Back in September 2024, I shared how protein became my weight loss game-changer, helping me lose 45 pounds in 15 weeks. I was excited about the breakthrough, but I had no idea what was still ahead of me.
Today, I’m sitting here 110 pounds lighter than when I started this journey on May 13, 2024. One year and four months later, and I’m still pinching myself.
What Helped Me Stay Consistent
Yes, protein was huge. The gut health focus was essential. Dr. Goodman’s guidance was invaluable. But what helped me stay consistent and build something sustainable? Learning to ask myself the right questions instead of just following someone else’s rules.
I hit my initial 100-pound goal on June 11, 2025. It felt incredible, but I realized I wanted a little more cushion – that extra 10 pounds that would give me flexibility for my 80/20 approach without feeling like I was going over my comfort zone.
By July 30th, I’d reached that sweet spot at 110 pounds lost. Now when I have intentional splurges or enjoy vacation food, I have that wiggle room built in.
What made the difference this time wasn’t just willpower or a perfect plan. It was learning how to coach myself through the hard moments, the plateaus, the celebrations, and everything in between.
The Questions That Helped Me Stay on Track
Throughout this journey, I kept coming back to the same types of questions. Not “What should I eat?” or “How much should I exercise?” but deeper ones:
- What kind of accountability do I actually need, and where can I get it?
- What boundaries do I need to set because I know myself honestly, not because I wish I were different?
- How do I plan for success without planning for perfection?
- What’s worth it and what isn’t, and how do I decide in the moment?
These weren’t one-time questions. They became my daily practice. My way of checking in with myself. My method for staying flexible without losing direction.
Beyond the Scale
Don’t get me wrong – seeing that number drop was incredible. But the real victories were different:
Walking nine miles to the beach and feeling strong instead of exhausted. Navigating office parties without white-knuckling my way through. Fitting into a junior’s medium sweatshirt at 60 years old (yes, that really happened!).
Most importantly: developing the confidence to trust myself with flexibility. To know I could enjoy vacation food and come back to my normal routine. To handle a plateau without panic or self-sabotage.
That’s the shift I never had in previous weight loss attempts. In the past, I could follow a plan, but I couldn’t navigate life outside the plan.
What’s Next
I’ve been working on something new – a self-coaching guide built around the 20 questions that truly transformed my journey. Not the obvious ones about meal planning or exercise, but the deeper ones about mindset, boundaries, support, and sustainability.
These are the questions I wish I’d known how to ask myself years ago. The ones that helped me build something that lasts instead of something that requires constant willpower to maintain.
Because here’s what I’ve learned: you already know more than you think you do about what works for your body and your life. You just need the right questions to unlock that wisdom.
The Real Success
This journey taught me that sustainable weight loss isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about learning to think through problems instead of just powering through them. It’s about becoming your own best coach.
I’m not sharing this to say my way is the only way. I’m sharing it because transformation is possible at any stage, after any number of previous attempts.
If you’re tired of chasing someone else’s plan and ready to design your own success, I see you. I’ve been there. And I’m cheering you on.
Keep an eye out for my upcoming self-coaching guide – I can’t wait to share these life-changing questions with you.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this post is based on my personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new health or weight loss program.
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