Tag: health

Who knew?

Who knew that the simple act of putting on a sock would make me so happy? Last year at this time, I was struggling to put on my own socks. I couldn’t bend to reach my feet and I couldn’t lift my leg up high enough to put them on. It was so bad that I was using my Dad’s sock tool.

Fast forward to today when I realized that I was not struggling to put my sock on. I am adding that to my NSV list. Woo hoo!

My next NSV happened when I visited the doctor recently. I was able to hop up on the examination table with no problems. I didn’t need assistance. I didn’t need to pause to figure out how I was going to do it. I just did it. I was pretty happy with myself but I didn’t say anything to the doctor. He actually brought it up and said he was impressed how easily I hopped up. I love non-scale victories!!

Today I was looking at clothing in the regular sized section of Walmart. I held up a dress and a skirt in a size I haven’t worn in a long time and, while it wouldn’t fit me yet, I’m getting closer. I can’t wait until I can my my first non-plus sized item. That will be a gigantic NSV.

I have three stubborn pounds to go to get under 300 lbs. I’m being extremely open and honest in my journey. I know how easily that weight came on and I am determined to get it off. I have to start doing more strength training, so that is what I will be investigating next.

Do you have any NSV’s you are excited about? How about some tips/tricks for getting more protein? I’d love to have some interaction and exchanges of ideas here.

Thanks for reading!

Breaking Through the Plateau

When the Scale Stalls but You Don’t

There’s a moment in every weight loss journey that feels especially cruel.

You’re doing the things.
Making better choices.
Showing up for yourself in ways you didn’t before.

And then… the scale stops moving.

If you’re on a GLP-1 journey, this moment can feel even more confusing. After seeing steady progress, the plateau can feel like hitting an invisible wall. You might wonder:

Is it me? Is the medication not working anymore? Am I doing something wrong?

Let me gently tell you something you need to hear:

You are not stuck. You are stabilizing.

The Truth About Plateaus

A plateau isn’t failure—it’s your body recalibrating.

When you lose weight, especially after years of struggling, your body has to adjust to a new normal. Hormones shift. Metabolism adapts. Muscles, water retention, and even stress levels all play a role.

GLP-1 medications help regulate appetite and blood sugar—but they don’t override biology completely. Your body is still doing its job: protecting you, balancing you, figuring things out.

And sometimes… that looks like stillness.

What’s Actually Happening Behind the Scenes

Even if the scale isn’t moving, so much is still changing:

  • Your habits are becoming consistent
  • Your relationship with food is improving
  • Your body is healing internally
  • Inflammation may be decreasing
  • You may be losing inches, not pounds

Progress is happening—even if it’s not loud.

The Emotional Side No One Talks About

Plateaus mess with your head.

You start to question your effort.
You compare yourself to others.
You feel tempted to give up… or go back.

But here’s the powerful truth:

This is the exact moment your transformation deepens.

Because now, it’s not just about motivation—it’s about commitment.

How to Break Through (Gently, Not Punishingly)

Breaking a plateau isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing things differently and intentionally.

1. Revisit your basics
Are you eating enough protein? Staying hydrated? Sleeping well? These simple things matter more than you think.

2. Add a small change—not a drastic one
A short walk after meals. Light strength training. A slight shift in your routine can wake your body up.

3. Manage stress (this one is huge)
Stress can stall weight loss. Cortisol matters. Give yourself permission to rest.

4. Stop obsessing over the scale
Try tracking how your clothes fit, your energy, your mood, or your stamina instead.

5. Stay consistent—even when it feels boring
Consistency during a plateau is what separates temporary success from lasting change.

A New Way to See It

Instead of saying:

“I’m stuck.”

Try saying:

“I’m in a strengthening phase.”

Because that’s what this is.

You’re building the version of you who doesn’t just lose weight—but keeps it off.

A Little Reminder for You

You didn’t come this far to quit during the quiet part.

This is where resilience grows.
This is where discipline forms.
This is where your new life is being built—brick by brick.

And the breakthrough?

It’s coming.

Maybe not tomorrow.
Maybe not next week.

But if you keep going… it’s inevitable.

You are not behind. You are not broken. You are in progress.

And that is something to be incredibly proud of.

Day 57 – down 13.4

I started my GLP-1 health journey 57 days ago.

This week, my weight loss stalled with me being down 13.4 pounds. I actually gained 5 pounds recently, but when I started being more strict and I re-lost that 5 plus two more – stalling out at 307.5. (That is very stressful for me to admit) I know I’m still losing, but gaining muscle, which is good. I can tell that I’m losing from the body scans I do using the ZOZOfit app. The app lets you create a video showing the changes in your scans. It is very, VERY motivating when the scale hasn’t moved. I’m trying to hit my first “mini goal” of 300 pounds. I know I can do it!

The doctor upped my dose from .25 to .50. After my first new dose shot….NO APPETITE! I have to make myself eat enough. It is so weird to not be hungry — AT ALL.

My body feels 95% better than it had been feeling. Most of my joint pain has gone.

I am so glad that I decided to do this for myself.

Thanks for reading.

GLP-1 progress report

I took my first dose of GLP-1 meds on 1/9/26. I have phone coaching from a nurse, a dietitian, and an exercise coach. I see the doctor every 4 weeks. I have lost 11.2 pounds since my first shot. In total, I have lost 17 pounds since I started eating better and moving more, which was 12/17/25.

Today was the first day that I really just didn’t want to eat – ANYTHING! It was a rough day.

I go to the doctor after work on Thursday. It will be interesting to see what their scale says.

And so, the journey continues….

Progress, not perfection – Day 20

It is day 20 and I am officially down 14.3 pounds. I’ve been pretty good with my eating. My biggest problem has been making sure I eat enough. The days that I gain slightly have been the ones where I’ve not eaten enough food the day before. I wouldn’t say I forget to eat, as some people have reported. It’s more that I am not hungry. I pay more attention to my macros (protein, fat, carbs) than I do calories and that seems to be working well.

As you can see, there have been some days I’ve gained but then lost it plus more. Those were the days I was too restrictive and my body said “Hey, we’re starving here. Better save that fat for tomorrow in case there is no food!”

I am still working on moving more. Some days are better than others. As my wellness coach says, “something is better than nothing”.

Thanks for coming on this journey with me.

Stepping Into My GLP-1 Journey: A New Chapter Begins

I’m officially standing at the start of something new—and I feel genuinely excited about it.

Beginning my GLP-1 journey isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about taking control in a way that feels intentional, informed, and long overdue. After a lot of research, reflection, and preparation, I’m ready to focus on getting healthy, not chasing perfection, but choosing progress.

One of the things I’m most looking forward to is simply moving better. I want my body to feel like a partner again, not something I have to fight with. Less knee pain is high on my wish list—because when movement hurts less, life opens up more. Walking becomes possible. Energy comes back. Confidence grows.

And yes, I’m excited to make myself a priority.

Not someday. Not after everything else is handled. Now.

As part of this journey, I’m starting a walking program, something gentle but consistent—movement that fits into real life and supports long-term health. I’m also continuing the healthy eating and movement plan that’s already been working for me. Since December 15, 2025, I’ve lost 11 pounds, and that matters. It tells me I’m capable. It tells me I can trust myself when I commit.

There’s also room for small, surprisingly hopeful goals—like trying (and maybe even liking!) cottage cheese. It might sound minor, but embracing new foods and habits is part of building a healthier relationship with my body and my choices.

This GLP-1 journey feels like a tool—not a shortcut, not a magic fix, but support. Support as I keep showing up for myself. Support as I build momentum. Support as I choose health, mobility, and strength for the long run.

I’m proud of where I’m starting.
I’m excited about where I’m going.
And for the first time in a long time, I’m doing this—for me.

The harpooned whale

So, my Lingo CGM (continuous glucose monitor) arrived. I prepped my arm and placed the sensor. It did not hurt at all. I did, however, bleed like a harpooned whale.

So far, my levels have been between 76 and 110. I can’t wait to see how it goes tomorrow. Here is a photo of the sensor showing the needle.

It’s been a while.

I can’t believe it has been almost 8 months since I last posted. Where have I been? To be honest, no where. I’ve been in quite a funk lately – mentally and physically. I recently decided I needed to do something about that.

First, I started reflecting on my mental health. What is keeping me stressed and depressed and what can I do about it?

With the current state of the world, it has been hard to think positive about the future. It doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you are on. I have friends and family from all walks of life and I love them all no matter what. What I don’t like is the amount of hatred that is out there. I’ve decided that I am going to spread positivity. It is amazing how people react to an unexpected smile or a kind gesture from a stranger.

I’ve been dealing with family health issues on both my side and my husband’s side of the family. I find myself stressing. We are so far away from both sides of the family. Sadly, there is nothing I can do. So, I just pray. God must be up there thinking. “Oh no, not her again” LOL. Not really, He has been good to me.

I’ve also started to invest in my physical health. I looked into vitamin B12 shots and, after extensive research, started getting weekly shots. Well, it’s only been 2 shots so far, but it seems to have made a difference. Both my brain fog and severe exhaustion have lessened. If you ask my husband, he will say my energy has exploded. (I haven’t been caught singing and dancing in the passenger seat of the car in years. Today, I had a ball).

I’ve also been interested in how my body reacts to different foods and activity. I am awaiting my first CGM (continuous glucose monitor) delivery. They should be here on Monday. I plan to wear one for the next month and track how different foods affect my glucose. This will help me choose foods that are less likely to spike my blood sugar. More on that journey in a future blog.

I am feeling better and have more energy. I am hoping to share some insight and tips with anyone interested.

Please share any tips that have helped you.

Thanks for reading!

GOALS!!!!

Goals have been set.

Check off those goals

I met with the registered dietitian last night. I think it was a good session. We came up with three doable goals for the next two weeks.

Goal 1: Since my step totals have fallen off and I haven’t been hitting 5000 steps lately, we decided to set a goal for 5000 steps each day. I hit 5105 yesterday. Today, at 4:45 PM, I already have 5135 steps.

Goal 2: Since Physical Therapy is helping, my second goal is to continue with it AND to do my PT home exercises every day. So far, so good.

Goal 3: Continue tracking my food and posting pictures on the Nourish. Easy, peasy.

I’m feeling pretty good about those goals.

Thanks for reading!