How I did it before
Back in the summer of 2017, I participated in a medically supervised weight loss program that was suggested to me by my primary care physician. It really helped a lot. I lost 55 pounds working with a team at my local hospital that included doctors, nurse practitioners, and a registered dietician. To begin the program, you had to attend a class orientation that presented an overview of the program options you can choose for your journey. The choices were medical weight loss or bariatric surgery. I am not a candidate for bariatric surgery and honestly the thought really terrifies me but it was also great to learn more about it. I chose to do the very low calorie (under 1000 calories) diet using two meal replacements and one low carb meal a day. My first appointment with the doctor, I was weighed, measured, and talked about my goals. I had to undergo metabolic panel testing in the beginning and was given my own specific calorie goals as well as macros to follow. This 20 week program (I did it for almost a year) included monthly group classes with the dietician and periodic doctor appointments. A support group was available led by a licensed therapist as well as fitness classes. There is also a Facebook group that you can join. It is a really supportive program.
You’re probably wondering what did I eat? My goal was to have 60-80 grams of protein per day and less than 50 grams of carbs. I started my day off with a meal replacement and most days I would have lunch at work and have my meal replacement shake for dinner because that’s when I usually lost my focus. I also had two snacks a day. My meal would usually be some type of salad with chicken breast. I also enjoyed cheeseburgers wrapped in lettuce, a lot of eggs with turkey bacon, broccoli, and so many lettuce wraps! I was a low carb queen during this period of my life. Some of my favorite low carb snacks include tuna with cucumber slices, hummus and baby carrots (it's like eating chips!), and Kroger’s CarbMaster yogurt.
As far as physical activity, my goal was to walk more and generally get into a routine. Honestly, that is still my goal because it’s been difficult for me to maintain and balance with my work life. I haven’t quite figured it out. Pre-quarantine I was actually getting into the swing of being in the gym at least twice a week. Now, that will need to be re-adjusted and thankfully the gyms are open again.
So, what’s next? When it comes to weight loss, one of my problems has always been trying to be “perfect”. Which doesn’t exist so that’s why I could never maintain. It wasn’t really about getting healthy or being better. I was more worried about looking a certain way, following everything 1000%, and even took it to another level that my doctors certainly wouldn’t approve. I eventually became burned out and had a very traumatic year on top of that. Now, my goal is to find my own version of happy, to listen to my body, be more intuitive, and be kind to myself. I’ve lost a little over 20 pounds this year and that’s amazing! This journey isn’t easy but I’m very excited to see how it works out and sharing my story.
