On Weight Loss and Milestones

I climbed on the scale this morning and saw digits my eyes have not witnessed in years: I was under 220 pounds for the first time in almost a half-decade. Granted, at this moment my weight was precariously perched on the verge of lapsing into the next quintile, but there is a special satisfaction in knowing that the caloric sacrifices I have been making actually seem to be working.

My previous attempts at weight loss tended to run their courses after a week or so, and I used to quickly lose 5-10 pounds only to regain the weight in the following months. However, those diets simply involved eating less of the same sorts of unhealthy foods that caused me to gain weight in the first place.

While I would obviously prefer the fattier and carb-laden meals I have always enjoyed, the only way I am going to successfully get my weight, triglycerides, and glucose under control is by sticking to a healthier lifestyle: more fruits and vegetables, low lipid intake, and daily exercise.

I know, I know: those of you who actually practice healthy living already know this, but I humbly offer my insights to the rest of the world, those who struggle with weight loss and the hidden problems associated with the regular consumption of unhealthy foods.