For many, the idea of losing weight can be closely linked with restrictive dieting, but as several successful weight losers share, it doesn’t have to be that way. Three individuals who lost up to 100 pounds have shared their key takeaways on achieving weight loss in a healthy, sustainable way—without having to give up their favorite foods.
Here are the five crucial lessons they learned during their transformative journeys:
1. Prioritize Health Over Appearance
Alaias Bertrand, a content creator from Florida, lost 75 pounds over three years. She found that focusing on health, rather than appearance, was crucial. After many failed attempts with restrictive diets like keto and intermittent fasting, Bertrand realized that sustainable weight loss happens when you focus on how you want to feel, not just how you want to look. “My adjustments became less about ‘I need to look a certain way’ and more so ‘I want to feel a certain way. I want to feel good in my body,’” she explained.
2. You Can Eat Foods You Enjoy
Benji Xavier, who lost 100 pounds in just over a year, says he finally achieved lasting success when he stopped restricting himself and focused on making healthier versions of the foods he loved. Previously, Benji had tried extreme dieting but ended up miserable and obsessed with food. “I was just sick of it. I’m like, ‘no, I can’t do this. I can’t torture myself anymore. I’m just going to try to eat healthier,’” he said. This approach allowed him to keep the weight off for two years, proving that you don’t need to give up the foods you enjoy to lose weight.
3. Find Activities You Actually Enjoy
Mae Suzuki, who lost 40 pounds, realized that forcing herself into workouts she didn’t enjoy, like boot camps, was counterproductive. After years of dieting and bingeing, she started exploring different gym classes and found that weightlifting was something she loved. “Once I stopped focusing on the things that I didn’t like in order to lose weight, that’s when I saw gradual but consistent weight loss,” she said.
4. Find Someone to Share the Journey
Having someone to join you on your weight loss journey can make a huge difference. Alaias Bertrand found motivation and accountability through her track and field teams in high school and college. “When you tell someone that you respect and admire a goal of yours, you are more likely to accomplish it,” she said. Having a support system, whether it’s a friend, coach, or team, can provide a boost when the journey feels tough.
5. Focus on Small Milestones
Benji Xavier emphasized the importance of setting small, achievable milestones. Fixating on a big goal, like losing 100 pounds, can feel overwhelming. He suggests breaking it down into manageable steps: “Just take it day by day, week by week.” Focusing on progress, rather than perfection, helped him stay motivated and positive through his weight loss process.
These insights highlight that weight loss doesn’t have to be about extreme restriction or perfection. By focusing on health, enjoying the process, and celebrating small victories, lasting results are achievable.
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