stayed 135 (ish) lbs for the last 22 years, which is pretty cool in my books.
My second weight loss story began in my 40's
If you've been a reader of my blog for a while, you'll know that I also competed in a fitness competition a few years back, where I dropped down to 127 lbs (about 16% body fat). I was miserable and starving during that time, so my biggest lesson learned was that being thin doesn't necessarily equate to being happy. I've often threatened to take a second attempt at a competition, but truth be told, it's such a lonely, isolating process, I don't think I'd ever want to put myself through it again. Plus I really like wine and chocolate, so there's that.
Looking back at both my weight loss experiences, even though they were wildly different (going from obesity to healthy, then healthy to super skinny), the principles of action were the same - be consistent and sleep a LOT. I've always slept well and I think that's why I've kept my weight off and continue to stay in good shape well into my 40's. If I could bottle good sleep and sell it, I'd be a bazillionaire for sure.
Anyway, if you're interested in reading into my fat loss stories, you can find it all here, but the takeaway is that you have to take care of yourself. Sleep, drink water, eat veggies, quality protein and healthy fats, don't eat sugar and find lots of reasons to smile. It's also the recipe for a good life, so you'll get more than you bargained for with this diet.
xo
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness instructor and author of The Fit Habit. Here she shares simple, low carb recipes, quick home workout ideas and practical ways to foster mind + body wellness.
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You're right. Sleep is friggen huge. It's amazing how much better I look after a night of quality zzz's. It makes all the difference.