Illustration of a curly-haired woman before and after weight loss, with the text "How I transformed my body & lost 11 pounds" in the background.

Cómo perdí 11 libras en 6 semanas sin dieta ni entrenamientos extremos

Difunde el amor

This year has been a profound learning experience. I uncovered the importance I had unintentionally placed on my body image over the years. This realization led to a transformative journey of self-discovery, health, and confidence.

My Wake-Up Call

During my routine physical, my doctor pointed out that my weight—167 lbs—was considered overweight for my 5’5.5″ height. At first, I felt overwhelmed. Yet, my doctor encouraged me to meet with a health educator to start working on my weight loss goals.

After my first assignment with the health educator, I dropped to 164 lbs. Encouraged by this progress, I set a new goal to lose four more pounds by my next visit. Just six weeks later, on July 30th, I weighed 153.6 lbs. This achievement gave me more than just a number on the scale—it motivated me to keep pushing ahead.

My ultimate goal is to return to my pre-weight-gain weight of 140 lbs., which I maintained two years ago.


Understanding My Weight Gain

How It All Began

After graduating from college, I moved in with my significant other. I wanted to embrace self-love and stop obsessing over my shape, size, or weight. To reinforce this mindset, I avoided purchasing a full-length mirror. But this backfired. Without realizing it, I adopted unhealthy habits that caused me to gain 28 lbs.

Even though I went to the gym five days a week, I couldn’t outrun poor eating habits. Late-night takeout and junk food became the norm. Slowly, I began feeling tired all the time, and my energy levels plummeted. Running, walking long distances, and even exercising became challenging.

Emotional Impact

This physical change also affected my confidence. I started to fear that my body was working against me. It wasn’t just about how I looked—it was about the limitations my body now placed on my daily life.


My Weight-Loss Journey: How I Did It

Identifying Problematic Habits

We examined my daily routine during my first session with the health educator. As a result, I discovered habits that were holding me back:

  • Eating late at night: I often had dinner around 10 or 11 p.m. and went straight to bed afterward.
  • Skipping cardio: I avoided cardio out of fear of losing too much weight.
  • Ordering takeout: I relied heavily on convenience foods instead of preparing meals.

 

Making Practical Changes

We created a practical plan to tackle these habits:

  • Adjusting meal times: I started eating dinner earlier—around 7 or 8 p.m.—and waited two hours before bed.
  • Drinking water before meals helped me recognize true hunger and reduce overeating.
  • Walking instead of intense cardio: I eased into cardio by walking home from work three times a week. I tracked my steps with a Fitbit.

In just two weeks, these minor adjustments helped me lose 4 lbs. This success motivated me to continue making positive changes.

Experimenting With Diets

Line graph showing body weight fluctuations over a three-month period, starting at 165 lbs and steadily decreasing to below 155 lbs as part of a weight loss journey.
This is how my weight has fluctuated since the start of my journey.

To manage cravings and reduce my appetite, I tried a few different approaches:

I replaced junk food with roasted peanuts, crackers, or fresh produce like carrots for snacks. My mornings started with coffee, which delayed my breakfast and helped me naturally reduce my calorie intake.

Staying Motivated With Technology and Community

Walking became a cornerstone of my exercise routine. I joined Fitbit challenges with friends, which added a competitive and fun element to my progress. Later, I used MyFitnessPal to track meals and connect with supportive communities, which helped me stay accountable and inspired.

Where I Am Now

This journey taught me that health isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about finding balance and making sustainable changes. I’ve shifted toward a plant-based diet, eliminating seafood and reducing dairy. These small steps have helped me align my eating habits with my long-term goals.

Most importantly, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of people’s weight and body image challenges. It’s not easy when your body is working against you. But patience, self-compassion, and a strong support system can make all the difference.

FAQs: Hormonal Weight Gain and Sustainable Weight Loss

How did you lose 11 lbs in 6 weeks?

I made small, sustainable lifestyle changes like adjusting my meal timing, walking consistently, and tracking my habits using Fitbit and MyFitnessPal. I didn’t follow a strict diet or intense workout plan—just realistic shifts that worked for my routine.

What are the common causes of hormonal weight gain in women?

Hormonal imbalances related to stress, thyroid function, PCOS, postpartum changes, or perimenopause can all lead to unexpected weight gain. These shifts often impact how your body stores fat and metabolizes food.

Are there supplements that help with hormonal weight gain?

Some women find relief using supplements like omega-3s, magnesium, or inositol (especially for PCOS). Always consult a healthcare provider before adding supplements to your routine to ensure they align with your needs.

Why is it hard to lose weight with hormonal imbalances?

Hormones regulate everything from appetite and metabolism to stress and sleep. When they’re out of balance, your body may resist weight loss despite your efforts. Addressing the root cause is key, not just cutting calories.

Can weight gain affect body image and confidence?

Absolutely. Gaining weight unexpectedly can lead to shame, self-doubt, or disconnection from your body. But it’s possible to rebuild confidence and health through mindful changes, self-compassion, and community support.


Final Thoughts: My Advice to You

  • Ser paciente: Weight loss isn’t linear—it fluctuates. Celebrate the small wins along the way.
  • Find your community: Join groups like Fitbit or MyFitnessPal to stay motivated and inspired.
  • Set realistic goals: Focus on your journey instead of comparing yourself to others.

The most important thing? Be kind to yourself. Your best self is within reach—one small step at a time.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Your path to health and confidence starts now! Whether you want to lose weight or feel stronger in your skin, remember this: Small, consistent changes lead to big results.

  • Join a Community: Share your journey and connect with others on platforms like Fitbit or MyFitnessPal.
  • Take the First Step: Pick one habit to focus on today—meal timing, walking, or hydration—and build from there.
  • Believe in Yourself: Progress takes time, but every effort gets you closer to your goal.

You’ve got this! Start today and discover the best version of yourself.

Want something lighter after all this real talk?
Check out my Sephora birthday haul — because treating yourself is part of the journey, too.

Hagamos que la bandeja de entrada sea mágica

Consejos para cabello rizado, rutinas de la vida real, actualizaciones para sentirse bien: regístrese para recibir todo lo que hace la vida más fácil (y más alegre).

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