Hey there! If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve been diving deep into the world of sustainable health and wellness. Welcome to Part 3 of my personal journey. We’ve talked about the "how" and the "what," but today we are tackling the biggest hurdle of all: the "keep going."
When it comes to weight loss for women, the initial excitement usually carries us through the first week or two. You’ve bought the new sneakers, you’ve cleared out the pantry, and you’re ready to conquer the world. But then, Wednesday happens. You’re tired, the kids are cranky, work is demanding, and the scale hasn’t budged in three days.
This is where most people stop. But this is exactly where the magic happened for me. Today, I’m sharing the secrets of how I stayed motivated every single day to reach my results, and how you can do it too.
The Results: Where I Am Today
Before we get into the "how-to," I want to share the "why." My journey wasn't just about a number on a scale, it was about reclaiming my life. By focusing on a combination of evidence-based medical support and strength training, I was able to lose 28 pounds and, more importantly, reverse pre-diabetes.
I went from feeling sluggish and "too old" to start, to having more energy than I did ten years ago. I can help my colleagues with physically demanding tasks at the clinic without breaking a sweat, and my confidence has skyrocketed. These results didn't happen overnight; they were the result of showing up even when I didn't feel like it.
Secret #1: Identify Your "Why" and Keep It Visible
One of the biggest lessons I learned, and something we emphasize here at Caring Hearts Psychiatry Inc., is that motivation is a feeling, but your "Why" is a foundation.
On the days I wanted to quit, I didn't look at my goal weight. Instead, I looked at a note I wrote to myself about why I started. My "Why" was being able to serve my patients better and being around for my family long-term without the shadow of chronic illness hanging over me.
Pro-tip: Write your "Why" down. Put it on your bathroom mirror, set it as your phone wallpaper, or keep it in your car. When that 2:00 PM slump hits, remind yourself of the person you are becoming.
Secret #2: Move Beyond the Scale
If you only track your progress by the numbers between your feet, you are going to get discouraged. Weight fluctuates daily due to water retention, hormones, and muscle gain. For women, especially those dealing with PCOS or hormonal shifts, the scale can be a liar.
Instead, I focused on:
- How my clothes fit: Seeing my scrubs get looser was a huge win.
- Strength milestones: Being able to lift more weight or do more reps during my training sessions.
- Energy levels: Noticing that I didn't need a third cup of coffee to get through the afternoon.
- Measurement changes: Tracking inches lost rather than just pounds.
By celebrating these "non-scale victories," I kept my momentum high even when the scale stayed the same for a week.
Secret #3: Professional Support and Clinical Guidance
Let’s be honest: sometimes, "willpower" isn't enough because biology is working against you. This is why I advocate for a personalized, clinical approach. At Caring Hearts Psychiatry, we look at the intersection of food, mood, and biology.
Whether it’s exploring medical weight loss telehealth or understanding how GLP-1 medications can help regulate the "hungry brain," having a medical team in your corner changes the game. Knowing that my plan was evidence-based gave me the confidence to keep going. I wasn't just guessing; I was following a blueprint designed for success.
Secret #4: The Power of Consistency Over Perfection
One of the mottos I live by now is: "Never miss twice."
We are all human. There will be days when you eat the cake or skip the gym. The secret to weight loss for women isn't being perfect; it's being consistent. I made a commitment to show up every single day. If I couldn't do a full workout, I took a 15-minute walk. If I had a heavy lunch, I made sure my dinner was packed with protein and veggies.
Consistency builds habits, and habits eventually take the place of motivation. When something becomes "just what you do," you don't need a pep talk to do it.
Secret #5: Mindset and Metabolic Psychiatry
At Caring Hearts Psychiatry, we believe in Metabolic Psychiatry. This means we understand that your mental health and your physical health are one and the same. If your brain is struggling with stress or trauma, your body will struggle to release weight.
Addressing my own stress levels and learning to manage emotional eating was a pivotal part of my journey. By treating the whole person, mind and body, the weight loss became a natural byproduct of health, rather than a forced chore.
CURVE Collective: Sexy, Curvy, Cool!
If you are reading this and thinking, "I want those results, but I don't want to do it alone," I have something special for you. We’ve created a community specifically for women who are ready to embrace their best selves without losing their joy.
The CURVE Collective is about more than just weight loss; it’s about a lifestyle. It’s evidence-based, compassionate, and designed to help you navigate the unique challenges women face, from hormones to high-stress careers.
CURVE Collective: Sexy, Curvy, Cool!
If you're ready to stop the cycle of starting and stopping, and you want a plan that actually sticks, we are here to help. Whether you need a wellness coach or a full psychiatric evaluation to get to the root of your "hungry brain," our team is ready to support you.
Email your interest to veronica@chpsychiatry.com to learn more about how you can join the CURVE Collective and start your own success story.
Final Thoughts from Nurse Jenny
My journey taught me that I wasn't "broken" or "lazy." I just needed the right tools and a little bit of daily discipline. You deserve to feel strong, confident, and healthy. Don't wait for the "perfect time" to start, because the perfect time is right now.
If you’re a PMHNP student looking to learn more about our approach, or a woman ready to take the first step toward a healthier life, reach out. We’re in this together.
Stay motivated, stay consistent, and remember: you are worth the effort.
About the Author
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Nurse Jenny is the friendly face at Caring Hearts Psychiatry Inc. With years of experience in healthcare and a personal passion for metabolic psychiatry, she combines clinical expertise with deep empathy. Having navigated her own weight loss journey, she is dedicated to helping women achieve sustainable wellness through evidence-based practices and compassionate support.
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The Hungry Brain: Food, Mood or Biology?
