Small Sustainable Changes Do Add Up: One Woman's 22Lb Weight Loss Journey

Introduction

We often hear about drastic diets and intense workout regimens when it comes to weight loss, but for redditor u/elysannes, small, sustainable changes were the key to losing 22 pounds over 10 months.

Principle #1: Make It Fun and Enjoyable

To make the process as willpower-free as possible, elysannes focused on making her weight loss journey fun and enjoyable. For example, she replaced one meal a day with her favorite fruits, like mango and lychee. She also opted to eat only the vegetables she enjoyed, avoiding kale despite its reputation as a nutritional powerhouse.

Principle #2: Introduce, Don't Impose

Instead of drastically overhauling her diet, elysannes made changes gradually, introducing new habits only when she felt ready. She also focused on mindful eating, listening to her hunger cues and opting for less processed options. Over time, her cravings shifted towards healthier choices.

Exercise Routine

To make exercise enjoyable, elysannes tried different activities until she found ones she loved, like hiking and swimming in the ocean. She also found a way to make working out in a park feel like play by bringing a suspension trainer and kettlebells, and going during sunset hours. Rather than obligating herself to work out, she simply made a habit of going to the park, and worked out when she felt like it.

Conclusion

Elysannes' weight loss journey shows the power of small, sustainable changes in reaching a healthy weight. By making the journey fun and enjoyable, rather than a chore, she was able to consistently stick with her new habits over time. Her story serves as a reminder that everyone's weight loss journey is unique, and that it's important to find what works best for you – even if it means eat your favorite fruits may be the key to success!