If I Had to Lose The Weight All Over Again: What I’d Do Differently

Looking back on my weight loss journey, there are a few things I would do differently if I had to start from scratch.

Or at least a few things I would take more seriously, and prioritize better

Losing 70+ pounds wasn’t easy, but it taught me so much about what works and what I’d change if I were to do it all over again. 

1. Dial in Nutrition First

I’d start by understanding my maintenance calories before diving into a deficit. Knowing exactly what my body needs to maintain its current weight would give me a baseline to work from, allowing me to ease into a sustainable calorie deficit.

This way, I wouldn’t have started in too severe of a deficit, which can lead to burnout. Finding balance with food is essential, and if I had focused on that first, I believe I’d have been able to maintain my goals without feeling deprived.

I really struggled with this when I started, and I know a nutrition coach would have been an incredible asset to me. 

2. Prioritize Walking

I wish would have added in regular walking from the beginning. Gradually increasing my step count would have been a simple, effective way to see progress sooner.

Walking may seem small, but it’s a powerful way to support weight loss and overall health, especially as it builds into a sustainable habit. It’s easy to overlook, but even small, consistent movement can have a big impact over time.

3. Take Strength Training Seriously

Strength training has been life-changing, and if I could go back, I would take it even more seriously. I worked with a trainer in the beginning, but didn’t fully invest in training outside of those sessions. I thought that I only needed to see my trainer once or twice a week to see results. It took me YEARS later, to realize how important strength training is in this process. Not only for muscle growth, but for my own peace of mind.

4. Shift from Racing to a Lifestyle Mindset

Coming from a racing background, I used to think about speed and immediate results, but weight loss doesn’t work that way. If I’d shifted my mindset earlier to embrace “slow and steady” progress, I would have avoided the frustration of quick-fix attempts. Weight loss is a long game, and focusing on making lifelong habits over time would have saved me a lot of stress.

5. Set Realistic, Achievable Goals

Small, realistic goals keep you motivated and help you see steady progress.

If I were to do it over, I’d focus on one goal at a time: drinking more water, adding more vegetables, or getting in a certain number of steps each day.

These little wins add up and keep you moving forward, without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve learned that making manageable changes and celebrating those victories makes the journey enjoyable and sustainable.

6. Be Mindful of My Environment

Who we surround ourselves with and what we consume online can greatly impact our mindset. I’d be more mindful of following people who promote a realistic and healthy body image and limit exposure to celebrity “ideals” that aren’t real. I’d also reevaluate how often I went out with friends if it meant falling into habits that didn’t support my goals. Surrounding yourself with cheerleaders and people who respect your journey can make all the difference. It very difficult to be around people who are not supportive when you are in the thick of it.

These are the changes I’d make if I had to do it all over again, and they’re things I encourage anyone on a weight loss journey to consider.

We don’t have to get everything right the first time, but every lesson makes us stronger.

-B🖤