10 Powerful Habits That Helped Me Shed OVER 100 Pounds - Shannon Elizabeth Fitness (2024)

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Transforming My Life: 10 Powerful Habits That Helped Me Shed 100 Pounds and Embrace Health

A huge weight loss journey is an epic commitment to yourself—especially when it means losing well over 100 pounds. There are a lot of myths out there, but trust me, there are no shortcuts or magic fixes for significant weight loss. Big weight loss takes dedication to yourself, perseverance, deep self-reflection, and a change of lifestyle habits. To be honest, for the longest time, I doubted my own strength and value, and had myself trapped in a belief that a healthy lifestyle and weight loss was out of reach for someone “like me.” But along the way, I learned a lot about myself and slowly but surely started changing my story, leaning into true self-love and seriously stepping up my game. This kind of weight loss journey is about so much more than just dropping pounds—it’s about living a life you might not have thought was possible.

One day everything changed…

One day it just clicked for me: I deserved to chase and reach my dreams no matter how far away they seemed. I realized that to really turn my life around, I needed to shake up and change my core, daily habits. The thought of change was super intimidating at first—let’s face it, stepping into the unknown can be scary. But I made a pact with myself to become the best version of myself, and there was no turning back! This choice led me to an amazing journey of self-improvement. It wasn’t just about shedding pounds; it was about gaining a whole new life and love for myself.

Now, let me share the game-changing habits that didn’t just help me lose over 100 pounds but also helped me keep it off and embrace a healthier lifestyle for over 6 years.

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10 Habits That Helped Me Lose 100 Pounds:

Try Intermittent Fasting:

I’ve mentioned in other blog posts that I am a huge fan of intermittent fasting. I truly credit this style of eating for completely changing my relationship with food and for helping me to lose 100 pounds.

Intermittent fasting is a flexible, effective approach to eating that focuses more on when you eat rather than what you eat. When I adopted the 16:8 method, I ate all my meals within an eight-hour window each day and fasted for the remaining sixteen hours. This might sound daunting at first, but it’s surprisingly doable and offers several benefits.

By cycling between periods of eating and fasting, your body becomes more efficient at processing nutrients and burning fat. Studies suggest that this efficiency happens because fasting can temporarily increase your metabolic rate. Not only does this help with weight loss, but it can also improve energy levels throughout the day.

A stress-free eating approach!

The stress-free aspect of intermittent fasting comes from not having to obsess over calorie counting or feeling guilty about eating certain foods. Since intermittent fasting is more about timing, it allowed me to enjoy a variety of foods as long as they fit within my eating window. This flexibility made it easier to stick with the fasting long-term without feeling restricted or deprived.

Adopting this method also encouraged me to make healthier food choices. Knowing I had a limited window to eat made me think more critically about what foods would satisfy me and provide the nutrients I needed to maintain my energy throughout the day.

Overall, using the 16:8 method reshaped not only my eating patterns but also my relationship with food. It’s a strategy that encourages listening to your body and adjusting your eating schedule in a way that supports your health goals without unnecessary complexity.

Stay Hydrated:

Aiming for a gallon of water a day was a game-changer for me and helped to me to lose over 100 pounds. Staying hydrated helps with weight management and keeps everything running smoothly in your body. Plus, feeling fuller can naturally help you eat less. Commit to drinking a glass of water before your morning tea or coffee, plus encourage yourself to sip your water throughout the day. I make a rule to always have some water before having a snack or meal, and I carry my water bottle almost wherever I go.

Get Moving:

Most experts agree that the average person should be burning about 200-300 calories due to body movement daily. I know this sounds like a lot, but it is absolutely doable!

I started with simple steps: walking every day! Those walks soon turned into jogs and, before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line at my first half-marathon! Increasing your physical activity is an incredible tool, not just for burning calories, but for building strength and endurance. You don’t need to aim for half-marathons like me; just find ways to be more active that you enjoy and can stick with long-term.

Time Your Meals:

If you’re wondering which habit is the easiest to adopt, this habit is it. Adopting a schedule for my eating times, especially cutting myself off after 8 PM, helped tremendously. It reduced the late-night snacking (we all know it doesn’t feel great the next morning) and actually helped me sleep better. This simple change can be surprisingly powerful in cutting out extra calories and improving your overall health.

Commit To Regular Workouts:

Finding the right exercise routine—whether it be home workouts, joining a local gym, or preparing for a local 5k—was crucial for me. Regular exercise has transformed not just my body but my mind too. For me, body movement is about feeling fit, happy, and energized. Consistency is key and if you make body movement a part of your daily routine, your body and mind will thank you.

Smart Snacking:

Adopting the habit of choosing healthier snacks before indulging in any treats was a complete game changer for me. Rather than going straight for the sugary or salty snacks when a craving hit, I started with something nutritious like an apple or some carrots. This simple switch often satisfied my hunger, and surprisingly, I found that it was usually enough to curb the craving altogether.

This method works because it’s about filling up with the good stuff first. Nutrient-dense snacks like fruits and vegetables are not only healthier but also help stabilize blood sugar levels, which can reduce the intensity of cravings. By the time I finished my healthy snack, my initial urge to reach for something less healthy had often passed.

Healthier options can curb cravings!

It’s really about making smarter, more conscious food choices. When you start with a healthy snack, you’re also giving your body the nutrients it needs to function optimally, which can lead to feeling better overall. This positive feedback loop reinforces the habit, as the immediate benefits—like increased energy and better digestion—make the choice easier next time.

Even more importantly, this strategy helps in learning to control impulsive eating behaviors. By pausing to consider a healthier option first, you build up the mental muscle to make thoughtful decisions about what you eat. Over a period of time, this can lead to better eating habits, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet in the long run.

This simple but super-effective approach not only helped me manage my weight better but also improved my relationship with food. I learned to enjoy the natural sweetness of fruits and the satisfying crunch of vegetables, appreciating their flavors and textures. By prioritizing nutrition, I found a sustainable way to enjoy eating without feeling deprived, which has been a huge part of my long-term success.

Eat More Vegetables:

Incorporating more vegetables into my diet made a massive change in my weight loss, helped me lose 100 pounds, and increased my overall health. It didn’t happen overnight, but gradually increasing my intake of veggies made a significant difference. I started by adding just one veggie-packed meal to my day and built up from there. The additional vegetables helped improve my digestion dramatically and boosted my energy levels.

You might consider starting with something simple like Meatless Mondays to get into the habit of eating more vegetables. It’s an easy way to explore different recipes and discover new favorite dishes that are both nourishing and delicious. Over time, as you feel the positive changes in your body, you’ll likely find yourself naturally reaching for more vegetable-based meals.

Cut Back On Alcohol

Reducing alcohol was easier than I expected and the benefits were clear and quick. Fewer hangovers, better hydration, less impulsive eating, and generally feeling sharper. Cutting down on those liquid calories can make a big difference in your weight management and overall health.

Choose Natural Sugars.

Changing my sugar habits involved a conscious decision to ditch refined sugars in favor of natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, and agave. These natural alternatives have a lower impact on blood sugar levels compared to their refined counterparts, which helps prevent those all-too-familiar energy spikes and crashes. This switch allowed me to enjoy the sweetness I crave, but in a way that aligns more closely with my health goals.

These natural sweeteners offer more than just a reduction in blood sugar impact; they also come with their own unique set of nutrients. For example, honey is not only antibacterial but also contains trace enzymes, minerals, and vitamins that support overall health. Maple syrup includes antioxidants and can provide you with beneficial minerals like zinc and manganese. Agave syrup, while sweeter than sugar and therefore used in smaller quantities, offers a vegan-friendly option that pairs well with various dishes and beverages.

Don’t forget about moderation!

Moderation is still key! While natural sweeteners are a healthier choice, they are still forms of sugar and should be consumed carefully. The beauty of using these sweeteners is that because they are sweeter, you often need less to achieve the same level of sweetness, helping you reduce your overall sugar intake without feeling deprived.

By making this swap, I found that I could still enjoy delicious, sweet flavors in my meals and snacks without the negative effects of too much refined sugar, such as weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, etc. Over time, this balance has helped me maintain a healthier diet while still satisfying my sweet tooth in a more natural and nourishing way.

Daily Self-Care.

Recognizing and nurturing what my body can do was truly transformative, particularly in how it supported my journey of losing 100 pounds. By incorporating daily practices like reading for pleasure, meditating, or enjoying a leisurely walk, I helped maintain not just my physical health, but my mental and emotional health as well. This holistic approach is crucial because stress hugely impacts your ability to lose and maintain weight loss.

Stress is known for triggering the release of the hormone cortisol, which is linked to increased appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods. By engaging in activities that lowered my stress, like meditation and leisurely walks, I was able to keep these cravings in check and make more mindful choices about what I ate.

Not only that but allowing myself time to rest and rejuvenate each day meant I was better equipped to face life’s challenges and much less likely to turn to food as a coping mechanism. Reading and meditating, for example, gave me the tools to manage my emotions more effectively, helping me stay on track with my diet and exercise goals.

My Thoughts:

These ten habits are more than just personal checkpoints; they’re truly a foundation for anyone looking to improve their overall lifestyle. The journey to a healthier, happier you doesn’t have to be daunting. Start small, maybe with hydrating more or taking short walks, then build from there. Each small step is a big leap toward a better you!

Remember, a weight loss journey is deeply personal. While these habits worked wonders for me, your journey might look different. Experiment, find what fits your life and stick with it. Embrace the ups and downs, learn from each setback, and celebrate every victory, no matter how small.

You’ve got this! Start believing in the power of changing small habits and take that first step. Here’s to a healthier, happier you!