Just over a year ago, I weighed in at 222 pounds (or 15.85 stone for those in the UK).
At six feet tall, this extra weight wasn’t just a number. I was experiencing it firsthand through constant sweating, breathlessness, and disrupted sleep. It was really taking a toll on my self-esteem and daily productivity.
It was affecting my work too. I was often too self-conscious to show up on YouTube for my online projects, I struggled with regular mind fog, and by 2pm in the afternoon, I was drained.
The turning point
It was during a family day out at Rushden Lakes, in the midst of self-loathing, when inspiration hit. I knew I needed to lose weight, but so far nothing had worked. So how about, instead of diving into another extreme diet or an intense gym routine (which, let’s be honest, would last maybe two days), why not try smaller, but consistent steps towards a healthier me?
After all, it’s how I’ve grown my business, broken bad habits, completed my first manuscript, and even read the entire Bible cover to cover by utilizing “streaks” to measure my progress and be accountable to myself.
Why couldn’t I apply the same daily logic to my health?
As I write, I am 176 pounds (12.6 stone in the UK) and am now in the green for my BMI. I am fit, have energy, am productive, feel happy, and am laser focused.
How I did it
The following is based on my body, my activities, and the advice I read and received. If you’re looking to lose weight too, while you can take inspiration from this breakdown, please ensure you do research based on your body type and seek advice.
Step 1: Goal Setting
The NHS website’s calculator became my starting point. It pegged my ideal weight at 180 pounds, which would put me in the green on the BMI chart. That meant I had 42 pounds to shed.
Step 2: Calorie Counting
I turned to an app to help manage my calorie intake. The goal? Lose about 20 pounds over six months. Based on the questions, the app suggested I needed a daily intake of roughly 2,000 calories.
Step 3: Get moving
I committed to a daily routine of walking 10,000 steps. The ‘Steps‘ app, syncing with my phone and watch, kept me accountable. The Steps app also synced with the LoseIt app, meaning, the more I moved, the more calories I earned in a day, which helped for those times I fancied a snack!
Step 4: Measure
The initial months were challenging, with progress feeling slow. But by the end of the six months, not only had I hit my target, I’d surpassed it! Those clothes that once felt snug? They now hung loose, boosting my confidence and depleting my wallet as I had to go out and get new clothes!
The results
Fast forward to today, and I am now in maintenance mode. Therefore, I’ve adjusted my calorie intake to ensure I maintain rather than lose weight, and I’m enjoying the benefits.
Beyond the physical transformation, I’ve seen a surge in confidence. My relationships have flourished, with my family seeing a happier, healthier version of me. I now have the energy to play with my kids and enjoy long walks without flaking out!
As an agency owner, I am much sharper, have plenty of energy, and am no longer ashamed to show up on camera when representing my brands.
Key Takeaways:
- Small achievable actions lead to big change
- Measure progress and celebrate success
- Be patience, things take time.
Your turn
Are you ready to get fit and focused? Start by setting realistic goals, be persistent, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
I’d love to hear about your experiences, challenges, and successes. Drop a comment below.