Finding My Way Back: A Real Weight Loss Journey Update
Dealing with summer heat, stubborn fluid retention, and finding my way back to the basics, one small, honest step at a time.
Welcome Back, Cooler Weather: A Fall Reset
It has been over a year since my last update, and honestly, it’s not because I stopped working on my health. Life just got real, especially this summer. If you're new around here or want to catch up on where this all began, you can read all about my Starting My Weight Loss Moderation Journey (Without Giving Up Cake) post.
If you live anywhere near the humidity I’ve been dealing with, you know how brutal it gets. Even my AC condensation pipe literally clogged itself with goo this summer! Between the swampy weather feeling like stepping into a preheated oven (with yours truly as the main course) and dealing with my chronic fluid retention issues that have popped up on and off since my late 20s and early 30s, summer and I just didn’t get along this year. I basically rejected the sun entirely.
Small Wins and Doctor Visits
I finally faced the music and made an appointment to see the doctor—I know, bad Dana, right? But the good news is that I am officially down to 393 pounds.
For a lot of weight loss journeys, dropping just a few pounds over the course of a year might feel discouraging. But I am ecstatic because, given how things have gone, it could easily have gone up!
Back to the Basics: Water, Rest, Movement & Food
Now that we are finally moving back into the cooler months—yay for clearer thinking and better energy—I am completely refocused. I'm getting back to the four pillars: water, rest, movement, and food.
The Water Challenge: My doctor and I talked a lot about water. I am terrible at drinking enough of it. The good news is I’m not drinking soda or juice, but coffee and tea are still staples. Now that I am recommitting to the water train, I am definitely moving more... mostly because I'm sprinting to the restroom! (Okay, not sprinting, but close. Hopefully, my body adjusts soon!)
Accidental Movement: Movement has been tough with the heat, but a few weeks ago I started painting my small front porch. Between the heavy arm work, battling aggressive flies, and the humidity, a simple two-day job stretched into two grueling weeks just for the rails. The rails look great, but the steps? Yeah, I might wait until actual autumn arrives for those.
The Rice Kick: On the food front, I've been heavily leaning on my rice cooker lately because it's fast and makes perfect batches. But it's time to break out of "I hate summer" mode and transition into my favorite time of the year.
Looking Ahead: Inch by Inch
I am getting excited about the cooler weather coming in, and of course, this is usually when everyone slows down. But for me, it energizes me and motivates me. And although I have not lost as much, I don't feel defeated.
My intention is just to move forward. Just like any journey, there are times you may just sit for a moment to rest before you move forward. That is my intention. So if you are like me and have big goals, just focus on the small steps: inch by inch, not mile by mile.
Never Give Up
If there's one thing I want you to take away from my long absence, it's this: Never give up.
Progress isn’t always a straight line, and sometimes just maintaining or moving forward by an inch is a massive victory. As long as we have today, we keep working toward better health and a better life.
Here’s to fall, fresh motivation, and stepping into a brand-new season together!
How has your summer transition been? Are you ready for the cooler weather as much as I am? Let me know in the comments below!
Never give up.
Disclaimer: I am a creator sharing my personal weight loss and health journey, not a medical professional. The information shared on this blog is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before making major changes to your diet, hydration, or health routine.
