Chapter 1: The Journey to Weight Loss

After three decades immersed in countless resources about weight management, fitness, and nutrition, I've distilled what truly works for me.

While I don’t hold any formal qualifications in dietetics or fitness, I bring thirty years of personal experience and insights into what has proven effective for me.

Here’s the crux of my approach to weight loss:

Consume less and choose better.

You might roll your eyes at this, thinking it’s overly simplistic. However, this principle is grounded in common sense and is often overlooked.

In addition to moderating food intake, I must emphasize the importance of exercise. However, it’s crucial to set goals beyond merely regaining a youthful physique.

For a long time, I doubted that reducing my food intake could yield noticeable results. That changed after I experienced health complications post-childbirth.

In just a fortnight, I lost eight kilos—four from childbirth and another four due to my inability to eat properly during recovery.

I witnessed my weight plummet, but not in a positive way; I struggled to even walk, feeling too frail to care for my newborn.

More recently, I encountered an emotional crisis that left me immobilized and without an appetite. During this challenging period, I unintentionally shed four kilos, highlighting the clear connection between reduced intake and weight loss.

While I wouldn’t recommend illness or trauma as weight loss strategies, these experiences reinforced the reality that eating less results in weight reduction.

Instead of completely depriving myself of food—which is not wise when life is stable—I sought to determine my optimal caloric intake.

For me, that number is 1,500 calories daily, sufficient for maintaining health while allowing gradual weight loss.

With a limited caloric budget, it’s crucial that every calorie serves a purpose. I view food as fuel, and it must not only be nutritious but also enjoyable and simple to prepare.

This balance can be tricky. When life gets hectic, I often choose convenience over flavor.

You may wonder what my diet consists of. Over the years, I've explored nearly every significant diet and nutrition book. One, in particular, stood out as effective.

After experiencing post-birth complications that left me underweight and anemic, I realized the necessity of eating despite constant nausea.

Initially, I couldn’t even look at food without feeling sick; my body was sending confusing signals of hunger. Thankfully, I became more attuned to my changing body.

Years later, after what felt like normal eating, I found myself eight kilos over my ideal weight. Eating had become manageable, yet I remained perpetually drained.

Through sleepless nights and the demands of caring for a child, I searched for a solution to the relentless fatigue weighing me down.

Then I discovered a book I thought was just another diet manual, "It Starts With Food" by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig.

Their plan encourages a thirty-day elimination of added sugars, dairy, grains, and processed foods, while closely monitoring dietary habits and physical responses.

During this period, I uncovered several truths about my body.

I learned that sugar was triggering my headaches and joint pain, while dairy contributed to the small bumps on my arms.

Replacing grains with nuts, vegetables, and fruits energized me, leading to a newfound vitality that surprised those around me.

Now, I understand that I must carefully avoid sugar and grains to maintain my well-being.

Migraines and joint discomfort are reminders of how my body reacts to neglect.

The good news is, I now have the knowledge and power to reclaim my youthful energy.

Regarding exercise, my goal is not to achieve a specific weight but to enhance my overall fitness.

At 163 cm tall and 49 years old, my ideal weight is 56 kg, and I recognize that attempting to return to a high school physique is unrealistic.

You may be curious about my exercise routine.

I engage in CrossFit three times a week and dedicate half an hour each morning to stretching. When I miss a CrossFit session, I take an invigorating walk to a scenic spot.

What drives my exercise commitment?

I aspire to earn my first Black Belt. Though I had hoped to achieve this before turning fifty, the pandemic altered my timeline.

To reach this goal, I must:

1. maintain my ideal weight to reduce joint strain (consume the right quantity);
2. fuel my body to sustain energy levels (choose the right foods);
3. engage in exercises that enhance strength, flexibility, and stamina.

Through my life experiences and a helpful guide, I’ve rediscovered a younger, more energetic version of myself—one that still dreams of being Bruce Lee.

Ultimately, my secret isn’t just about losing weight; it’s about staying youthful. It’s about pursuing meaningful activities that inspire daily positive choices.

I dislike the feeling of aging—headaches, joint pain, and fatigue all contribute to that sensation.

Engaging in martial arts, perfecting my techniques, and sparring with younger opponents all help keep my spirit vibrant.

Note: Previously published under my deactivated profile, Shell M Myers.

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Chapter 2: The Weight Loss Secret You Need to Know

In this insightful video, we explore the key strategies for effective weight loss, highlighting practical tips that can lead to lasting results.

Chapter 3: The Secret to Weight Loss Through Exercise

This video delves into how exercise plays a crucial role in successful weight loss, offering techniques and motivation to stay active.