I turned 50 on May 15. Stress eating during two moves in a year, combined with unhealthy eating habits I developed during the pandemic, it seemed as though I blinked and had gained 15 pounds. It became my goal to lose "The COVID 15" by the 15th for my birthday. Â
I don't know what I thought I could achieve in a month. I know that 15 pounds was a lofty goal. But, I'm happy to say: I've lost an average of two pounds per week with a combination of keto and intermittent fasting.Â
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Although I'm still seven pounds away from my goal, it's only been a little over a month since I've really gotten serious about resetting my weight to my pre-COVID self. This former national pageant titleholder wasn't about to NOT be fabulous when I turned 50, but all vanity aside: my main reason for losing weight was my health. As a mother, wife, daughter, and friend, It's important to me to be around to celebrate many more birthdays. I was recently in the emergency room with uncontrolled hypertension, and it scared me. It was time to reclaim my health. So, if you are struggling with the COVID 15 (or the COVID 30, in some cases), this week's column is for you. Â