When I tipped the scale at 245 pounds, I knew I needed to make a change. I’d always been on the bigger side, but for the first time, I started thinking seriously about getting healthy. At that point, I didn’t know what “healthy” even looked like for me. I didn’t have specific goals in mind—I just knew I wanted to feel better and be better.

Like many, I initially considered traditional diets. But over time, I realized diets don’t work because they don’t create long-term habits. They’re usually about quick fixes with rigid, temporary rules and results. Once the diet ends, old habits return, and so does the weight.

So instead of sticking to a strict diet, I gradually shifted toward building sustainable habits—changes that evolved over time and became a natural part of my lifestyle.

Building a New Foundation: Small Steps to Big Results

I started small. Exercising and running were my first steps. At the beginning, it was just a few runs on the weekends—nothing intense, just enough to get moving. Over time, those small efforts built momentum.

When I moved to Santa Monica, the good weather ☀️ inspired me to run more often. Running became a way to clear my head, especially when I paired it with audiobooks or podcasts. Listening to stories or learning something new turned running into an enjoyable habit rather than a chore.

On the food side, I made a few key adjustments. I cut out most of the “rubbish” from my diet—the overly processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods that didn’t serve my health goals. I also started eating less at night and followed an old saying:

This simple philosophy help transform my eating habits. Lunch became my main meal, and dinner became light and easy. Over time, these small changes added up, and I began to notice the weight coming off—not quickly, but steadily.

It Wasn’t a Straight Line

One of the most important lessons I learned was that progress isn’t linear. My journey was full of plateaus, stops, and starts. There were times when I fell off track or didn’t see results for weeks. But I kept going, trusting that consistency would win out in the long run. And it did.

What “Eating Clean” Means to Me

Today, I’d describe my diet as 80% clean eating. For me, this means focusing on a high-protein, low-carb approach. That said, eating clean can look different for everyone—the key is finding what works for you.

I’ve also learned to manage my weaknesses. Nuts, for example, are my kryptonite. They’re calorie-dense, and it’s hard for me to stop at just a handful, so I minimize them. At the same time, I’ve given myself permission to indulge occasionally. If I’m really craving a cookie 🍪, I’ll have one—but it’s a treat.

This approach keeps things sustainable. It’s not about perfection but about balance.

Why Traditional Diets Fail

One of the biggest pitfalls of traditional diets is that they’re not designed for long-term. Sure, you might lose weight quickly, but what happens when the diet ends? If the habits you’ve built aren’t sustainable, you’re likely to fall back into old patterns.

Different things work for different people, and only practice will help you define what works for you. But if you’re following a traditional diet, my advice is to look for ways to adjust it so it becomes a long-term habit. That’s the only way to achieve lasting results.

Losing over 95 pounds wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. The key wasn’t a fad diet, it was about making small, sustainable changes and sticking with them over time.

If you’re struggling with your weight, try to shift your focus from quick fixes to lasting habits. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent.