Even Experts Make Mistakes: My Unintentional Weight Loss Setback and Recovery
Losing weight is a journey, laden with countless hurdles and unexpected turns. Even for those of us who have successfully managed to shed pounds and maintain a healthier lifestyle for years, like myself, mistakes can still happen. Recently, I made an oversight that almost sabotaged my progress while on a cutting phase with my partner, Kyle. Here’s what happened and how embracing these errors is part of a sustainable weight loss journey.
Understanding the Mistake
Kyle and I were in the midst of a 10-week cutting phase where we aimed to lean out and lose body fat. We were feeling confident, especially after the first week brought a 4.8-pound loss. However, in the following weeks, my weight loss started slowing down to just 0.1 or 0.2 pounds, which I attributed to my hormonal balance issues, including PCOS. Remaining consistent, I followed my calorie deficit and cardio routine, trusting that this slow phase would pass.
The Discovery
Our nightly ritual included enjoying a diet pop, a treat we savored while unwinding. One evening, Kyle discovered that the pop we had been consuming wasn’t the zero-calorie Blackberry ginger ale we thought it was, but instead a version with 140 calories per can. We had inadvertently consumed an extra 700 calories across five cans each, spread over a few weeks. This revelation was shocking to us, given how meticulous we are usually about such details. Factors like sleep deprivation and our ‘diet brain’ during calorie cuts contributed to this oversight.
Coping with the Reality
Realizing this mistake, a voice in my head tempted me to give up, but I chose to move forward instead. It would have been easy to let guilt take over. Instead, we reminded ourselves that weight loss is not always a linear process, and errors are natural. The vital part is how you respond to these setbacks—learning from them and making necessary adjustments.
Learning and Moving On
The lesson here is that even when mistakes happen, consistency in maintaining a calorie deficit and regular cardio pays off. Despite the extra calories, our weight loss hadn’t stalled completely. Moving forward, we decided to double-check every item during grocery runs and learned not to take for granted that mistakes won’t happen again.
Consistency Over Perfection
If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember: consuming a small number of extra calories on rare occasions won’t drastically alter your progress if you remain consistent most of the time. It takes 3,500 extra calories to gain a pound of fat, so a minor slip will have minimal impact in the grand scheme. Focus on the journey, not the occasional setbacks, and continue striving towards your goals.
Embrace the Journey
Weight loss isn’t just about the numbers on a scale; it’s also about having the right mindset and heart to forge ahead, even after mistakes. By embracing the ups and downs and learning from every experience, you’re building a sustainable path to health and wellness. Always remember, missteps are just stepping stones to success. Keep pushing forward!
If you’re interested in learning more about my weight loss journey or the products I recommend, feel free to check out my weight loss eBooks and favorite protein products. Links are provided below, along with discount codes for added savings.
