By Romualdo L. Señeris II, JD
Stepping onto a weighing scale in February 2023, and seeing the number go up to 96 kilos (about 202 pounds) was a wake-up call for me.
That time, my once-energetic body was feeling sluggish, burdened with too many body aches, and various whispers of discontent.
Work-related stress led me to always reaching out for sugary snacks and evening drinks, and then suddenly, my reflection in the mirror showed a stranger: bloated, uncomfortable, and carrying the weight of unhealthy habits.
My lower back pain, fueled by the excess weight, was a constant reminder of the need for serious change.
Determined to reclaim my good health and well-being, I set a goal to lose 10 to 13 kilos (about 22 to 29 pounds) based on my body mass index.
I realized that consistent exercise was crucial, so I jumped back on my montain bike, pushing myself with short and long rides on both gravel and mountain terrain.
But the most significant change that I made was in my diet.
Inspired by various resources on the Interet, I embarked on a journey of Intermittent Fasting and “mindful eating”.
Dr. Jason Fung, Dr. Dr. Eric Berg DC, and Dr. Sten Ekberg have YouTube channels that enlighten me about fasting and proper diet for losing weight. These health gurus were my inspiration.
Reducing my intake of carbohydrates (like rice), and decreasing the frequency of my gorging on meals wasn’t an easy task, especially in those initial weeks.
While I maintained an 80/20 split of carbs and whole foods like nuts and vegetables, I experimented with different fasting approaches.
Some days I would do OMAD (one meal a day); other days involved two meals, but always accompanied by hydrating with enough water, unsweetened coffee, and zero-calorie drinks.
Occasionally, I would push myself with 24, 36, or even 72-hour fasts to reap the benefits of autophagy (or the consumption of the body’s own tissue as a metabolic process).
The most challenging sacrifice? Curbing my social drinking.
I’m sure not a few are able to relate with me when I say that work-related events often revolve around beers and cocktails until I got to a point that I just realized the habit was simply hindering my progress.
Setting clear goals, finding alternative activities with colleagues, and developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress and cravings became my tools for success.
Today, after more than a year, I weigh 83 kilos (about 183 pounds), having lost 13 kilos (or 29 pounds) just as I had planned. My back pain is gone, and I feel fitter, and more energized than ever.
My biggest win? My relationship with food has transformed.
Through fasting, I discovered that I don’t need to eat as much, or as often, as I had thought. I have learned to listen to my body, to fuel it with only nourishing foods, and to appreciate the power of mindful eating.
This journey wasn’t just about weight loss; it was about self-discovery, and reclaiming control.
While fasting and lifestyle changes might not be for everyone, my experience taught me the importance of setting goals, celebrating achievements, and most importantly, taking charge of your own well-being.
If you’re considering a similar path, remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
Find what works for you, and above all, be kind to yourself every step of the way.
Feel free to adapt it to your specific story and voice.
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Author’s email: [email protected]
