The inside scoop on my weight loss journey
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Time to read 6 min
Calorie counting, Keto and Ozempic: my weight loss story
Embarking on a weight loss journey is not just about mastering your food habits; it's also about creating a space where your body and mind can align harmoniously. With the right mindset, I believe that you can achieve all the goals you set for yourself. My weight loss journey started as far back as I could remember. I was a very active kid with a busy schedule. My parents' jobs kept them out of the house daily until 6pm. In order to keep me safe and in good hands, my mom registered me to all the after school programs available. Mondays, and Thursdays I was at gymnastics (fun fact: I was a competitive gymnast - no I never won any medals but I had fun and my mom said that was all that mattered 😇), Tuesdays, ballet dancing (also fun fact: I was asked to join the Grands Ballets Canadiens but my father didn't let cuz practice was on Shabbos), and Wednesdays, Jazz ballet. Besides one other kid, I was always the biggest one in the group. And to be clear, I was not fat, just the biggest one. This gave me a complex from a very early age.
And so my weight loss journey began...
Disclosure
I am by no means an expert on the topic of weight loss. I am merely sharing some of my experiences. Speak with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program and make sure it's the right one for you. What works for me may not be healthy for you, so I urge you to always consult with your people first.
Forgive me as the quality of the picture isn't the greatest, I mean we are talking about a time back in the 80's!
There are many things I don't remember about that day but what I will never forget is that winning feeling of being one of the youngest kids on my team who made it to that round in the Quebec Gymnastics competition. To say that I felt like a million bucks would be an understatement.
Although I don't have a picture to share with you, my favorite part of my gymnastics routine was by far the uneven bars. I wasn't the best at it, but the adrenaline of standing on the lower bar and twirling around the top one is an indescribable feeling.
Calorie Counting Diet
The calorie counting diet revolves around tracking your daily caloric intake to achieve weight loss. The basic premise is that consuming fewer calories than your body expends leads to weight loss. Food and beverage intake is monitored using either a journal, mobile app, or online tool. Each item's calorie content is recorded, and the total is compared against your daily target.
The 'skinny' on calorie counting...
- The Good: You can basically eat whatever you want as long as you calculate the calories and don't go over your daily intake allowance.
- The Bad: Calculating everything you consume can be quite annoying. It does get easier though cuz you start to know the calorie values of the foods you eat on repeat.
- The Ugly: You need to be patient cuz the weight loss doesn't happen quick, and you have to keep motivating yourself. I did go down a skirt size while calorie counting but it took quite some time. Slow and steady wins the race.
😍 My top pick for calorie counting is an app I have used many times on my iPhone called My Net Diary. They have a free version as well as a paid version. I have used both. I recommend downloading the free version first and trying it out for a few weeks. It works really well for weight loss and you don't necessarily need the paid version, but it definitely has some perks that you may appreciate if you're in it for the long haul.
The Ketogenic Diet "Keto"
- The Good: If you follow this diet perfectly, you will gain a plethora of energy, your brain will feel sharp, and usually weight loss happens fairly quickly.
- The Bad: It's a science that only works if you follow it to a T, and if you don't, it can be very dangerous to your health due to the overload of fat intake.
- The Ugly: Many people experience the "keto flu" during the initial transition period, characterized by fatigue, headaches, and irritability as the body adjusts to the new way of eating. Also, no pizza 😨
So which foods are ok?
Foods to prioritize for weight loss on the keto diet include meats, fatty fish, eggs, cheese, butter, nuts, seeds, avocados, and healthy oils like olive and coconut. Meanwhile, high-carb foods like grains, fruits, starchy vegetables, and sugary treats are restricted.
Berries+nuts=your best friends
You won't really crave sweets once you're in ketosis, but if you do, berries will do the trick. My go-to daily snack was:
- salted macadamia nuts
- strawberries
- 2 squares of dark chocolate
A good resource for info on the keto diet is dietdoctor.com
😍 One of my favorite foods on the keto diet is known as "chaffles". Their cute name is a combination of the words "cheese" and "waffle". They are filling, easy to make and so much fun. But you need this cute little gadget to make them.
Delicious Chaffles
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Cooking spray (I use Pam)
Pre-heat waffle maker. Whisk egg and cheese. Spray waffle maker with cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 of the mixture into the waffle maker and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. It will turn golden brown when ready. Remove and repeat. It should make 4 chaffles.
Serve it as pancakes with honey or syrup, berries and whipped cream, or you can use it as bread. I used to make runny sunny side up and dip them in the yolk. Yum!
Ozempic is not magic
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. This medication helps lower blood sugar levels, promotes weight loss, and may reduce appetite. Users may experience decreased appetite and feelings of fullness, thus consuming less foods, therefore consuming less calories. However, like any medication, it may cause unpleasant side effects. Individual results vary, and not everyone may experience the same degree of weight loss.
- The Good: Ozempic can lead to substantial weight loss. Some people have experienced weight loss of up to 15% of their body weight.
- The Bad: Ozempic works by mimicking the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite. This leaves you feeling less hungry and more satisfied after meals, without feeling deprived. But then think about what happens when you stop taking the medication. 😟
- The Ugly: Many people have felt terrible side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
😍 I have said this once and I'll say it again a million times. Ozempic is not magic. It helps me on this weight loss journey by curbing my appetite so that I eat less and still feel satisfied. I have lost 34lbs since I started back in October 2023, but with the Passover holiday behind me, I can say that I gained 3lbs. It's not a huge deal since I know that I can now go back to eating proper meals and being mindful as I have been for the last 6 months. I have been lucky so far that I have not really has terrible side effects and that helps me to keep going.
Conclusion
All weight loss programs work. The trick is to find the one that is right for you. It must be a diet that you can sustain within the boundaries of the lifestyle you choose. Regardless of the chosen approach, it's crucial for you to prioritize your overall health and well-being above the number on the scale. Embracing a balanced and realistic mindset is key to long-term success and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for years to come.
Good luck on your journey, no matter what it may be.
Annette xo
Annette Cohen
Meet Annette, the creative force behind the modest fashion brand Esteez. With a passion for fashion and a keen eye for style, Annette curates a vibrant online space dedicated to celebrating modestwear and timeless elegance. Through her Instagram account @esteezonine, she shares her love for versatile fashion, food, and lifestyle offering inspiration and insights into living a life of both modesty and individuality. Join Annette on her journey as she explores the intersection of fashion, faith, and personal expression in her blog.
