It's Been a Month: How I Feel About My Progress So Far
It’s been a month since my last weight loss update, and honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about my progress so far. My intention is to take it slow because, let’s face it, I don’t want to crash and burn and end up in the same place, feeling defeated and wanting to give up.
But this past month, I’ve faced a lot of weight loss challenges, and surprisingly, food hasn’t been the main issue. If I had to pick one of the most challenging things, it would probably be sleep, good sleep, that is.
Sleep Struggles in the Warmer Months
During the warmer months, I naturally don’t sleep that well and I’m pretty sure it’s due to the humidity. Sure, the AC is running but it doesn’t quite give me that cozy, cool feeling like in the colder months. You know what I mean?
Another problem is sound. I have to sleep with some sort of background noise like rain sounds or something calming. Otherwise, I hear every creak and crack in the house and the sounds from outside are so much louder. Unfortunately, this home isn't built to be soundproof and, oh, how I wish it was!
I’ve tried to see if I can sleep without the ambient noise but nope, not yet. So, I’m going to have to turn the thunderstorm sounds back on at least until the fall and winter winds start kicking in. And that’s just around the corner! I can't wait! I always sleep so much better during that time, the neighborhood gets quieter, the humidity drops, and I just feel less stressed. Or maybe it’s the calmer conditions that help me sleep better. Either way, I’m counting down to fall!
The Importance of Rest in Weight Loss
Now, if you’re wondering why sleep is important for weight loss and overall health, I’ll leave a link here for you to check out. Rest is a huge factor in maintaining energy, regulating hunger, and giving our bodies the time they need to recover and rebuild.
Water Intake Struggles
Next up, water. And let’s be real, I’ve been slacking a bit on that. I know, I know, bad Dana! Even with the water right beside me, I’m not sipping at the frequency I should be. I can tell I’m a little dehydrated because of how my body responds.
Signs of Dehydration
- Dry Mouth and Throat: One of the first signs I feel is my mouth and throat getting dry. It's like my body is asking for water!
- Fatigue: When I'm dehydrated, I start feeling more tired than usual, and sometimes even a little sluggish or dizzy.
- Headaches: Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches. If I don’t stay on top of my water intake, I notice these creeping in.
- Dark Yellow Urine: This is a big one! If my urine is darker than usual, I know it’s time to hydrate more.
- Dry Skin: I can tell my skin is a little more flaky and tight when I haven’t been drinking enough water.
- Cravings for Salty or Sweet Foods: When I’m dehydrated, I find myself craving salty or sugary foods. It’s like my body is looking for energy because it’s not getting what it needs.
- Cramps: Sometimes I’ll experience muscle cramps, especially after exercise, when I haven't had enough water.
- Decreased Urine Output: If I’m not urinating as much or it’s a struggle to go, dehydration is usually the culprit.
Progress Update: The Weight Is Coming Off Slowly
Despite the struggles with sleep and hydration, I’ve still managed to lose a few more pounds. Right now, I’m floating between 397 and 398 pounds, which might not sound like much, but it’s a win for me because I’m officially under 400! That feels like a huge victory.
I feel better too. Even though I’ve had some setbacks, I’m moving more and able to do longer activities. To me, that’s progress. It’s all about the journey, celebrating the wins and learning from the setbacks.
Building Better Habits, One Day at a Time
When I started this journey, I knew it wouldn’t be about quick fixes or perfect numbers. It’s about building better habits and living a healthier life overall.
I don’t have a specific end goal, so I just keep moving forward. Every day is a chance to correct behaviors, build a better life, and keep fighting. Some days, I expect to make huge strides and other days, I may take a couple of steps back. But I’m always moving forward, one step at a time.
Weight loss challenges will come and go, but what matters most is the consistent effort to live a healthier, happier life.
If you enjoyed hearing about my journey so far and want to keep up with more updates, come sit with me at Dana's Table. Let’s keep this conversation going.
