I’ve lost over twenty pounds in two months. The thought crosses my mind daily, and each time it does, my chest fills with helium-like pride as I soak in the accomplishment.
The weight I carried wasn’t just physical—it was emotional too. Aches in my knees, a persistent tingle in my foot, and a general dissatisfaction with my body piled up until I could no longer tell myself, “I’m okay.” Because I wasn’t. I was frustrated, and defeated, and when I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see “me.” I saw someone I didn’t like.
I wanted to get healthy, but even that felt overwhelming. The mountain of health advice out there is suffocating—so much noise that it becomes part of the problem. I remember meeting a client after their annual exam. “I need to make changes,” they said. When I asked what changes, they shrugged, “I don’t know.”
I totally got that because I’d been there too.
Thankfully, I had some experience with fasting, and I knew it had worked for me in the past. I also knew accountability would be key, so I bought a $20 Renpho smart scale that syncs with an app. Dave paired his phone to the scale too, and even though we never explicitly agreed to lose weight together, it sort of worked out that way. Having that unspoken support made a difference.
When it comes to health, I see it as a never-ending hiking trail—one that takes you across the country, over oceans, and into unfamiliar territory. It’s less about reaching a destination and more about staying curious and adaptable. Since starting this journey, I’ve explored new things, like making my own bread and experimenting with kefir grains, slippery elm bark powder, and marshmallow root. I even stumbled upon a video about how marshmallows were originally made to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Learning and trying these things has been surprisingly fun.
But I’ve also learned to hold onto ideas lightly. Not everything you pack for the hike stays in your backpack. Sometimes you hear a convincing argument, try it for a while, then realize it’s not for you. For example, after watching a passionate doctor warn about the dangers of vegetable oils, I went all in—vowing to avoid them entirely. Dave, ever the voice of reason, advised caution while supporting my decision. Eventually, I dug deeper and found research clarifying that the risks are primarily from prolonged high-heat cooking, like in fast-food operations. Lesson learned: stay curious but balanced.
One thing that keeps me grounded in this journey is my love for hard work. Whether it’s learning a language or writing a daily blog for 1,119 days, I thrive on discipline. Showing up, day in and day out, builds a deep trust in yourself. It makes each day feel meaningful, even when it’s hard. Even when you cry, stomp, or pout. You do it anyway. And that trust? That’s where transformation lives.
I really appreciate you showing up, too. Your presence has made all the difference in this space’s evolution into a community, so thank you.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 