In my first blog post, I introduced you to my mission of transforming my life before turning 40 in July 2026. Today, I want to take you deeper into my personal story. This isn’t just about a recent decision to get healthier – it’s a lifelong journey of ups and downs, challenges and triumphs, and most importantly, self-discovery and growth.

As we explore my history with weight, body image, and overall wellness, you’ll see that this journey has been anything but linear. It’s been a rollercoaster ride that has shaped who I am today and fuels my determination for the future.

By sharing my story in its entirety – from my earliest struggles to my current goals – I hope to offer a message of hope, resilience, and the power of perseverance. Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or you’ve been on this path for years, I believe there’s something in my story that might resonate with you.

So, let’s start at the beginning – a chapter of my life that set the stage for everything that followed…

The Beginning of My Journey

My relationship with weight and body image has been a complex one, stretching back to my teenage years. Like many women, I’ve felt the pressure to conform to society’s beauty standards, and this pressure has ebbed and flowed throughout my life.

In my teen years, I struggled with disordered eating, including a period of bulimia. This experience taught me hard lessons about the importance of a healthy relationship with food and my body. It also made me acutely aware of the dangers of extreme dieting and the need for a balanced, sustainable approach to health and wellness.

As I moved into adulthood, my journey with weight and body image continued to evolve. While I left behind the dangerous habits of my youth, I still grappled with finding a healthy, sustainable approach to managing my weight and overall well-being.

This early chapter of my story has profoundly shaped my current approach to health and wellness. It’s why I’m so passionate about finding a balanced way of living that nourishes both body and mind. It’s also why I’m committed to sharing my journey openly – to help others who might be struggling and to emphasize that true wellness is about so much more than a number on a scale.

My Weight Loss Journey: A Timeline of Challenges and Triumphs

Early 20s: After having my daughter at 23, I faced the common struggle of postpartum weight gain. My weight peaked at 200 pounds. Like many new moms, I tried various approaches to lose weight – from fad diets and weight loss shakes to prescription medications. While these methods sometimes showed quick results, they weren’t sustainable for me in the long run.

Late 20s: Life became a juggling act as I balanced motherhood, my portrait photography business, and working night shifts as a sleep technician. My weight fluctuated during this time. I’d have periods of intense focus on health, followed by times when self-care took a backseat to other responsibilities. This yo-yo pattern was frustrating and took a toll on my physical and mental well-being.

Early 30s (2016-2017): This period marked my most significant success. I discovered the ketogenic diet and combined it with strength training and cardio. The results were remarkable – I lost 50 pounds and reached 140 pounds, my lowest adult weight. For about 1-2 years, I maintained this weight and felt the best I had in years. However, as life got busier, I gradually fell back into old habits, and the weight slowly crept back on.

Mid-30s to Now: As I approached my late 30s, I found myself back at my highest weight of 200 pounds. This was a wake-up call. I realized that my approach to health and weight loss needed a fundamental change. The yo-yo pattern wasn’t just ineffective; it was impacting my mental health and overall well-being.

Current Mindset (Approaching 40): Now, at 38 and weighing 185 pounds, I’m in a different headspace. I’m not just ready to lose weight; I’m committed to transforming my lifestyle. My goal is to reach 130 pounds, but more importantly, to establish sustainable, healthy habits that will serve me for decades to come. I’m revisiting the keto approach that worked so well for me before, but with a cleaner, more whole-foods focused strategy. I’m also exploring how this way of eating might help with PCOS symptoms.

This journey isn’t just about reaching a number on the scale. It’s about reclaiming that vibrant energy I felt at my healthiest, building a sustainable, healthy lifestyle, and inspiring others along the way. As I approach 40, I’m excited to surpass my past achievements and create lasting change!

Where I Am Now

As I write this post, I’m 38 years old and 55 pounds away from my goal weight. But more importantly, I’m at a point where I’m ready to break the cycle of yo-yo dieting and embrace a more healthy, sustainable approach to health and wellness.

My Current Stats:

• Age: 38
• Weight: 198 (10/2023) | 185 (9/2024) | 178 (10/2024)
• Goal Weight: 130

Pounds lost since October 2023: 20

Pounds lost since September 2024: 7

Pounds Left until July 25, 2026: 48

My Current Mental & Physical State: Embracing Positive Change

• Thriving in my journey of personal growth and wellness
• Consistently replacing old habits with healthier choices
• Committed to daily workouts and seeing results
• Feeling energized, motivated, and genuinely excited about my progress
• Channeling my passion into living this journey authentically
• Cultivating resilience and positivity as I navigate life’s challenges
• Embracing the transformative power of small, consistent changes
• Excited about the continued potential for growth and self-discovery
• Actively managing my mental health, turning challenges into opportunities for strength

This journey isn’t just about physical transformation—it’s about overall wellness. Every step forward reinforces my commitment to a healthier, happier life. I’m not just dreaming of change; I’m actively creating it, one positive choice at a time. The road ahead is bright, and I’m thrilled to continue this adventure of becoming the best version of myself!

Why This Time Is Different

You might be wondering, “Marissa, how is this time different from all your previous attempts?” Great question! Here’s why I believe this journey will be transformative:

1. Healthy Approach: Instead of focusing solely on weight loss, I’m committed to overall wellness – physical, mental, and emotional.
2. Sustainable Changes: I’m not looking for quick fixes. My goal is to create lasting habits that will carry me into my 40s and beyond.
3. Support System: With my amazing husband by my side and my teenage daughter to inspire me, I have a strong support network cheering me on.
4. Education: As a psychology and business student, I’m learning valuable insights about behavior change and motivation that I can apply to my journey.
5. Organic Living: My transition to a more organic lifestyle isn’t just about weight loss – it’s about nourishing my body and reducing exposure to harmful substances.
6. Mindful Choices: From the food we eat to the products we use at home, I’m making more informed and conscious decisions.
7. Balance: I’m learning to balance my roles as a mom, student, and individual, making sure to prioritize self-care along the way.

My Why’s: The Heart of My Wellness Journey

1. Family First: To be a vibrant, energetic presence in my family’s life. I want to set a positive example for my teenage daughter and enjoy active, quality time with my husband.
2. Longevity and Vitality: To enter my 40s and beyond with strength, health, and enthusiasm. I’m investing in my future self, ensuring I can enjoy life to its fullest for years to come.
3. Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance: To nurture my mental health, reducing anxiety and depression through holistic wellness practices. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.
4. Self-Love and Confidence: To feel comfortable and confident in my own skin. This journey is about more than just losing weight—it’s about gaining self-esteem and embracing my worth.
5. Inspiring Others: To show that transformation is possible at any age. By sharing my journey, I hope to motivate others to take charge of their health and happiness.
6. Living Authentically: To align my actions with my values of holistic health, organic living, and mindful consumption. I want my lifestyle to reflect my beliefs.
7. Continuous Growth: To embrace lifelong learning and personal development. This wellness journey is a pathway to discovering my potential in all areas of life.
8. Creating Lasting Change: To break the cycle of yo-yo dieting and establish sustainable, healthy habits that will serve me for a lifetime.

These ‘Why’s’ are my compass, guiding me through challenges and celebrating every victory along the way. They remind me that this journey is about so much more than numbers on a scale—it’s about creating a life of vitality, purpose, and joy.

What’s your ‘Why’? Understanding our deepest motivations can be a powerful tool in our wellness journeys. I’d love to hear what drives you!

What’s Next?

As I embark on this journey, I’m excited to share with you:

• My transition to a more organic, healthy lifestyle
• Nutritious recipes and meal planning strategies
• Workout routines, including my adventures in VR fitness (Supernatural: Unreal Fitness is life-changing!)
• Tips for balancing study, work, and family life
• Insights into maintaining mental wellness
• Our family’s experiences with healthier living

This journey isn’t just about reaching a number on the scale. It’s about creating a life where I feel strong, confident, and vibrant as I enter my 40s.

I invite you to join me on this adventure. Whether you’re on your own wellness journey or simply curious about living a healthier life, I hope my experiences can offer inspiration, support, and maybe even a few laughs along the way. Join our Facebook community to connect with other like-minded people.

Here’s to breaking cycles, embracing change, and becoming the best versions of ourselves!

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to subscribe to follow along with my journey.