Weight Loss Wisdom: Insights From a 100-Pound Transformation Journey
by Cookie Miller
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April 2, 2024

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Weight Loss Wisdom: Insights From a 100-Pound Transformation Journey

Courtesy of Cookie Miller

Before I embarked on my weight loss journey, my life revolved around food, weight, and the next big thing I was going to try. I was obsessed with losing weight, yet my lifestyle was sedentary, my diet was unhealthy, and I was a heavy drinker. Physically, I developed pre-diabetes, had recurring knee issues, and couldn’t even walk up one flight of stairs without getting winded. Emotionally, I was down on myself for lacking “discipline” and struggled with depression, especially as my family was going through a tough time.

I tried every weight loss method imaginable, from fat burner pills to Weight Watchers, medical weight loss centers to water fasting and juicing. At my lowest points, I even struggled with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. I considered weight loss surgery but was too scared to go through with it. Each attempt left me feeling more frustrated and hopeless, realizing that these quick fixes and extreme measures were not only unsustainable but also damaging to my physical and mental health.The stigma and judgment surrounding weight loss only compounded my struggles, but I was doing my best with the knowledge and tools I had at the time.

My turning point came when a dermatologist couldn’t help me with the dark, leathery patches that had developed on my skin — a sign of insulin resistance. My doctor warned me that if I didn’t lose weight, I’d be taking insulin for the rest of my life, just like my grandmothers. This wake-up call made me realize I was killing myself with the very food I thought was comforting me.

In recent years, medications like Ozempic or Wegovy have gained popularity as a tool for weight loss. While these drugs can be effective for some individuals, as highlighted in Oprah Winfrey’s special “Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution,” they are not a magic solution. The special underscored the importance of combining medical interventions with lifestyle changes, ongoing support, and a focus on overall health rather than just the number on the scale. It emphasized that weight loss is a complex, multi-faceted journey requiring a personalized approach, working closely with professionals to develop a plan addressing unique needs. The journey is one that I know intimately.

For me, lasting success came when I focused on nourishing my body, healing my relationship with food, and addressing underlying emotional and hormonal issues. I started by breaking up with soda and getting my hormones in check, which was a key reason why losing weight had been so difficult. I’m always telling women now to dig deeper if something feels off, even if labs come back “normal.”

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This year marks 10 years of keeping the weight off, but, of course, I faced setbacks. Early on, I injured my knee from running, which I later learned wasn’t ideal for someone with my body type and weight. But I was determined. I asked my doctor for alternatives and started swimming laps at 4 a.m. before work, which helped me to build muscle in my legs and later discover the importance of strength training.

As my perspective on health and wellness evolved, I realized that my past failures stemmed from unsustainable, extreme measures, always starting from a place of anger or desperation. Losing 100 pounds has impacted every area of my life, changing my career path and leading me to become an award-winning holistic health and weight loss coach for women. The most significant change has been in my self-confidence, which comes when food no longer controls you, and you can walk into a gym, lift heavy weights, and have an emotional outlet that helps manage depression.

The most rewarding aspect of this transformation is the impact on others. I’ve seen my own family members change their lifestyles, and I receive messages from people around the world saying that my story was the catalyst for changing their lives. Just this year, a client who had struggled with infertility got healthy, lost weight, and became pregnant naturally at 37. That’s the power of this work.

If you’re just starting your fitness journey or considering weight loss options, my advice is to research not just the short-term, but the long-term. It’s not just about losing weight, but learning how to keep it off for good. Remember, there are no quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Honor your unique needs, address the underlying issues, and focus on sustainable lifestyle changes. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

You are worthy of health and happiness. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and know that transformation is possible. Your story has the power to change lives — starting with your own.

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