Going into 2020, I triple-dog-dared myself to lose eleven pounds. At the start of the year, I weighed 167 pounds. This was concerning for me. When I was nineteen years old, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It’s incurable, the best ways to manage it are with healthy eating habits, good exercise habits, and medication. Because of my condition, I am at a higher risk of reproductive system cancers, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems. Being too heavy will make my condition worse and increase my risk of life-threatening health complications.
I started a journey to lose weight to keep my condition in check. By the time the year was over, I had gone from 167 pounds down to 151 pounds. That’s a difference of 16 pounds! I was so proud of myself. I was proud of myself for staying healthy (even with self-quarantine and the pandemic), and getting myself to a healthier weight for my condition. Here are some of the steps I took to lose sixteen pounds in 2020.
***Please note that I am NOT a doctor, dietician, or nurse. These are tips and tricks I have used in my own health improvement journey.***
Drinking plenty of water. Water is your friend, especially when it comes to weight management. I noticed I had fewer cravings for unhealthy foods and it also helped me when I was hungry. It helped me eat a healthy amount of food.
Eating a higher-protein diet. I find it much harder to feel hungry when I eat more protein. It helps me feel full and gives me the energy to have a wonderful day.
Having a good exercise regimen. I mentioned in a previous post that I completed seven laps per month last year, which is a total of 84 months. It felt amazing, in more ways than one. It was wonderful to my physical and mental health.
Eating breakfast. Having a sustainable breakfast was really helpful. I made sure to eat food that was satisfying, be it peanut butter toast or a nutritious breakfast shake. It helped me feel healthy and motivated.
What questions do you have about making health-improving changes? What are some of your favorite ways to exercise? Let me know in the comments below.
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