I used to be really fat!
YES! I was a fat, ugly, and unhappy girl with no self-esteem. I can still remember what my fashion statement was back then – lose shirt and baggy cargo shorts. Yes, just imagine “Bentong” but in a girl version. That was what I always see in the mirror whenever I stare at myself.
SIDE NOTE: I wish I can share photos of the “FAT KHIM”, but I already deleted everything (as I healed my past traumas), so there’s no more record of that previous existence (or maybe idk) hahaha
But one day, as I was browsing through the pages of a fashion magazine, I saw photos of beautiful women all dressed up in trendy clothes. These women exude extreme feminine energy. They’re so attractive and I wanted to be just like them…
I was desperate to lose weight so I can be able to wear beautiful, trendy clothes too.
My story is not of an overnight success. My journey has been more like a roller coaster ride of trials and errors, and a collection of small milestones along the way, eventually leading me to a journey of self-discovery, freedom, and joy.
The key to success is doing simple/small changes at a time.
Here are some of my not-just-scientifically-proven-but-also-tried-and-tested health hacks to start losing weight faster.
Drink lots of water
I swear by this! This is my number #1 tip you shouldn’t miss. It sounds almost too simple but drinking 8 or more glasses of water can have an immediate weight-loss effect.
Studies show that drinking a pint of water increases your metabolic rate, which means your body will burn more calories while at rest. After drinking 500ml of water, the study recorded metabolic rates improving by up to 30%, with the benefits lasting for one hour.
It will also curb our appetites throughout the day and will result in you feeling less hungry.
Extra tip:
Even before you drink your coffee, tea, or eat breakfast, drink a glass of water. Even better add some lemon or ACV (2 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar). It will help to flush out toxins, get your digestive system going, help your hydration levels, and even wake you up!
Less To NO SUGAR Intake
Cutting down on sugar is the single best thing you can do for your body and brain. It promotes fat loss, mental focus, and better mood; and decreased hunger and food cravings.
This was probably the hardest because I love my coffee bitter and sweet but as soon as I got used to it, I was amazed by how good I feel. I feel more energized and less moody.
As much as possible, cut back on processed food. Try adding a banana or apple at breakfast or as a snack, or a vegetable at lunch. If you get tired of water, try adding a fruit infuser to water for flavor. You can check Holistic Living PH for their handcrafted dried fruit water infusers. Highly recommended!!!
Keep moving / Stay active
I am supposed to write “workout” but then after listening to my current fave audiobook “Ikigai”, I realized that staying active doesn’t mean 5 rounds of 10 burpees, 100 sit-ups, and 5 minutes planking for 6x a week…
Just simple exercises or anything that involves moving — such as taking stairs, walking to the office, doing household chores, will burn all those unwanted fats and will help in blood circulation.
Physical inactivity can have serious implications for our health that’s why it is advisable to move at least every 30 minutes.
What I do, aside from my non-negotiable 30-45 minutes workout every 4x a week is to include walking into my daily routine. I walk going to/from the office, grocery, mall, etc.
Prep Your Own Healthy Meals
Cooking your own meals means that you’ll have a better idea of what’s going into your body, and as a result, you’re more likely to choose healthy and nourishing ingredients that can encourage weight loss.
Like for example, fiber-rich foods help to encourage weight loss, and they help to keep you fuller for longer.
Nutritious fiber-rich foods include oats, avocados, and green leafy vegetables. Plus, you can add some fat-burning foods (fatty fish, eggs, green tea, olive oil, etc.) for an added boost. Just make sure you do your own research. Google is our best friend! 😀
Change Your Mindset
Let this sink in: Anything you set your mind to is possible!
When you look at the weight loss journey through this lens, it becomes much easier to make healthy changes.
Ask yourself why you want to be the healthiest version of yourself?
As for me, whenever I’m feeling unmotivated to do my daily workouts, I would remind myself that: “I’m doing this… to feel good about my body. I want to be healthier so I can think more clearly and come up with overflowing creative juices for my projects. I want to be healthier so I can radiate more positivity to the world.”
Some people quit because they are frustrated by not seeing the results right away. You need to recognize that slow progress is still progress.
I remember, I bought a digital weighing scale to track my progress (which is good) but I find myself just stressing more over the numbers. >____<
So, my advice: Don’t depend on the weighing scale for validation. Look for the “non-scale” victories such as You have more energy; You can now zip the zipper of your favorite dress; you sleep better at night; you are more optimistic; your skin is clearer. That’s real progress.
Ultimately, a positive attitude will help you in so many ways along the journey to better health.
Losing weight is for sure a physical effort. But like anything in life, it takes mental strength. So, keep your mind strong, stay positive, and be patient. 😀
That’s it! I hope this has been informative. If you have simple weight loss hacks to share, kindly Iwrite it down in the comment section below. I would love to hear from you! 😊
Till next entry! See you!
