How I lost 5kg in two weeks?

The idea of living a happier and more healthy lifestyle is one of my primary goals for 2023.

Growing up, I’ve always been living with a rigorous lifestyle, one reason is from the way my parents raised me – They both live a very healthy and active lifestyle. My dad ran marathon and triathlon, and my mom been doing yoga for more than 20 years – And the other is due to my competitiveness. I am a competitive athlete myself and I don’t like losing.

But several serious injuries in 2022 forced me to pause and re-think, at the age of 37, given my work-life style and my current body condition, how I should approach my body management differently? I’m no longer a 20 year-old with good metabolism and quick recovery system.

Fortunately, the Ten-Day Uganda trip back in Chinese New Year break inspired me to re-approach my diet plan, and as a result, I lost 5kg within two weeks. Till this day, 7kg in two months. I’m now 78kg. Here is how I do it.

Fasting 16/8 Diet. Our body is like a car, and a heavy car cannot run fast. Over-consuming foods not only makes you sleepy but also send your brain signals to eat more. For me, I didn’t 100% follow 16/8 because it was too difficult to implement. But what I actually did was to follow that principles, and simplify my day time diet plan. For instance, on a regular day I wake up, drink 500cc of vitamin c and a cup of latte to boost my energies and awaken my body. Depending on whether I work from home or at the office, I have different lunch plan whether with myself or with my colleagues. I tend to keep them light so I can stay focused.
No carbs. Since Uganda trip, one little thing that I did which makes a profound impact was to not eat carbs. Not saying not eating carbs at all, but more of reducing the consumption. Definitely no rice, no noodles, and no breads during morning and lunch session.
More fruits and seafood. Low calories and very beneficial for your body. Fruits provide sugar, juicy tastes, and different flavors. I love Japanese foods and a lot of them come from seafood materials.
Have a happy dinner. After a diligent morning and lunch session, and usually after a long day of working, my body started to get hungry and it sent me signal to eat something nice at dinner. To reward myself, I would eat something nice without restrictions, and call it a day.

Looking back, the Africa trip came a long way. It was a self-enlightening journey in many dimensions, and eating definitely stood out. In Uganda, 70% of the people are worried about how to “survive”, while the places where I come from, most people are thinking how to “succeed.” In terms of food choices, Africans didn’t have as much options, but they could still function well. My take-away from the trip was to simplify and go with the diet plan – Eat less, eat healthy, and eat more consciously.

Warren Buffet once said – “You only get one mind and one body. And it’s got to last a lifetime. But if you don’t take care of that mind and that body, they’ll be a wreck 40 years later…it’s what you do right now, today, that determines how your mind and body will operate 10, 20, and 30 years from now.”

While weight loss and the body re-construction make me content about my effort, what makes me feel even better is how fresh and energetic I feel for my body. I will continue experimenting new way of living toward a more healthy and balanced lifestyle.

I’m watching a show from national geography and it is full of cool concepts for living healthier and longer. Will share more. Stay tuned!