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Introduction to my Weight Loss Journey
Welcome to my weight loss journey! As a functional medicine provider and health and wellness coach, I’m passionate about helping women over 40 achieve their weight loss goals by addressing hormone imbalances and adopting a holistic approach to wellness. In this blog post, I’ll share my own experience of losing 50 pounds in just 6 months and the steps I took to heal my body along the way.
Weight was more than just a number on the scale
First, I want to start this post talking about weight in general. Weight is much more than just a number on the scale and means different things to different people. For me, losing weight wasn’t about vanity. My weight reflected the fact that I had no energy, that I didn’t want to go out socially, and that I rarely had my photo taken. I was missing out on life and watching everyone around me live.
My relationship with food was broken. And I viewed my self worth based on how strictly I could adhere to the latest fad diet. And when I tried starving myself, exercising to exhaustion, and ignoring health warning signals, the scale still wouldn’t budge. I became very depressed.
I went and spoke with my own medical provider who told me that my “labs were fine” and that it was just part of getting older and being a busy “stressed out” mom. And I started to think that this was going to be my “normal” for the rest of my life.
Understanding the Root Cause
The pivotal first step in my weight loss journey came when I was able to identify the underlying issues affecting my body. I decided to test my hormones and discovered three major imbalances: insulin resistance, adrenal fatigue, and estrogen dominance. These imbalances were contributing to my weight gain and making it difficult for me to shed those stubborn pounds.
Having my hormones tested and realizing that there were real reasons for my weight struggles that had nothing to do with diet and exercise, was such a relief. I felt like it wasn’t my fault. And I finally had a problem that I could try to fix.
Strategic Use of Weight Loss Medications
To aid me in my journey, I chose to use weight loss medications strategically. These medications helped manage hunger hormones as I addressed irregularities in my body. While they were beneficial in the short term, I knew that relying solely on medications wasn’t a sustainable solution. My ultimate goal was to heal my body from within and achieve long-term weight loss.
Embracing a Functional Medicine Approach
To address the root cause of my hormone imbalances and support my weight loss journey, I adopted a functional medicine approach. This approach involved a combination of medication, supplements, and lifestyle changes tailored to my unique needs. It’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in functional medicine; each woman’s body is different, and personalized care is essential for success.
Medication: Under the guidance of my healthcare provider, I continued to use certain medications to regulate my hormones. This provided the necessary support while I made other lifestyle changes.
Supplements: Alongside medications, I incorporated targeted supplements into my daily routine to support hormonal balance and overall well-being. These supplements included vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens to nourish my body.
Lifestyle Changes: Embracing a healthy lifestyle was crucial in my journey. I focused on regular exercise, stress-reducing techniques like meditation and yoga, and a nutrient-dense, balanced diet. Finding an exercise routine that I enjoyed made it easier to stay consistent and motivated. And I healed my relationship with food.
The Impact of Functional Medicine
By following the functional medicine approach, I experienced remarkable results. My body began to heal, and I noticed significant improvements in my hormone levels and overall health. The excess weight started to melt away, and my energy levels soared.
But I realized that when I stopped focusing on the number on the scale, and instead chose things that healed my body, that I felt relief. I had reclaimed my health. I felt like my old self again. I started going out socially. I stopped viewing food as “good” or “bad.” And I resumed taking photos with my kids.
Inspired to Help Others
The transformation I underwent was so profound that it led me to shift my medical practice entirely. I realized that I wanted to empower other women to achieve similar life-changing results. Today, as a functional medicine provider and health and wellness coach, I am dedicated to helping women over 40 discover the power of healing their bodies through hormone balance, lifestyle changes, and personalized care.
Conclusion
My weight loss journey taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of addressing hormone imbalances and adopting a holistic approach to wellness. By testing my hormones, using weight loss medications strategically, and embracing a functional medicine approach, I was able to shed 50 pounds in just 6 months. And I was able to do this without starving myself, without spending hours in the gym, and without giving up my favorite foods. Now, I’m passionate about sharing my experiences and expertise to help other women achieve their weight loss goals and find renewed vitality in their lives. Remember, with the right support and a personalized plan, you too can embark on a transformative journey to a healthier, happier you.
