The Japanese Water "Loophole" I used to Melt 48 Pounds of Unhappiness

For years, I could feel the pressures and expectations of my life weighing me down. Finding a balance between work and being a mom had me feeling completely drained. I was always stressed out, and food was what made me feel better. I've always been on the smaller side, but before I knew what happened, I found myself at 164 pounds.

It wasn't just that I was exhausted... my weight gain also affected my marriage. I felt completely disconnected from my husband. When I looked at myself, all I saw was - post-baby flab, cellulite, double chin, and swollen ankles. My back, hips, and knees were sore all the time. I was embarrassed and ashamed of how I looked. Being out of breath after walking up a flight of stairs was just one thing on a growing list of health concerns that wasn't helping my confidence either. I remember laying awake at night worried about my marriage, and how I felt about myself. The lack of sleep just made things even worse. 

I finally hit a breaking point while I was shopping. A little girl, maybe 4 years old, asked her mom if I was pregnant. I was crushed. My insecurity over my weight was overwhelming, and I ended up in tears in the restroom. I was so ashamed. Where had the amazing woman my husband married gone!? It was during this breakdown I made a choice... it was time to make a change.

I joined a few local fitness groups... water aerobics, Zumba, Pilates... you name it. I downloaded a few apps. I tried a few diets. But, even with all that, nothing seemed to work for me. I would have little successes here and there, but nothing that lasted, and that was even more frustrating. I tried:

🚫Low-carb, high fat
🚫Intermittent fasting
🚫Paleo
🚫Keto
🚫Whole30
🚫Plan-based

and more...