Clean eating, calorie deficit, and intermittent fasting = 22 pounds lost from 147 to 125. I've been feeling so much better, tuning in to my body and learning to give it what it needs ♡

My self-improvement journey has been a rollercoaster. One thing I've struggled with is overeating, even when I'm eating clean. Finding a way to maintain a calorie deficit has been challenging for me. So I took a break from working out to focus on my nutrition, I'm still a work in progress. I still like to order out, but I try to choose options that fit with my goals. I have a sweet tooth, so when it comes to sweets, I enjoy in moderation. I've trained my stomach to be okay with small portions. I'm a sucker for dark chocolate and baked goods, but I also try to stick to fruit most of the time. So portion control is key for me. I try to focus on whole foods as much as possible. I've also cut back on a lot of bread, although I still enjoy bagels and bread, just in smaller amounts and not as often. I don't drink sugary drinks like pop and juice and stick to water, coffee, and tea. But every now and then, I might get a bubble tea or maybe even a Starbucks drink with just less sugar. It's okay to treat yourself here and there. I just make changes that align with my goals.

And so far, it's been working for me. I still eat what I want, but I try to be mindful of my choices. I also, try to drink a lot of water every day. It helps with weight loss and keeping you feeling fuller for longer. I definitely try to be mindful of my sodium intake in my food because too much sodium can impact your progress. It's all about balance and finding what works for you.

But if I'm being honest, it's not just the numbers on the scale. I've also had to confront some tough mental battles. Body dysmorphia has been a constant battle for me. Truth is, it doesn't discriminate based on size. It's about the thoughts and feelings that consume you, the constant self-criticism and doubt. Cellulite is something I struggle with most...

There are days when I look in the mirror and all I can see are my flaws, no matter how hard I try to focus on the positive. But working on my nutrition has started to shift my mindset. I'm starting to feel more at peace with my body and focus on what it can do rather than how it looks. I'm proud of myself for showing up and seeing it through. It's a good feeling to know that my discipline is paying off. 👊🏽