04/21/2024
A post in the Working Moms Group from Jessica Frazier Hancock:
I lost 100 lbs in the last year and a half, going from 225 lbs to 125 lbs, at 5’8”. After a very traumatic pregnancy and post-birth experience.
I care so so so much about my fellow mammas now, especially those of us who are working. I want to do everything in my power to help others going through similar difficult situations. I am not selling any products, this is not an ad.
Being hefty is in my genetics— I have tried losing weight my whole life. I let it become a mentally unhealthy pursuit. After having a baby however— I decided I didn’t want that kind of self-hatred life for my little girl, and determined that I was tired of hating my body too. This time I was going to become healthy physically AND mentally.
I have a degree in Exercise & Wellness, and a minor in nutrition from a top University. I know all of the biological mechanisms that influence fat & muscle gain—but I still gained weight during/after birth. Because my problem was not knowing what to do— I KNEW what to do. My problem wasn’t physical— it was emotional. And all the dieting in the world wasn’t my going to fix that.
So I thought I would share my favorite methods for healthy weightloss for those interested!!❤️ Because I love my fellow working moms so much, and I want you to succeed and feel your best!!!
For sure read my methods below, but I most of all wanted to recommend the books I read that influenced me the most on this journey. I have listed those in the bottom paragraph of the post! If you decide to read them let me know so we can discuss😍 Please start with Intuitive Eating, that was the most important one! It is widely recognized as the best book on teaching a mentally healthy relationship with food, and is used in Eating Disorder clinics across the US. Though “The Body Keeps the Score,” is the best psychology book I ever read, period.
Weightloss methods:
* Intuitive (or Mindful) Eating
* Got therapy for emotional eating (don’t let yourself feel deprived)
* Got Blood panels done & got medications for hormonal imbalances, blood sugar imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies (like thyroid support, a GLP-1, metformin, progesterone, Vitamin D & Zinc)
* Eat Nutrient Dense: High protein, high green veggies, plenty of complex carbs (like sweet potatoes), plenty of healthy fats. Also low refined sugar, low simple carbs, low glycemic-index foods. Notice I said low, not zero. I find that nutrient dense food fills me and satisfies me so I don’t overeat. Which causes me to consume fewer calories overall. Though I did not count calories.
* Took cooking classes at the local culinary school and from friends to learn how to make nutrient dense food that is DELICIOUS!!🌿🥦🥕
* Got into habits of regular meal planning, grocery shopping, meal-prepping & cooking.
* Lifted weights regularly (3x a week) to gain/maintain lean muscle. I did almost zero cardio except for having fun with my people❤️
* Picked up active hobbies with my husband and toddler!
* Learned how to make healthy habits really fun for myself & have a lot of self-compassion❤️
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: My favorite books that influenced my journey
* Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole (How to listen to your body’s cues)
* Anti Diet by Christy Harrison (Societal factors working against you, and how to overcome them)
* The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (Ways that people handle and manifest their trauma)
* Atomic Habits by James Clear (How to set habits you will stick to)
* French Women Don’t Get Fat by Murielle Guiliano (How to enjoy your food to the maximum, and not overeat)
* Barking up the Wrong Tree (How to find the right focus in your life, and learn that self compassion > self confidence)
(I know this will catch people’s eye because of the weightloss, but what I hope for you is happiness and love for yourself at every stage your body is in❤️)
