How I Lost 85 Pounds & Kept It Off – A Four-Part Series

Losing weight in your 50s isn’t a walk in the park. What worked in our younger years doesn’t quite cut it anymore—our metabolism slows, habits get ingrained, and life throws curveballs. But after years of carrying extra weight and feeling like a shadow of myself, I finally cracked the code. My approach wasn’t about quick fixes or starving myself. It was about partnering with my doctor. I focused on dialing in my nutrition. I also focused on moving my body in ways that made sense for me.

This four-part blog series will take you through the exact process I followed to lose 85 pounds and keep it off.

What to Expect in This Series:

Part 1: The Wake-Up Call & Decision to Change

There’s always that moment when reality smacks you in the face. For me, it was seeing my reflection in the mirror at dance class. I could barely make it through a few songs before gasping for air. Then came the pictures—I didn’t even recognize myself. And then, a month into my journey, my mom passed away from diabetes-related complications. That hit hard. I knew I had to take control of my health, not just for myself, but to avoid the same fate.

Part 2: Partnering with My Doctor & Using Medical Assistance for Weight Loss

I wasn’t about to white-knuckle my way through this. I worked with my doctor to find a medical approach that made sense for me. With their guidance, I was able to manage my appetite, improve my overall mindset, and build momentum. This wasn’t about popping a magic pill—it was about using the right tools to help me stay on track. In this section, I’ll break down why medical guidance was a game-changer, what I learned, and whether this approach might be right for you.

Part 3: Mastering My Diet with Factor Meals & Nutrition Changes

Let’s be real—diet has always been the hardest part. I knew I needed structure, so I took the guesswork out of it with Factor Meals and some smart nutrition changes. No calorie counting, no overthinking, just real food that fit my goals. In this section, I’ll explain exactly how I simplified my eating, controlled portions, and stayed satisfied without feeling like I was on a diet.

Part 4: Building a Workout Routine That Fit My Lifestyle

Exercise had to be sustainable, or I knew I wouldn’t stick with it. I found ways to move that I actually enjoyed—strength training, cardio, hiking, and even swing dancing. This wasn’t about grinding away in the gym; it was about building a routine that kept me engaged and energized. In this part, I’ll break down how I made fitness a habit without it feeling like a chore.

Each part of this series will dive deep into what worked, what didn’t, and how I built a sustainable plan for long-term success. If you’re looking for real, practical insights on losing weight and keeping it off, you’re in the right place. Let’s do this!

A life well examined is a life well lived. – JJ