Good bye Baby Fat at 42

Struggling to Lose That Baby Fat: My Journey

Throughout my life, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with my body and the battle to shed those extra pounds, particularly the stubborn “baby fat” that seemed to cling to me like an old friend. My journey to finally conquering this challenge has been a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery, fad diets, partying, and eventually finding balance through dedication and consistency.

I was once a very active child and even an elite athlete until I reached grade 9. However, life took a different turn when I left school at 17 and entered the working world. All my sporting activities came to a screeching halt as the responsibilities of adulthood took over. The party scene soon beckoned, and I found myself indulging in drinking and other party-related activities.

My journey with the contraceptive pill started at the age of 13 due to heavy and irregular menstruation. While this medication helped in one aspect, it also had its consequences on my body. Looking back, I now realize that I didn’t have a proper understanding of nutrition and fitness during this time.

In my pursuit to shed those extra pounds, I dabbled in various weight loss methods. I tried eating every other day and focused mainly on cardio exercises since I had no knowledge of weight training. But these efforts often proved futile when faced with late-night outings, 3 am fast food indulgences, and the excessive sugar in alcoholic drinks. In hindsight, it’s clear that I wasn’t setting myself up for success.

I experimented with different diet pills, such as slimz and eatright, resorted to extreme measures like using laxatives, and even tried the infamous cabbage soup diet. I was caught in a vicious cycle of yo-yo dieting, always chasing the latest fad. It seemed that if it promised quick results, I was willing to try it.

By the time I reached the age of 25, I was wearing a size 38 and weighed around 78kg. Luckily, my height of 1.74cm helped distribute the weight somewhat evenly, but love handles were a constant reminder of my struggle. While I didn’t have a terrible figure, the desire to look and feel better nagged at me.

My sister and mom, both naturally slender, always assured me that my weight was just “baby fat” and that it would eventually disappear, especially after having kids. This notion kept me going, but it also created a sense of frustration within me.

When I hit 30, I made a conscious decision to leave behind the party lifestyle, including drinking and all its associated excesses. It was during this period of sobriety that I discovered I was an emotional eater. Not being intoxicated every other day allowed me to delve deeper into my relationship with food. However, I was still naive about the level of commitment and consistency required for significant change. Around this time, I decided to study for my diploma in exercise science, initially with the aim of coaching athletics in Australia after immigrating with my boyfriend. While studying, I continued to look for shortcuts, even resorting to steroids and extreme diet pills. These efforts yielded results temporarily, but they were unsustainable and detrimental to my health.

At the age of 40, I decided to discontinue using the contraceptive pill as I was single and more focused on my health and fitness journey. I was running regularly, weight training, and following a relatively healthy diet. I felt good, and my body began to transform, becoming more toned and defined without the need for extreme measures.

Later that year, I entered into a new relationship and decided to go back on the contraceptive pill. Within a month, I noticed the return of the baby fat. This was a turning point, and I decided to get my tubes tied as I knew I didn’t want to have children.

Now, at the age of 42, I have established a consistent fitness routine. I work out 28 days a month, with each session lasting at least 50 minutes in the morning before work. I also incorporate 10–20 minutes of yoga into two of my sessions and engage in core exercises at least three times a week. Additionally, I run once a week, typically covering 7–10 kilometers.

While I still have room for improvement in my eating habits, such as cutting back on chocolate, I’ve made significant strides in my overall health and fitness. My clothes fit comfortably, my core is defined, and those persistent love handles are gone.

In conclusion, my journey to shed that “baby fat” has been a learning experience filled with ups and downs. I’ve come to realize that it all begins with the mind. Before making any lasting changes to your body, you must be mentally strong and willing to make sacrifices. There are no shortcuts to sustainable success. Consistency and dedication are key, and the importance of a balanced diet cannot be overstated. Remember that your goals should be about becoming the best version of yourself, not trying to emulate someone else’s physique. It’s a journey, not a destination, and one that requires continuous effort and self-discovery.

A book I recently read Overall, “Think Like a Monk” is a guide to living a more purposeful, mindful, and fulfilling life based on the principles of wisdom and spirituality that Jay Shetty learned during his time as a monk. It combines Eastern philosophical concepts with practical advice for contemporary living, making it accessible to a wide range of readers seeking personal development and self-improvement.