Have you ever felt like you were trapped in a cycle of weight gain and loss, with no clear path to lasting health? These two pictures represent two versions of me - on the left, at my heaviest, 97.6 kg, at the age of 35; on the right, at my lightest, 68 kg, at the age of 45. A decade of transformation, inside and out.

Losing weight isn't just about eating right and working out; it's a multifaceted journey. I've always been on the chubby side throughout my life, and as I grew older, the pounds kept piling up. My weight never bothered me from an aesthetic or self-esteem perspective; I was quite okay with how I looked. However, as I entered my thirties, health issues started to manifest rapidly. By the age of 35, I was medically classified as obese, and that's when my weight began to concern me.

A myriad of health issues accompanied my obesity - insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, knee pain, hormonal imbalances leading to acne, and idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Strangely enough, I never realized these problems were linked to my weight, nor was it ever made clear to me.

What triggered my transformation was the awareness of the risks obesity posed to chronic diseases. That realization prompted me to take action. But it wasn't a straightforward journey. I knew I needed to exercise, and while I received nutritional guidance, it often felt too textbook, not quite aligning with my lifestyle. I found myself doing intense workouts, undereating, and focusing more on calorie counting than on the nutrients my body needed.

I did manage to shed the weight, but some lingering health issues persisted. Fast forward a few years, and the stress of a burgeoning career, hormonal changes, and the challenges of life in my forties began to take their toll. The weight started creeping back in, and I found myself overweight, unhappy, moody, and feeling completely overwhelmed - my life was unbalanced.

This was the turning point when I decided to shift my focus from just losing weight to gaining health. I wanted to have my cholesterol in check, enjoy better moods, achieve great skin, and aim for longevity. So, I became more mindful of what I ate and how I worked out - what worked for me and what didn't. That's when I started practicing yoga, which helped immensely with stress management, leading to better moods and an overall sense of well-being.

In 2021, at the age of 43, I went through something that was later diagnosed as clinical depression and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). I was prescribed antidepressants, but I chose to explore alternative ways to get better without medication. Please note that I am not advising against the use of antidepressants or any prescribed medication; medication can be immensely helpful. My decision was a personal one, with a clear agreement with my doctor to take them should I feel the need to.

I began working with a therapist and, eventually, reduced the frequency of our sessions as I started using the tools I gained in therapy to work on myself. I also started paying closer attention to my diet, focusing on whole foods, vibrant colors, and variety.

Now, I've integrated a healthy way of living into my daily routine. I cherish the outdoors, often indulging in long walks, yoga under the sky, invigorating runs, and exciting hikes. The natural world has become my playground, offering not only physical exercise but also mental and spiritual rejuvenation.I enjoy power yoga outdoors

I look forward to cooking and experimenting with new whole food recipes. Preparing nourishing meals has evolved from a chore into a source of joy and creativity. I've discovered the immense pleasure in savoring wholesome, flavorful dishes that fuel my body and nurture my soul.

I've come to realize that true well-being isn't just about structured workouts; it's about keeping my body in motion throughout the day. I find opportunities to stretch, dance, and engage in gentle movements that invigorate my body and mind.

My life has become a testament to the transformative power of embracing a holistic lifestyle. It's a journey that has not only reshaped my physical appearance but has also enriched my vitality, mental clarity, and overall quality of life.

Through my research and experimentation, I gained a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of what we eat, our environment, stress management, and movement - and the profound impact these factors have on our overall well-being. I learned that there's no one-size-fits-all solution; what works for one person might not work for another.

What I've learned on this transformative journey:

We are what we eat: The food we consume directly impacts our health and well-being.

We are a sum of our habits: The habits we cultivate, especially health habits, contribute to our overall well-being.

Habits are not easy to change: Change takes time, patience, and dedication

There is too much information out there: It can be overwhelming, but seeking guidance can help.

There's no quick fix: Sustainable change comes from addressing the root causes of our habits.

Health is not just a body shape: It's about what's going on inside.

Accountability works: Having support and being responsible for your choices can be transformative.

You are your own expert: You have the power to make informed decisions about your health.

Health is an investment: What you do now will impact your future.

I hope my story serves as motivation for you to take charge of your health today, in your own unique way. Remember, you can do it, whatever "it" means for you.

Health isn't just about the numbers on the scale; it's about feeling your best, inside and out.