My Journey to Losing Belly Fat: What Worked and Why
Introduction
In this video, I'm sharing my personal experience of losing weight, particularly belly fat. I'll discuss what I ate, the exercises I did, and the crucial lessons I learned along the way. I believe that if I could achieve this transformation, anyone can, regardless of their starting point.
My Starting Point
A year ago, I weighed 64 kg and struggled with body fat, especially around my belly. While my face didn't show weight gain as much, it was easier to hide, which made it harder for me to stay motivated. Before having my first child, I was relatively thin, but my belly didn't return to its previous state after pregnancy. I ate a lot of spaghetti during pregnancy, assuming it was necessary for the baby.
Past Attempts and Lessons Learned
I had attempted to lose weight a couple of times before, but they didn't work in the long run. I realized that the main reason was that I treated myself like a robot, disregarding my emotional well-being. If a change in routine is too abrupt, it's likely to backfire. I also learned that if you want to make a change possible, you must find a routine that you enjoy, one that doesn't make you feel emotionally pressured.
Four Tips for Lasting Weight Loss
- Joy Distribution Technique: To avoid the yo-yo effect, I learned to distribute my joy optimally. Instead of cutting out the foods I love completely, I shifted my focus to enjoying the taste rather than eating until I'm full. For example, I now eat only 60% of the portion I used to when it comes to my favorite food, spaghetti. I also replaced some of my less healthy choices with healthier alternatives, such as adding hummus as a dipping sauce for my veggies.
- Resistance Training: About 2 months ago, I started resistance training to gain muscle. I initially struggled to stay consistent with workout videos, so I changed my strategy. I focused on thoroughly learning one movement, the dumbbell squat to overhead press, and did as many reps as I could for four sets. As I got stronger, I gradually added more exercises.
- Avoid Extreme Approaches: Two common mistakes that often lead to failure in weight loss are avoiding any change in routine while expecting results and going all in too quickly. The solution is to introduce tiny changes at first and see if you can naturally integrate them into your daily life without too much emotional resistance.
- Motivation vs. Routine: Motivation is important, but routine is key. I was motivated to start tackling my belly fat after an incident at the park, but I also realized that I needed to find a routine that worked for me. I started by making small changes to my daily habits, such as going for a short run every morning.
Other Important Aspects of Weight Loss
In addition to what I eat and how I exercise, there are other important aspects of weight loss, such as getting good quality sleep, drinking enough water, and managing stress. Scientific research shows that people who try to lose weight for health-related reasons are more likely to succeed in the long term than those who are motivated primarily by appearance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, losing weight, especially belly fat, is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a healthy mindset. By following the four tips I've shared and making small, sustainable changes to your lifestyle, you can achieve lasting results. Remember, it's not just about looking thin; it's about taking care of your body and enjoying a healthy, active life. If you have any questions or would like to share your own story, please feel free to leave a comment. Thank you for watching!