Nov 73 min read

25 Years of Weight Maintenance: The Real, Relentless Journey Behind the Success

My Weight maintenance journey.

Maintaining my weight for over 25 years isn’t a walk in the park.

You might think that after two and a half decades, it becomes second nature. People often tell me it must be old hat for me to keep the weight off—that it’s effortless by now. Well, let me set the record straight: it’s work. It’s relentless, daily, sometimes exhausting work. Maintaining my weight is not a feat achieved once and forgotten; it’s a lifelong commitment that requires constant vigilance.

The reality is that I have to do all the things I preach—cutting portions in half, staying active every single day, prioritizing sleep, eating mindfully, and pausing to be aware of what my body needs. I don’t just talk the talk; I walk the walk, even when it’s not easy.

This journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Over these 25 years, life has thrown more than a few curveballs my way. I quit smoking, a massive lifestyle change that tested every ounce of my willpower. I stood by my husband as he battled cancer, a time that redefined stress and emotional resilience for me. I lost my best friend, a heartache that still echoes. And, like so many of us, I navigated the uncharted waters of menopause, which seemed determined to rewrite my body’s rules. Each chapter came with its own set of emotional and physical trials, each one challenging my resolve.

And yet, through it all, my weight has remained within two pounds of my goal. But here’s the twist—even when the number on the scale stayed the same, my body didn’t. Weight doesn’t distribute itself neatly just because you work at it. The shifts that come with age, stress, and hormonal changes mean that the body changes its landscape. Sometimes, I don’t love where the weight decides to settle. It’s a strange kind of acceptance that comes with seeing yourself evolve despite your best efforts.

This past year has brought a new challenge: a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. It’s added an entirely new layer of work, pushing me to dig even deeper into my resilience and adapt my approach to wellness. Metabolic syndrome is no joke—it’s a complex condition that requires not only dedication to diet and exercise but also a nuanced understanding of how my body reacts to even the smallest fluctuations in routine. It’s a daily reminder that no matter how long I’ve been at this, there’s always more to learn, more adjustments to make, and more inner strength to summon.

So, no, it’s not easy. It never has been, and it never will be. But it’s worth it. The journey of maintaining a healthy weight is less about perfection and more about persistence. It’s about recognizing that staying healthy isn’t just a chapter in my life’s story—it’s the theme that runs through every page, even the ones with challenges, loss, and new diagnoses. And while I don’t always love where the weight shifts, I do love knowing that I can adapt, grow, and continue to show up for myself every day.

With all of this experience in weight maintenance, I am the perfect person to support you as your coach. I know firsthand what it takes to navigate the ups and downs, face life’s challenges, and still stay committed to health and wellness. Let me help guide you on your own path to lasting success.