Della lost 80 pounds

Della lost 80 pounds. When the pandemic started, it put her in a bad situation: “nowhere to go + nothing to do = recreational eating.” She became more mindful of her eating habits, committed to daily exercise, and practiced portion control. She released the weight and was able to stop taking 2 of the three high blood pressure medications she was on.

A year ago, Covid struck. I was terrified because I fit into a category where the virus could end my life (overweight, Black, and dealing with high blood pressure). When the stay-at-home orders were enacted, it created the perfect storm for me: nowhere to go + nothing to do = recreational eating.

I was not doing well at the beginning of the pandemic. I had to fight to get my life in order because I refused to let that virus take me out. On March 27, 2020, I began a lifestyle change journey. I became more mindful of what I ate and began practicing portion control.

On April 16, 2020, I began walking 15 minutes per day. That is all I could manage at the time. I have walked for exercise every day since. Now I’m up to 35 minutes of walking a day.

I have never dieted during this process. Instead, I changed my eating habits (healthy portions only and less snacking). I drink a lot of water and take it one day at a time. Willpower, courage, action, and consistency are all key.

I have:

• Eliminated 80 pounds of fat. (my height is 5’6″)
• Eliminated two of three blood pressure medications.
• A better understanding of food and my relationship with it.

I have no desire to be skinny (and I’m not), but now I am healthy. I have learned how to eat to live and not live to eat. I have completed my weight loss phase, and I’m transitioning to maintenance, which takes work. I am up for the challenge. I have a life to live and grandchildren to meet one day.

My advice for people who want to lose weight: Make small changes initially. Also, don’t commit to a diet that you cannot continue forever. Commit to a lifestyle change.

I am looking forward to my next chapter. Continue to cheer for and encourage me, and I will continue to cheer for and encourage you. Let’s go! Asé.

Instagram: @dellamarielevi
Website: www.DellaMarieLevi.com