This is my weight loss journey to lose 80 pounds through a lifestyle change. It’s not a diet, it is eating healthy. It is a life style change!

During our neighbor Easter Egg Hunt, my grandson Anakin asked me to tell the children this “Slow and steady wins the race!” I have a video saved and love to listening to his little voice tell me this. He must have picked it up off a show somewhere.
Then recently a sweet reader, Rebecca used the same quote “Slow and steady wins the race!” It has stuck in my mind and so true with this goal to get healthy and lose weight.
The weight loss for the most part has been slow and steady. In weeks 11 & 12, I hit a plateau and the scale did not budge at all. I decided to change things up a bit by adding more protein into my diet. I also changed up my workout routine. You can read more about it the post Weight Loss Wednesdays – Weeks 11 & 12 here.
It worked! And, the scale moved. I lost 2 pounds this past week. During the whole week, I was never tempted to eat one piece of candy. No chocolate peanut butter eggs which are my very favorite.

Like Walt Disney said “If you can dream it, you can do it.” I will persevere through this weight loss journey to hit my goal. I believe in myself and goal to becoming healthier.
To recap, the two key items implemented for success to move past this plateau:
- Increase protein intake; and
- Change up that exercise routine.
WEEK 13 – SUCCESSES
- Down 15.2 pounds
- Easter – ate no candy or junk foods
- Drinking more water
- Finally sleeping well again
- Working out 5 days a week with 2 recovery days
- Increased protein intake and feeling less hungry
- Added a protein shake in the evening a couple hours before bedtime
WEEK 13 – PITFALLS
- I did indulge in a piece of homemade bread that my neighbor baked fresh. I made sure that even though it was my rest day, I went for a walk.
- Knees still hurts but sure it’s because of too much weight on a 5′ 2″ frame
- Left shoulder hurts (no recent injury), being careful not to injure it.
HEALTHY CORNER
Why Protein is important for weight loss?
During this weight loss journey, I have been reading and learning a lot about what is good to fuel your body. Did you know that protein is the single most important nutrient for weight loss? A higher intake of protein not only helps to fuel the body and helps you feel fuller after eating. It also boosts your metabolism, feeds your muscles, reduces appetite, and helps to regulate hormones.
Honestly, I was never a big meat eater. No wonder my metabolism was stalled. I am learning that protein is found in other foods besides just meat and seafood.
For an example: plain, low-fat Greek Yogurt packs as much as 19 g of protein. Stay clear of the sugared filed Greek Yogurt. I eat very little dairy. However, I will eat Greek Yogurt with honey, apples, and nut mixture.
Brussel sprouts are full of protein, fiber, and vitamins. A one cup serving contains 3 g of protein.
Avocados contain protein, fiber, potassium, and a heart healthful unsaturated fat.
Oats offer about 17 g of protein. I had no idea. Avoid adding sugar to oats. You can sweeten with honey and it is perfect.
By you eating a protein-rich diet, it will help people lose weight. One of the main reasons, it you are less likely to overeat because protein fills you up. It will also help you to build lean muscle when combined with exercise. Building those lean muscle will help you to burn more calories throughout the day, which can also aid with weight loss.
If you missed a week of Weight Loss Wednesdays, you can click on the links below:
Links: Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Weeks 11 & 12
Thank you for following along and stopping by the blog today. Please share your journey along in the comments. Hope you have an amazing day, friend.

Juliet says
Great progress, Tammy … and amazing willpower. Thanks for the protein ideas … I need to increase protein in my diet and appreciate non-meat options. Love your little grandson picking up motivational quotes and sharing them. Out of the mouths of babes … big wisdom! xo
Tammy says
Thanks, Juliet. I threw some almond butter into my homemade protein shake too for the extra protein. Just enough where the calories were not crazy but the taste was yummy.
Kim Waldorf says
You’re doing a great job, Tammy! Many good protein ideas that I could definitely use. Keep up the good work! Cheering you on from the Mitten!!
Tammy says
Thank you, Kim. I could always use a little cheering on. It’s been a tough journey and requires some tweaks here and there.
Lynn says
I have to stop stalling and get on the healthy lifestyle band wagon. It won’t happen if I don’t take control.
Tammy says
I hear you, Lynn. My knees are killing me. My Orthopedic doctor said to get if off. I will need surgery at some point.
Mary Anne Russo says
Oh, Tammy, you’re doing great! I can see the weight loss in that beautiful face! Thanks for the tips on adding protein. I’m not much of a meat-eater, also very little dairy. I’ve started my weight loss journey and have gotten very serious about it after being too lax. Your grandson is so correct slow and steady wins the race! Wishing all of us on this journey great success!
Tammy says
Wishing you success to Mary Anne. We have to keep cheering each other on. The homemade protein shakes are helping me to get extra protein in. I eat very little dairy too. Plain Greek Yogurt mixed with my apples chopped up with cinnamon, honey and a sprinkle of nuts is my favorite when I need something sweet. It’s about the only dairy with an optional sprinkle of cheese. Now, I do like fresh mozzarella cheese in the summer with tomatoes, fresh basil and drizzled with balsamic dressing. Trying to get that protein up without gagging at meal time.
Karen says
I admire your will power…and you are going a great job!
Tammy says
Thank you, Karen. Everyday is a challenge that’s for sure.