From Fad Diets to Food Freedom: My Ayurvedic Weight Loss Story.
Intro:
If you’ve ever tried everything — calorie tracking, juice cleanses, skipping meals — and still felt tired or stuck… I see you.
That was me too. I still remember standing in front of the mirror, wondering what was wrong with me. I wanted to break every mirror in my house.
I thought I was doing everything “right,” but my energy kept crashing, my weight kept yo-yoing, and I felt like my body was fighting me. It took me years — and a few big wake-up calls — to learn that healing isn’t about restriction… it’s about rhythm.
Here’s how I lost 70 pounds naturally — and finally learned how to keep it off.
My Early Struggles with Food and Body Image
At 15–16, I was athletic—skating, swimming, walking—yet my weight fluctuated. A well-meaning doctor told my mom to give me psyllium husk in buttermilk before meals so I’d feel full and eat less. The result? My cycle went haywire, I felt weak, and we stopped. Honestly, I cried a lot after this event.
Next came a so-called “weight loss” expert with her fad diet: 30-day grape-only diets, repeated several times a year. I’d lose weight, then regain it—and my metabolism and relationship with food suffered. The pattern: restrict, hope, rebound.
“Fad diets gave me quick results, but they took away my health”.
The Turning Point: A Wake-Up Call I’ll Never Forget
Fast-forward a few years. I had moved to the U.S. — new climate, new foods, new stress. My energy plummeted, my sleep was poor, and the weight kept creeping up.
Then I lost my father to type 2 diabetes. 💔
That was the moment everything changed.
I realized I was walking the same path — and I didn’t want that story to repeat.
At 50, when many people think about slowing down, I made a different choice:
I went back to school to study nutrition, Ayurvedic lifestyle, and integrative wellness.
I became a Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and a Certified Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner, earning over 10 professional credentials. But more importantly, I learned how to heal myself from the inside out.
What finally worked (and still does)
No more grape cleanses. No more “miracle” plans. I rebuilt my habits around my unique dosha and gentle, doable changes:
Ate warm, light, easy-to-digest meals (no cold salads or smoothies). I never imagined I’d be the woman who loves warm soup more than cold smoothies.
Ate my largest meal at lunch, when digestion is strongest.
Stopped snacking between meals to give digestion time to reset.
Practiced mindful eating — no screens, no rushing.
Focused on self-acceptance, not perfection.
Stayed consistent — not extreme.
Within 12–18 months I lost 70 pounds—and, more importantly, I’ve kept it off. My energy returned, I woke up refreshed, and cravings quieted. This wasn’t about perfection; it was about rhythm, nourishment, and compassion.
The biggest shift wasn’t on the scale—it was in my mindset: from control to connect. “Once I stopped dieting, my body stopped fighting me.”
Gentle lessons I wish I’d learned sooner
Fads are loud; your body is wiser. Quick fixes steal energy and trust.
Digestion first, then nutrition. What you absorb matters more than what you log.
Warmth wins. Warm, cooked foods supported my energy better than cold “diet” foods.
Routine beats willpower. Regular meals and sleep do the heavy lifting.
Self-kindness sustains change. You can’t heal a body you’re at war with.
Why I Share This Story
Because I know what it feels like to be tired all the time.
To try everything and still not feel “well.”
And to believe that losing weight means losing joy.
It doesn’t have to be that way. 🌸
Simple Daily Habits You Can Try:
Want to feel lighter and more balanced starting today?
Here are a few gentle Ayurvedic habits that worked for me:
Identify your dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
Sip warm water throughout the day instead of iced drinks.
Make lunch your largest meal, and eat dinner 3–4 hours before bed.
Take a 10-minute walk after meals to help digestion.
Sleep before 10 PM to align with your natural rhythm.
Start your day with deep breathing or gratitude journaling.
Tiny steps — practiced with consistency — create massive shifts.
If you are where I was….
If you’ve tried everything and still don’t feel balanced, it’s not your fault — your body just needs the right rhythm. You’re not “failing”—you’re missing a plan that respects your body. I now collaborate with licensed healthcare professionals and guide clients through my Optimal Well-Being Method™ to build calm energy, balanced blood sugar, and sustainable weight management—without fear or fads. The Optimal Well-Being Method™ is a holistic program rooted in Ayurveda and lifestyle medicine — to help others reclaim energy, balance blood sugar, and find peace with food again.
Ready for steady energy and lasting change? Feel free to connect with me. Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding you back — and design a plan that fits your body, mind, and lifestyle.
Download my free guide of Protein-Packed Foods.
Friendly disclaimer
This story reflects my personal experience. It’s educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your licensed healthcare provider for individualized care.
