How I Lost 100 Pounds: My Journey to Better Health

Title: How I Lost 100 Pounds: My Journey to Better Health Introduction: I fell in love with the art of cooking at a young age. To me, food is a love language that brings people together. I am sure you can think of a very specific dish that brings back a fond memory. But like many men and women, body image standards were also introduced early on into my life. I've struggled with my weight most of my life. My relationship with food at one point was very tumultuous. So that led to restrictive eating & as a result my weight has fluctuated. Eventually, it also led me to find comfort in food when life was stressful. I am a first generation college student and 3rd generation Mexican- American. While I was very grateful to have the privilege of furthering my education, I felt a lot of pressure to succeed in college.

I felt a deep sense of imposter syndrome & was on my own both financially & scholastically. Additionally, there were personal issues going on in my family that heightened my stress. Because of this, my mental health deteriorated quickly and I turned to food for comfort. I was at my heaviest when I attended university. One of my biggest goals in life was to travel independently. And when I was finally able to save up to travel to the oceanside, I remember being out of breath from just walking on the sand. At this point, my motivation to change became intrinsic & led to a cascade of events that ultimately led to me losing 110 lbs naturally without any medications or surgery. So how did I do it?

1. Mindset Shift: The first and most crucial step in my journey was changing my mindset. I had to shift my focus from quick fixes and fad diets to long-term sustainable changes. I realized that weight loss is not just about the number on the scale but about improving my overall health and well-being. When I drowned out the noise of what the "ideal body" looked like, my motivation became intrinsic and that alone became the driving force. Motivation ebbs and flows, but it was discipline that kept me going. 2. Building a Better Relationship with Food: One of the key factors in my successful weight loss was developing a healthier relationship with food. I learned to view food as fuel for my body rather than a source of comfort or reward. I learned to really understand my emotions and begin eating intuitively. I did not eliminate any foods! When you tell yourself you can't have a certain food, you give more power to it and in turn, you just want it more. 3. Portion Control: Yes, you can have ice cream every day! It comes down to portion control & if it fits into your overall nutrition needs. Portion control played a significant role in my weight loss journey. I learned to listen to my body's hunger and fullness cues and eat mindfully. By practicing portion control, I was able to enjoy my favorite foods in moderation without feeling guilty or deprived.I started cooking nutritious meals at home, meal prepping, using fresh ingredients and experimenting with different flavors and cuisines. I also let ALL foods fit into my diet, including ice cream! 4. Regular Exercise: Incorporating regular exercise into my routine was essential for both weight loss and overall health. I found activities that I enjoyed, such as walking and hiking. I started slowly. Once I built a consistent habit of that physical activity, I began trying new activities! I found that exercise was a healthier alternative to relieving stress than seeking food for comfort. The BEST exercise is one that you can adhere to daily and enjoy. 5. Seeking Professional Help: As a registered dietitian, I understand the importance of seeking professional guidance. There is SO much information out there that it can be stressful where to look for credible sources. How do you know if the source is credible? Just know that a Registered Dietitian is a licensed professional that requires at minimum a Master's degree & countless of hours of internships/experience before being able to sit for the required national board exam. But it doesn't finish there. In order to stay licensed, Registered Dietitians have to keep up to date with continuing education: so all the information we provide is backed by science! A "nutritionist" can be a self proclaimed title. Anyone can take a 2 week course on nutrition to call themselves a nutritionist, but a Registered Dietitian is heavily credentialed. Losing 110 pounds was a life-changing experience for me. It taught me the importance of self-care, perseverance, and the power of delayed gratification. The biggest reward was the confidence I gained in knowing that I can achieve something very hard. If I can do it, so can you! Remember, weight loss is a journey, and it's essential to be patient and kind to yourself along the way. Focus on making small, sustainable changes and celebrate every milestone. Together, we can achieve better health and build a positive relationship with food. If you're looking for more inspiration and guidance, be sure to check out my cook book and consider scheduling a nutrition consultation. Let's embark on this journey together and create a healthier, happier life.