Here are some of the largest takeaways Sydney has had from her journey through weight loss:
She realised that you don't become overweight just because. Being overweight or fat is not the problem; it's a symptom of a greater issue. In order to lose weight, you've got to address the problem itself and get to the root of what is really causing the issue. What is making you unhappy in your life? What are you spending too much time on instead of yourself? What is making you emotionally eat? She said, "Solve the inner puzzle, and it will be the key to weight-loss success."
She added, surround yourself with positive, like-minded people and a team of experts (a therapist, personal trainer, dietitian, etc.) who will teach and support you in your journey. Join a group training community, exchange meal-prep recipes with friends, and hold each other accountable. Start a lunchtime walking group at your office.
"I am fortunate enough to have an entire team of experts that have led me through this journey and helped me find my way. You don't innately know how to ride a bike when you are young. You are taught this skill and have to practice over time, eventually ditching the training wheels and flying solo," Sydney said. She added: accept help from experts in their fields who can teach you how to properly move your body, manage your emotions, and consume the foods that will fuel your body if it's something you've never learned.
Be mindful of what's in front of your face every day. "Create a vision board and hang it on your fridge so you can visibly see what you are working toward," Sydney said. You can curate your Instagram and social media feeds and fill them with healthy recipes, weight-loss inspiration, fitness, and goal-oriented messageing to motivate and inspire you. Cut out negative or toxic people if they aren't willing to support you. "Be diligent about what you are seeing, reading, doing, and posting on a daily basis," Sydney said.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself and have patience. Remember that weight loss is not linear, and "it's a journey that will challenge you in ways you could never imagine. Accept that life happens and that doing the best you can is sometimes all that you can do." She added that it might be a slow progression, but if you remain steadfast in your goals and run your own race, you will cross the finish line.
Image Source: Sydney Wolf