Summary
This piece is a deviation from my usual writing style, but I felt compelled to share a personal account.
During the past 18 months, I gradually gained 24 pounds (approximately 11 kilograms). Initially, I was unaware of the change; subsequently, I attempted to “overlook” it until I reached a breaking point. The primary concern was not merely the weight itself but the emotional impact it had on my well-being.
The Impact of My Weight Gain
Once I recognized my weight gain, I became acutely aware of my insecurities regarding my body image, which seemed to stem from the increased weight. I made light of the situation, but in truth, my weight gain significantly affected my self-esteem and even led to feelings of sadness—this is notable, considering I typically maintain a strong level of body confidence regardless of my past weight fluctuations. For me, the experience of gaining weight is intensely personal; it is something I rarely discuss and often feels quite isolating. I wonder if others feel similarly? Yes, I share fleeting moments of reflection, making comments like “I’ve got to shed some pounds,” yet my genuine feelings about weight gain are deeply personal and tend to linger uncomfortably in my mind. I began to notice numerous photographs of myself indulging in delightful foods… it was a realization that hit hard! 😊 (I suspect this awareness was a sign that I was becoming increasingly conscious of my weight, but how did I not perceive it sooner?)
Weight gain is a widely discussed issue, and I am not promoting weight loss as a method for improving self-worth; rather, I recognize that my personal experience of weight gain made me perceive things differently (and not in a beneficial sense), which is what I sought to alter.
I understand the societal expectations regarding body types, which I categorically reject. The pressure to conform to a particular body type is ultimately detrimental. I firmly believe that achieving a state of health and happiness—irrespective of weight—should be the primary focus. However, I am also conscious of how my weight gain adversely influenced my self-esteem. I recognize that societal pressures tend to be even more pronounced for women, which is why I wished to shed light on how body image can impact us all—regardless of gender.
Understanding Weight Gain
The initial factor contributing to my weight gain was evident: my travels with Yaya over the past year. We have explored numerous exciting destinations, sampling a wealth of new culinary experiences, many of which were rich in flavor and indulgence. My tendency is to savor every dish on holiday! Delightful offerings like Turkish baklava, Scottish shortbread, and freshly prepared Italian carbonara became my indulgences.
While I am not particularly fond of gym workouts (though I am aware of their benefits, I often find exercises in confined places to be unmotivating), I strive to remain active—typically walking briskly around London 2 to 3 times weekly, usually covering about 4 to 5 miles (6.5 – 8 km). I keep track of my calories burned and distance covered with my Apple Watch, which made it clear that my eating habits were the real issue.
Modifying Eating Habits
By maintaining a brief food diary for around a week, I was able to pinpoint the origins of my weight gain. I noticed a pattern of consuming a significant amount of carbohydrates. My meals often consisted of pasta or potato dishes, frequently accompanied by a glass of wine when dining with friends. This established a rather “heavy” and somewhat indulgent diet, which, while acceptable in moderation, had become a predominant part of my diet. As an individual who enjoys diverse cuisines, it was quite enlightening to realize that many of my meals had become primarily carbohydrate-based.
Upon this realization, I conducted online research focused particularly on reducing carbohydrate intake. I consulted reputable sources such as The Live Strong and Mayo Clinic websites, both of which provide scientific and medical information regarding nutrition and dietary needs. After reading extensively, I discovered the concept of Ketosis, which can result from a lower carbohydrate diet. Essentially, ketosis refers to a metabolic state in which the body begins breaking down stored fat for energy. However, it is emphasized that this should not be pursued as a long-term dieting strategy; hence, I decided to try it for 14 days to evaluate whether carbohydrates were indeed the root cause of my weight gain.
Establishing a Diet Schedule
Each day, I prioritized the consumption of ample vegetables, an abundance of protein sources, eggs, and limited fruit intake. I managed to avoid feelings of hunger. To be cautious, I restricted my fruit intake to a maximum of two servings per day due to their higher carbohydrate content. My diet regimen included:
Breakfast options that I alternated daily:
- 2 x Scrambled or poached eggs with bacon
- 1 x Banana
- 1 x A serving of low-fat Greek Yogurt with a drizzle of honey and/or blueberries
- 1 x Grapefruit
Snack options:
- 1 x Portion of roasted pumpkin seeds
- 1 x Portion of frozen grapes
- 1 x Handful of currants or dates
- 1 x Apple
- 1 x Pomegranate
- 1 x Frozen yogurt & berries
Lunch Options:
- 1 x Portion of soup
- 2 x Skinless chicken breasts
- 15 x Mini tuna wraps made with spinach leaves instead of traditional wraps
Dinner Options:
Anything featuring a variety of vegetables, alongside lean meats or fish.
I also prepared my own pizza utilizing a cauliflower base instead of standard dough, topped with chicken, parmesan, and tomato purée. Recipe by Justin & Amy
The Results
After the span of two weeks, I was astonished to find that I had lost 12 pounds (nearly 6 kilograms)! This rapid weight loss method may not be sustainable long-term, and I certainly do not wish to endorse it as a permanent strategy. I have since reintroduced some carbohydrates into my meals and am now working to gradually regulate my weight loss to 1-2 pounds per week. It is essential to maintain a balanced intake of carbohydrates; completely eliminating any food group can be perilous. However, based on insights from the Mayo Clinic and Live Strong, adopting this eating regimen worked effectively for me, and I am pleased with the results.
If you are contemplating a dietary change, I encourage you to research extensively to identify what suits your individual needs best. If you have uncertainties, consulting with a healthcare professional is prudent to ensure you are making appropriate choices for your body. The NHS website also offers valuable resources for guidance!
Why I Shared This
My intention in sharing my dietary journey is not to encourage others to follow suit or to promote another “fad” diet that commonly advocates for drastic measures. More importantly, I aimed to express how weight gain can evoke feelings of vulnerability and unexpectedly diminish one’s self-confidence. While many factors can contribute to these feelings, I found that my weight gain heightened my anxieties. This was perhaps the most daunting aspect to confront—coming to a point of genuine self-acceptance and learning from my eating habits to maintain a healthy weight that aligns with my personal happiness.
Recently, I took new photos for our feature in TimeOut Magazine, which allowed me to fit back into my favorite H&M sweater! The joy that brought me was immeasurable. I felt somewhat akin to Miranda from Sex and the City, when she rediscovers her skinny jeans! 🙂
