Read on to discover my weight loss story of how I lost 100 pounds with healthy eating and simple lifestyle changes.
For most of my life, I struggled with my weight. I tried every fad diet and exercise program out there, but nothing seemed to stick. After my child was born, my weight gain only accelerated. My unhealthy eating habits, stressful job, and sedentary lifestyle left me feeling physically sick and unhappy.
By the summer of 2014, I was at my breaking point. Weighing in at 264 pounds, I started to experience serious health issues, including back pain, knee pain, shortness of breath, and high blood pressure. I felt depressed and unhappy. I knew I needed to make a change but I didn't know where to start.
The change
I didn't want to go on another temporary diet or weight loss program. I wanted a permanent change in my lifestyle. I wanted to live a healthy and happy life, so I started learning about healthy food and experimenting with healing spices. I cut out all processed meat, unhealthy refined sugars, and store-bought food.
Instead, I focused on eating real food – fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. It was a drastic change, but I knew it was the only way to regain control of my life.
In addition to changing my diet, I also started walking, doing yoga, and leading a more active lifestyle. It wasn't easy at first, but I pushed through the pain and fatigue. After six months, I started to feel amazing. I had more energy, and I began losing weight.
The result
Over the course of a year and a half, I lost over 110 pounds. But for me, the biggest accomplishment was my complete lifestyle change. I am a healthier and happier person today. Healthy eating is not just a short-term diet; it's a lifestyle. I eat natural, fresh food that nourishes my body and gives me energy. I eat in moderation and mindfully, enjoying every bite.
The "side effect" of my healthy lifestyle was weight loss and feeling better overall. People started to take notice and asked me how I managed to improve my life so drastically. I decided to start a blog to share my story and everything I learned along the way. It wasn't just another food blog with recipes; I shared my experience, tips, and guidelines on how to eat healthy and feel awesome.
Today, I feel like a different person. I have more confidence and energy, and I am grateful for the healthy body I have. It wasn't easy to get here, but it was worth it.
Eating healthily involves consuming fresh, natural foods that are nutritionally dense and nourish your body, providing the energy it needs. It also entails eating foods that cleanse and protect the body. Healthy eating is also about eating mindfully and with intention, in moderation.
If you're struggling with your weight and overall health, know that it is possible to make a change. Start small, make gradual changes, and focus on progress, not perfection. With healthy eating and a more active lifestyle, you can transform your life and become the best version of yourself.
Read more
5 Simple Diet Tweaks That Will Improve Your Health
How To Stop Sugar Cravings For Good
5 Weight Loss Tips That Really Works
Walking For Weight Loss And Better Health
Ways To Live Healthy With A Busy Schedule
DianneGI says
Wow! Inspiring! and yes its possible that you can eat what you like while losing weight. Actually, Ive tried this one also and its proven!
Natalie says
Thanks Dianne. Glad you find it inspiring!
Kristen says
Hi !! I am very nervous on starting a new way to eat !! How should I start ?
Natalie says
Hi Kristen. I'm so glad to hear you're thinking of getting healthy. That's first and most important step - to WANT to change something. You don't have to be nervous, just relax. It's not a race and there's no winning nor losing scenarios. You have time and take that time to learn and rediscover healthy food and eating right.
You can start by stop drinking ALL sugary drinks - store-bought juices, diet drinks, etc... These drinks are full of unnecessary sugar that's just unhealthy for your body. Replace it with drinking plain water, soda water (you can add slice of lime or lemon or other fruits into it), herbal teas (use little unrefined sugar to sweet it out) or homemade juices made with fresh fruits.
Limit yourself to desserts only on weekends and replace unhealthy refined sugars with healthier ones - maple syrup or honey, in everyday cooking and eating.
And that's a GOOD start. Getting off refined sugars is most important thing when you're starting healthy lifestyle. It's the first thing that I did.
You can read how to get off sugar in my post here >> http://www.natalieshealth.com/2017/07/stop-sugar-cravings/
Chris Gulden says
Dear Natalie-Hello my name is Chris an I'm at the heaviest I've ever been in my life,an it scares me,I'm trying so hard to eat healthier,for my family,an myself.Im really trying hard to do more exercise,I run after kindergartners all day,an have active 6 yr old son I need to keep up with.Im at 280 an I'm not happy.Help Natalie.
Natalie says
Hi Chris. I know how scared you are. I've been there. When I was at my 260+ and when I realized I actually NEED to do something about my weight I was so scared. I was literally in panic because I knew I need to do something but didn't believe I can actually do it. That was SO WRONG, to not believe in myself. We are capable of achieving so many things. Don't let fear freeze you.
My advice is to just relax. Getting healthy and losing weight is a process and it will take you time. DON'T rush anything. You need to start loving your body and your life. You need to start leading this new healthier lifestyle because you really want to... not because you have to. Realize that food is our fuel. Food can heal us. Food is amazing and so good. Start loving healthy fresh ingredients, and the feeling when you put something healthy in your body. Body will reward you believe me. As soon as you start eating healthy you will start to feel sooo much better. And just when you fall in love with you new healthier way of life your pounds will start to melt. Literally.
Believe in process and yourself. Stop focusing on how much pounds you have to lose. Focus on learning about healthy food, healthy cooking, and all the healing spices that will help your body be healthy.