How One Mom Lost 20 Pounds Through Small Lifestyle Changes

Rouxroux1, a 31-year-old mother of two from the United States, recently shared on Reddit how she was able to drop 20 pounds and rediscover herself after having children. In her post, she admits to not taking care of her physical and mental health while taking care of her first child, only snapping out of it after her second child arrived.

Small Lifestyle Changes

Rouxroux1 credits her weight loss success to making small, healthier lifestyle choices over time. For example, instead of yo-yo dieting or counting calories, she began to be more mindful of portions and nutrition. She found an exercise routine that worked for her and made sure to get at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.

Discovering Exercise

In addition to being more mindful of her nutrition, Rouxroux1 began to get regular exercise. Though she had owned a Peloton bike for a few years, it wasn't until the pandemic hit that she began using it consistently. She found that she enjoyed the strength and yoga classes even more than the cardio classes, so she would alternate between the two. In 2021, she signed up for and completed two 5K races, which kept her accountable and helped her make healthier choices.

A Balanced Diet

For nutrition, Rouxroux1 generally skips breakfast but drinks coffee with almond milk creamer or protein powder. She eats out for lunch three to four times a week but tries to make healthier choices like salads or fish. For dinner, she usually eats fish with a vegetable and grain. When she wants a snack, she eats single-portion bags of Skinny Pop instead of Doritos or ice cream.

Celebrating Success

Rouxroux1 emphasizes that her weight loss journey wasn't just about the number on the scale. She tried to celebrate healthy lifestyle choices and physical accomplishments, like weights lifted and running time, instead. Her mindset shift helped her have a healthier and more sustainable weight loss journey. Now, she says she is proud of how far she has come, both physically and mentally.