I started gaining weight when I was fifty, nearly two decades ago. Up and down with every different diet but mostly up! Why do I think I will succeed this time?
I’ve been on Balance & Burn for 3 months. I can absolutely feel changes in my digestion, which is a win. But I have not lost weight. And honestly, that can happen for several reasons. What is Balance and Burn?
Weight loss is rarely about just one product or one habit. Our bodies are always giving us clues. Sometimes we need to look at the bigger picture and make a few simple swaps that support the body as a whole.
In my case, there seem to be several factors at play.
High cortisol may be part of the problem
When stress stays high for too long, cortisol can make it harder for the body to let go of weight. It can also affect sleep, cravings, mood, and energy.
Even when you are doing something helpful for your body, high stress can still slow progress.
If this sounds familiar, it may be helpful to ask:
Am I constantly rushing?
Am I sleeping well?
Do I feel wired and tired?
Am I giving my body time to rest?
Sometimes nourishing your mind, body and soul is just as important as changing what’s on your plate I am adding in Cortistop for the next two months. After only three days I am feeling a shift in my stress levels already.
Excess sugar intake adds up quickly this is a big one for many people myself included. Hidden sugar is in almost everything these days; even peanut butter.
So even when my digestion was improving, too much sugar was working against my weight goals. Sugar can affect energy, cravings, inflammation, and blood sugar balance. It can also make it harder to stay consistent with healthy habits.
This does not mean you have to be perfect. But it may mean taking an honest look at where sugar is sneaking in:
Drinks
Snacks
Coffee creamers
“Healthy” bars
Late-night treats
I have a few of these areas I need to improve on but, baby steps make change fun and easy. Start by picking one area to clean up instead of trying to change everything overnight. For me it is the sugary snacks.
Lack of movement can slow results
You do not need an intense workout plan to support your body. But regular movement matters.
If you are sitting most of the day, not strength training, or not getting enough walks in, that could be one reason weight loss feels stuck.
Movement supports:
Metabolism
Blood sugar balance
Mood
Digestion
Stress relief
A short walk after meals, stretching in the morning, or adding a few strength sessions each week can make a big difference over time.
Slight dehydration may be affecting more than you think, this one is easy to overlook.
When you are dehydrated, it can impact energy, digestion, cravings, and even how your body functions overall. Sometimes we think we are hungry when we actually need more water.
Simple swaps can help here too:
Start the day with water
Keep a water bottle nearby
Add minerals or electrolytes if needed
Sip consistently between meals
Small changes really do matter. Progress is not always measured by the scale. One thing I want to gently remind you is this: improved digestion is progress.
That means something is shifting.
Sometimes the body works on healing and regulation before weight begins to change. Sometimes we need to support the body in a few more areas before we see the full result we were hoping for.
If you’re feeling frustrated, don’t give up. Look at the full picture:
Stress
Sugar
Movement
Hydration
Sleep
Daily routines
The goal is not perfection. The goal is steady progress.
Start with one next step
If your weight loss feels stalled, try choosing just one area to focus on this week.
Maybe it’s drinking more water.
Maybe it’s cutting back on sugar.
Maybe it’s taking a 10-minute walk each day.
Maybe it’s finding ways to lower stress.
Simple, consistent baby steps are often what create lasting change.
If you want help figuring out which low-tox lifestyle shifts may support your health goals, I am here to help.
Or if you want support and community on your wellness journey, join us at Boldly Essential.
You do not have to do it all at once. With the right support, simple swaps can help you move toward better energy, better habits, and a healthier life.
I remember the first time I recognized there was something different about me. It was over a decade ago, probably closer to two. I was at work, there were cupcakes to celebrate someone’s birthday. After I ate the first one, I had an overwhelming urge for another one, so I caved in, but it didn’t help the craving, it just made it worse. I wanted a third. Meanwhile the tall, thin co-worker from the accounting department, never even had one. What was different about us? What was causing the out of control cravings in my body?
Growing up I never had to think about my weight. I was raised with good, whole food meals, so I had a great foundation. A foundation that enabled me to create some terrible eating habits. Like polishing off a pan of brownies by myself, without gaining any weight. Things like that created a sugar dragon inside of me and he still roars today.
The first time I put on any weight was when I stopped smoking, and that was okay. I finally had a few curves. Then menopause hit, and my bad eating habits started to catch up with me. Two surgeries later and a month of antibiotics set the final stage for these fifty extra pounds that I do not need.
Learning how the body and mind operate has become a passion of mine. I now understand that hormones rule our bodies. Set all the goals you want, your will power is no match for out of control hormones, insulin, cortisol, ghrelin and others are going to function to keep homeostasis. Keeping us safe and alive. Our digestive hormones don't care about our goals they will function based on what we feed them.
Sugar addiction is a real thing and only once in my life did I go thirty days without added sugar. I looked good and I felt great so with that in mind I am embarking on a new life change. This time in place of the strict elimination diet which worked while I was on it, but in the end I gained back all I lost and more, I am doing a hormone supporting supplement with an emphasis on choosing whole foods and other easy habits. Baby steps that will stick, changing my taste buds and habits slowly and permanently.
If you are looking to shed a few pounds or just improve your digestion, I invite you to join us for some encouragement and support (and even accountability if you want it). Me and the team at Boldly Essential are ready and excited for you to join us on this journey to nourish our minds, bodies and souls. Get ready to make the rest of your life the best of your life.
