Overcoming Yo Yoing: a 7 Year Weight Loss Journey

Reddit user belleslettres has accomplished an impressive feat, losing 62.5lbs over a 7-year period. However, as they note in their post, this success has been tinged with frustration due to the yo-yoing of their weight. Nonetheless, belleslettres has managed to stick to their weight loss goals, and there would be much that we could learn from their journey.

Unpacking Yo-Yoing

As we saw from the Reddit post, yo-yoing can be a discouraging experience. One way to overcome it is to measure one's progress by other markers besides the scale. For example, observing that loose clothing fits better, or that one has more energy throughout the day, can help to create a positive feedback loop around weight loss rather than a negative one. Quality sleep, reducing stress, and replacing bad habits with healthier ones all contribute too.

Focus on Your Goals

Belleslettres has done an excellent job of setting a clear goal and striving for it. This is evident from their original Reddit post, where their goal weight is 150lbs. Having a clear end goal in mind can motivate you to make daily lifestyle changes that lead to that end result. Belleslettres has also been able to inspire others through their journey, as evidenced by the positive comments on their thread. Support from like-minded individuals, whether via online communities or local meetups, can be another powerful motivator.

Be Mindful of Maintenance

Belleslettres brings up an essential point of the weight loss journey- maintenance. Once one has successfully lost weight, ensuring that they keep it off can be just as challenging as losing weight in the first place. By continuing the healthy habits enabled by the original lifestyle changes, such as daily exercise and mindful eating, one is less likely to slip back into old ways. Keeping a food journal and tracking one's progress can come in handy too.

Find What Works for You

No two weight loss journeys are the same. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an open mind, experiment with different approaches, and find what works for you. Belleslettres has tried various techniques, from calorie counting to intermittent fasting, to arrive at their current progress. As long as one is consistent in their efforts, adapts the strategies that work for them, learns from mistakes, and remains patient, the goal of achieving a healthier lifestyle is within reach.