Oh, friends! Guess who’s here feeling 1.5 kg lighter and a whole lot sassier? Yep, it’s your girl, Butter! Now before you start picturing me strutting down the runway (or, more realistically, the office corridor), let me spill the chai about this exciting milestone in my weight loss journey.

This isn’t just about dropping kilos; it’s about outsmarting my body, my brain, and honestly, my snack-loving soul. Because let’s face it, my past attempts at weight loss were like a rom-com gone wrong—full of dramatic starts, crashes, and those infamous “we need to talk” breakups with gym memberships and diet charts.

Where It All Began: Butter vs. Weight Loss Goals

Here’s the tea: I’ve got thyroid issues. Add in a long history of failed attempts—think crash diets, two-day gym obsessions, and dance workouts that lasted about as long as my resolve—and you’ve got a recipe for frustration. Even as a doctor, I felt like the universe was conspiring against me.

Then one fateful day, I revisited my 2024 journal. Boy, was it bleak! I had given up on my January weight-loss goals by February, calling it quits after the first plateau. Reading it back made me cringe so hard, I knew something had to change.

The Plan: Simplicity Is Key

This time, I wasn’t aiming for a dramatic transformation or a wild Instagram-worthy diet plan. Nope. My motto was simple: pick one thing, stay consistent. That “thing” turned out to be walking—good ol’ humble walking.

• 10k Steps a Day: Splitting this into manageable chunks saved me! 1 km in the morning, 1 km before lunch, another before leaving work, and the rest during my evening strolls.
• Audio Motivation: A chapter of an audiobook every walk? Yes, please! Who knew literary drama could spice up my walking routine?
• No Sweet Month (Kinda): Okay, so I still have sugar in my tea and caved for a donut (just one, I promise!). But I avoided other sweets like a pro.

15 Days of Nothing, Then Magic

Let me tell you, the first two weeks were the ultimate test. I lost a grand total of… 100 grams. Seriously, my fat was clinging on like it owed me money. But then, like a twist in a suspense novel, the scale surprised me after 24 days: 1.5 kg gone!

Even better, my Apple Watch revealed that my VO2 max (a fancy term for cardiac fitness) had increased by 4 points. My energy expenditure was higher, my heart rate variability improved, and my body was doing secret good things behind the scenes.

What Worked (and Can Work for You)

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Pick One Thing: Focus on a single, sustainable habit. Walking was low-risk and easy to start.
2. Be Kind to Yourself: Instead of banning all my favorite foods, I tackled just one goal—avoiding sweets. The biryani and spicy chicken snacks stayed, because hey, balance!
3. Celebrate Non-Scale Wins: The Apple Watch stats were my hidden cheerleaders. Progress isn’t always about the number on the scale.
4. Break It Down: Long walks felt overwhelming, so splitting them into chunks made it doable.

Next Steps: Building on Success

Now that I’ve seen results, I’m not stopping. But instead of juggling weight scales, I’ve shifted my focus to cardiac fitness goals. Here’s the plan:

• Add Variety: A weekly Zumba session for fun and two 10-minute yoga sessions to improve muscle strength.
• Layer New Goals: Once I nail my no-sweets month, I’ll work on cutting down on fried foods. One step at a time!

Butter’s Tips for Sustainable Weight Loss

1. Don’t Rush the Process: Weight loss is like compound interest—it takes time, but the results will surprise you.
2. Invest in Tools: A fitness tracker can be a game-changer. It’s like having a health coach on your wrist!
3. Create a Routine: Little rituals, like walking before meals, make consistency easier.
4. Forgive Yourself: One donut won’t ruin your progress. The key is getting back on track.
5. Prioritize Health Over Perfection: Focus on improving fitness, not just weight.

The Bigger Picture

This journey taught me that success isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about showing up every day, even when progress feels invisible. If Butter can do it, so can you!

So, let’s make a pact: whether it’s walking, dancing, or simply avoiding that second slice of cake, we’re in this together. Here’s to compounding results, small wins, and a healthier, happier us!

What’s your one thing to tackle this month? Let me know, and let’s cheer each other on! 🥳