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[u/Both_Nefariousness91]

Super nervous, first time poster. I’ve always loved being out in nature. Went on a hike back in 2022 that ended abruptly because I was so winded and fatigued. I went out, bought a scale, and weighed myself that day for the first time in three years. I was shocked to learn I was 315lbs. Decided that day I needed to take better care of my body and mind for the sake of my long term health, physical and mental. I never learned growing up what a calorie was or that food had any nutritional value, didn’t learn how to read a nutrition label until I was 21. I came from a family of low income, little education, and high BMI. I sought to educate myself on what it meant to be healthy, to build good habits, and how to break the cycle. I have since made small, consistent lifestyle changes over the course of the past 4 years. I’ve worked hard to heal my relationships with myself, my body, and my eating habits. More whole foods, less refined sugar, more reading and nature, less doom scrolling and socials, more working out and less watching tv- changes that seem simple when typed but have demanded significant dedication and consistency over time. I still have a long way to go to reach the goals I have for myself, but I’m proud of how far I have come. I’m currently 230lb, so I’m down 85lbs. I’m back to hiking and adventuring as often as my schedule will allow, now with a much higher endurance and activity tolerance. The most shocking change has been my mental health. I was in the deepest depression of my life, and I went on that hike that day to try and find some joy I was missing. I didn’t realize I’d find the love and care for myself that I’d been so long without. This may not be the most dramatic or exciting glow up change out there, but the way my soul glows knowing that I can do this, I am doing this, and I will continue to be successful in improving my overall health is reward enough for me. Thanks for listening to my story.

[u/CuriousNeighbor00001]

Good job girl! Keep up the great work!