Welcome to my journey! If you’re just discovering this space, you might not know my story yet. I successfully lost an incredible 50 pounds in just 6 months by embracing a clean keto and Whole30 eating plan. This transformation has been life-changing, and I love sharing all the ups, downs, and invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way. For daily updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and continuous motivation, be sure to follow my journey on Instagram.
After achieving such a significant and rapid weight loss, which you can read more about, including how much weight I lost each month, one of the most frequent questions I receive revolves around a “goal weight.” People are often curious if I had a specific number in mind, or if I’ve reached a point where I feel my journey is complete. It’s a natural question, given how society often frames weight loss as a race to a specific numerical destination. However, my approach to this journey has always been a little different, focusing less on the digits on a scale and more on overall well-being and a sustainable lifestyle.
Do I Have A Specific Goal Weight in Mind? Redefining Success Beyond the Scale
The short answer is no, not really in the traditional sense. I don’t obsess over a particular number on the scale. When I embarked on my weight loss journey, my focus wasn’t solely on shedding pounds, but rather on achieving a holistic transformation – one that encompassed physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. My strategy involved setting three distinct, yet interconnected, goals that extended far beyond a mere numerical target.
These were the guiding principles that shaped my path:
- Seeing My Weight Start with a “1”: This was a significant psychological milestone for me. My starting weight in September 2019 was 238 pounds. The idea of breaking into the “100 Club” was incredibly motivating. It represented a major shift, a tangible sign of progress, and a step away from a weight range that had felt stagnant for too long. I’m thrilled to share that I achieved this goal in December 2019, just 3.5 months after committing to the Clean Keto lifestyle. This accomplishment wasn’t just about a number; it was about reclaiming control and proving to myself what was possible. It built immense momentum and confidence for the rest of my journey.
- Discovering My “Happy Weight”: This goal transcends any numerical value and is arguably the most crucial. My “happy weight” isn’t a fixed number but rather a profound feeling. It’s that harmonious state where I feel at my absolute peak health, brimming with energy, mental clarity, and vitality. It’s when the way I look and feel on the outside perfectly aligns with the incredible energy and well-being I experience on the inside. This involves paying attention to how my clothes fit, my energy levels throughout the day, the quality of my sleep, my mood, and my overall physical capabilities. It’s about feeling strong, comfortable, and confident in my own skin, day in and day out. This is a continuous process of self-discovery and listening to my body’s cues.
- Weighing Less Than My Husband: This goal, while a bit playful, also carried a personal significance. My husband, Shawn, stands at 5’9″ and typically hovers around 180 pounds. For me, reaching a weight less than his symbolized not only my personal achievement but also a fun, lighthearted way to track progress relative to someone else I know well. It became a motivational benchmark that added an element of friendly competition to my journey.
I am incredibly proud to say that I have already achieved the first two goals, finding immense satisfaction in both. Breaking into the 100s was a monumental victory, and daily, I continue to feel the profound joy and well-being associated with my “happy weight.” As for the third goal, I am tantalizingly close! Shawn and I often joke about it; I keep teasing him that I need to discreetly sneak more junk food into his diet so he might gain a pound or two, allowing me to easily cross that threshold. Ha! It’s all in good fun, but it keeps me motivated.
So, if you were to press me for a technical numerical goal, one could playfully say my goal weight is 179 pounds, assuming Shawn remains at his current healthy weight of 180 pounds. But truly, the feeling of health and vitality associated with my “happy weight” far outweighs any single digit.
The Power of Non-Scale Victories (NSVs)
Beyond the numbers on the scale, my journey has been rich with non-scale victories (NSVs) that truly define success. These are the moments and changes that highlight the profound impact of a healthy lifestyle. For instance, I now have boundless energy to keep up with my busy life, tackle new challenges, and enjoy activities I once found exhausting. My clothes fit better, and I’ve even had to replace my entire wardrobe, which, while an expense, is a wonderful testament to my transformation. My sleep quality has dramatically improved, leading to more refreshed mornings and greater mental clarity throughout the day. I’ve noticed significant improvements in my skin and hair, and my overall mood and outlook on life are far more positive. These NSVs are constant reminders that my journey is about so much more than weight loss; it’s about gaining a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Will I “Loosen Up” on Eating Clean Keto? Embracing a Sustainable 80/20 Lifestyle
This is another excellent and frequently asked question, especially from those who understand the strictness that a clean keto diet can sometimes entail. As I transition from an active weight loss phase into what I consider my maintenance phase, my approach to eating will certainly evolve. Once I’ve comfortably settled into my “happy weight” and feel that consistent sense of peak health, I fully intend to adapt a more flexible yet disciplined mindset: the 80/20 rule.
The 80/20 mindset means that 80% (or, ideally, even more!) of the food I consume will continue to be strictly clean keto. This doesn’t mean I’ll suddenly abandon everything I’ve learned or revert to old habits. Instead, it allows for a small percentage of flexibility – perhaps an occasional treat, a special meal out with friends that deviates slightly, or enjoying certain foods on holidays without guilt. This approach is crucial for long-term sustainability and mental well-being, preventing burnout or feelings of deprivation that can often lead to a rebound.
Why Stick to Clean Keto, Even for Maintenance?
My commitment to maintaining a largely clean keto diet isn’t born out of a fear of gaining weight. While weight management is certainly a benefit, the primary driver is the unparalleled way I feel when I eat this way. Clean keto, for me, means focusing on whole, unprocessed foods: high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of non-starchy vegetables. It means avoiding refined sugars, unhealthy seed oils, and highly processed ingredients that often contribute to inflammation and sluggishness. When I adhere to these principles, my body functions optimally.
I experience consistent, sustained energy levels throughout the day, without the energy crashes associated with high-carb meals. My mental clarity is sharpened, making it easier to focus and be productive. Digestion improves significantly, and I feel light and comfortable after meals, rather than bloated or heavy. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory benefits of a clean keto diet are profound, contributing to overall health and reducing discomfort. These are the incredible advantages that make continuing with this eating style a non-negotiable part of my lifestyle, not just a temporary diet.
I haven’t fully transitioned into this 80/20 maintenance phase yet, as I’m still ensuring I’m comfortably settled at my “happy weight” and refining what that truly means for my body. However, I’m excited about this next chapter of my journey. It represents a shift from intense weight loss to a sustainable, enjoyable way of life that prioritizes health and well-being above all else. I promise to keep you updated on how I adapt, what challenges or successes I encounter, and how this flexible approach unfolds. Stay tuned to see how I navigate this exciting new phase of my health and wellness journey!
Building a Sustainable Keto Lifestyle: More Than Just Food
Achieving and maintaining a “happy weight” and a healthy lifestyle extends beyond just what’s on your plate. It involves cultivating a holistic approach to well-being. Regular physical activity, even moderate exercise like daily walks or strength training, plays a vital role in body composition, energy levels, and mental health. Adequate sleep is equally crucial; it allows the body to repair, hormones to regulate, and supports healthy metabolism. Stress management techniques, whether through meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking time for hobbies, also contribute significantly to overall health, preventing emotional eating and supporting hormonal balance. For me, these pillars – nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management – work in synergy to create a truly sustainable and joyful lifestyle. It’s about building habits that serve your long-term health, not just for a season, but for life.
Your Journey, Your Goals: Finding What Works for You
My journey and my specific goals are unique to me, but the underlying principles can be universally applied. The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of listening to your own body, understanding your individual needs, and setting goals that resonate deeply with your personal vision of health and happiness. Whether your goal involves a specific number, a feeling, or a newfound ability, remember that consistency, patience, and self-compassion are your greatest allies. Don’t be afraid to adjust your path, celebrate every victory – big or small – and always prioritize how you feel over societal expectations. I hope my story inspires you to explore what a truly healthy and happy life looks like for you!