Eating Habits Won’t Change—Even When the Numbers Do

Finding Balance: Embracing Wellness Without the Scale

Lately, I’ve felt a bit uncomfortable with my body. My jeans are tighter, and I’ve found myself fixating on the number on the scale. It’s a familiar struggle for many—where eating habits, body image, and weight deeply influence how we see ourselves.

Weight Fluctuations and the Journey to Wellness

After experimenting with various treatments such as Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHT), oral progesterone, and testosterone cream, I realized that my body didn’t respond well to these changes. My appetite surged, my blood sugar levels were erratic, and cravings for carbohydrates and sugary treats intensified. With the ski season upon us and a bit too much indulgence after hitting the slopes, I found myself grappling with an additional ten pounds compared to my weight last spring.

However, despite these fluctuations, my approach to managing my weight has shifted. Instead of diving into a restrictive fat loss phase, I’m prioritizing healing and wellness. Currently, I’m collaborating with a healthcare practitioner to transition off biologic medications for my ulcerative colitis. When it comes to recovery, restricting calories is not a viable option; a body in healing mode requires proper nourishment and cannot thrive under the stress of a calorie deficit.

Nourishing My Body: A New Focus

My current strategy revolves around maintaining a caloric intake of 2,200 to 2,500 calories daily, while emphasizing the importance of protein, fiber, minerals, and wholesome foods. This shift in focus is essential for my overall health and well-being. Here are the key steps I’m implementing to return to a state of feeling great:

Read More: How to Easily Meet Your Daily Protein Requirements: A Visual Guide to 120g of Protein

1 – Ditch the Scale

The scale can often become a mental hurdle. Rather than fixating on a specific number, I’ve decided to concentrate on how I feel overall. This includes my energy levels, digestion, physical strength, and how my clothes fit. Progress should not solely be measured by weight; it’s essential to consider the broader picture of health.

2 – Nourish Without Overthinking

I’m moving away from scrutinizing every bite and workout. My goal is to nourish my body with what it truly needs and then move forward without guilt or second-guessing. I have the knowledge to feed myself properly, and it’s time to put that into practice without overanalyzing.

3 – Embrace Outdoor Walks

Walking is a simple yet effective way to manage weight, reduce stress, and promote hormonal balance. It has numerous benefits, including lowering cortisol levels, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and aiding digestion. Plus, spending time outdoors provides an instant mood lift.

4 – Prioritize Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is crucial for regulating metabolism, cravings, and hormones. I’m working on refining my sleep routine by establishing a consistent bedtime, minimizing screen time before bed, and incorporating slow-release melatonin and magnesium into my nighttime regimen. The correlation between better sleep and improved body composition is undeniable.

5 – Mindful Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, heighten cravings, and hinder fat loss. While I’m not completely eliminating it from my life, I’m becoming more conscious of my drinking habits. It’s important to ask myself whether I truly want that drink or if it’s just a habitual response. Reducing alcohol intake can significantly ease the weight loss journey.

Focusing on Healthy Habits

These are the eating habits I’m currently prioritizing—not crash diets, excessive workouts, or an unhealthy obsession with calories. Instead, I’m embracing practices that genuinely make me feel good and focusing on maintaining a balanced lifestyle. This is where the real transformation occurs.

In this journey towards wellness, every individual has their own unique path. Whether you resonate with the idea of stepping away from the scale or prioritizing sleep, it’s crucial to find what works best for you. The focus should always be on nurturing your body and mind through healthy eating habits and mindful routines that promote long-term health and happiness.

Engaging with the Community

I’m eager to hear from others about their experiences. What healthy habits have you adopted that contribute to your well-being? How do you maintain balance in your life? Engaging in these conversations can foster a supportive community where we can share tips and motivate each other on our wellness journeys.

In the spirit of sharing and connecting, I’ve also revived my old-school iced coffee dates on social media. Recently, I shared insights on how I’ve improved my sleep, offering tips for anyone looking for ways to enhance their nightly rest.

Why I won’t change my Eating Habits?

Ultimately, this journey is about discovering what truly nourishes our bodies and minds. By shifting the focus away from numbers and unrealistic standards, we can create a more positive relationship with ourselves. It’s essential to remember that health is a multifaceted concept, encompassing not just physical appearance but also mental and emotional well-being.

As we navigate this path, let’s celebrate progress in all its forms and continue to support one another in our pursuits of optimal health.