33 Pounds Down: Choosing My Health, One Day at a Time

I’ve gone back and forth about sharing this, but I think it’s time to be honest, not just with others, but with myself.

Since August, I’ve lost 33 pounds.

My starting weight was 267 pounds, the heaviest I’ve ever been. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was 18, largely due to health issues beyond my control, including PCOS and adrenal Cushing’s. For years, it felt like my body was working against me no matter what I tried. That kind of battle doesn’t just affect your body, it affects your confidence, your mental health, and your sense of hope.

The Wake-Up Call I Didn’t Expect

On November 4th, everything changed. I was officially diagnosed with diabetes, and I won’t lie, it terrified me.

That diagnosis came with an overwhelming amount of stress, fear, and depression. I felt ashamed, scared of the future, and angry at my body all at once. But as frightening as that moment was, it also became the turning point I desperately needed.

My doctor immediately started me on Metformin and Mounjaro, a GLP-1 medication. Since that appointment alone, I’ve lost 8 pounds, and for the first time in a long time, my glucose levels are staying low and stable thanks to medication, intentional dieting, and consistency.

It hasn’t been easy—but it’s been worth it.

Finding My Groove (Finally)

For the past week, I’ve committed to working out every single day, and instead of forcing myself into routines I hate, I finally found something that works for me:

• 30 minutes of Pilates

• 10 minutes of strength training

• 10 minutes on the treadmill

It’s balanced. It’s manageable. And most importantly, it’s something I can see myself sticking with.

I’m not chasing perfection. I’m chasing sustainability.

A New Relationship With Movement

Something else shifted too, I started embracing this lifestyle instead of resenting it.

For the first time ever, I went shopping specifically for activewear and fitness gear. That might sound small, but for me, it was huge.

• JCPenney had incredible clearance deals on activewear

• I scored $80 Puma sneakers for just $37

• Five Below came through with fitness essentials like a yoga mat and resistance bands

• And my favorite purchase of all: my first Apple Watch, which helps me track workouts, movement, and progress in ways I never could before

For once, I’m not avoiding mirrors or dreading movement. I’m investing in myself.

This Is Just the Beginning

This journey hasn’t been linear, and it hasn’t been painless. I still have hard days. I still struggle mentally. But now, I also have proof that change is possible, even when your body fights you every step of the way.

I’m learning that this isn’t about a number on a scale.

It’s about regaining control of my health, protecting my future, and showing myself compassion instead of punishment.

If you’re struggling, especially with chronic health conditions, please know this: you are not lazy, broken, or failing. Sometimes, the right tools, support, and timing make all the difference.

I’m choosing myself.

One workout.

One meal.

One day at a time. 💙