In the past year alone, I’ve gained 11 kg, adding to the 21 kg I’ve accumulated over the last four years. This weight gain took a toll on my mental and physical health. I was stressed and neglected my personal well-being. Now, I’m looking for a sustainable weight loss approach in Dubai that considers not just food, but also gut health, mental health and the potential role of food sensitivities.
New Year’s Resolutions didn’t Work
Like many people, I made New Year’s resolutions to improve my health. However, my resolve didn’t even last a week. By January 5th, I was stress-eating and feeling overwhelmed. Despite working in the health and wellness industry, I wasn’t following my own advice. I lacked motivation and support.
Identifying the Culprits Behind Weight Loss Struggles
Recognizing the importance of mental well-being before physical transformation, I embarked on my weight loss journey in Dubai at the end of February, starting with my biggest weakness: food. I identified sugar as my main enemy. I was drinking 4-5 cups of coffee daily and indulging in sugary treats throughout the day. This added up to 10 teaspoons of sugar from coffee alone and another 15 teaspoons from sweets, every single day.
The Three-Meal-a-Day Schedule isn’t What’s Natural
This routine, adopted during the industrial revolution to maximize worker efficiency, may not be ideal for our health. It often involves meat-heavy meals, which can take a long time to digest. Focusing on a more balanced diet that promotes gut health could be a better approach for overall well-being.
Eating before Our Bodies Finish Digesting Previous Meals can Lead to Problems
Undigested food can accumulate in our gut, hindering nutrient absorption. This can leave us feeling hungry even though we haven’t used up the energy from our last meal, leading to overeating. Focusing on improving gut health can be a valuable strategy for sustainable weight management.
Our Bodies may need more than Three Meals a Day to Function Optimally
Contrary to popular belief, hunger pangs throughout the day might not be a sign of weakness but a natural response to our body’s needs. We’re bombarded with food cues – seeing colleagues eat, passing restaurants, or even the clock striking a certain time – which can trigger feelings of hunger, even if our bodies haven’t fully digested the previous meal, prioritizing gut health through mindful eating can help regulate these cues and potentially aid in weight loss efforts.
The Food Industry Capitalizes on Our Hunger Cues
Food manufacturers and delivery services know our weaknesses and tempt us with constant availability. However, just like feeding pets inconsistently can disrupt their health, constantly indulging without proper digestion can be detrimental to our weight loss goals in Dubai and our overall well-being.
Waiting for My Food to Fully Digest has Several Positive Effects
Granting my body 24 hours for complete digestion keeps my gut clean, resulting in less smelly gas and bad breath. Additionally, I rely on green tea and unsweetened black coffee for energy throughout the day, keeping hunger at bay. When I stay engaged with work, I’m less likely to think about food, leading to increased productivity and focus.
Identifying Food Sensitivities Led to Significant Weight Loss
My weight loss journey in Dubai just took an interesting turn! After a Bioresonance Scan, I discovered my body has sensitivities to dairy, wheat, and meat.
Eliminating these foods made a substantial difference in my weight management journey.
The Scan also Revealed Insights into My Gut Health
It showed the presence of bacterial and parasitic stressors, insufficient stomach acid in the duodenum, and a lack of pancreatic enzymes for proper digestion. Furthermore, the scan indicated that my epithelial tissues and microvilli were unable to effectively absorb nutrients due to an overactive immune system.
Sustainable Weight Loss Journey in Dubai: 3 Key Steps
My goal is to lose 20 kilograms (kg) in 4 months. I understand that this won’t be a consistent rate of loss each week. It’s normal to experience a faster drop initially, followed by a plateau. While I might lose 10 kg in the first month, it may take 3 months to lose the remaining 10 kg.
Weight Loss and Food Sensitivities: Beyond Restrictive Diets
Losing weight with food sensitivities can be tricky. While a registered dietitian can help create a calorie deficit plan for weight loss, I’ve found that generic plans often fail when they don’t consider individual food sensitivities. This lack of personalization can be demotivating and lead to quitting.
I Strongly Advise Against Quick Fixes like Weight Loss Pills and Injections.
Not only are these options potentially dangerous, but they often don’t address the root cause of weight gain. Additionally, relying on medications like Ozempic, which is intended for managing diabetes, is not only unethical but also ineffective for long-term weight control.
3 Key Steps for Sustainable Weight Loss in Dubai
- Identifying Food Sensitivities
Discovering foods my body reacts poorly to helps me make informed dietary choices.
- Understanding My Mental Health
Addressing any underlying mental health concerns can contribute to weight loss success.
- Learning about Gut Health
Understanding how my gut functions empowers me to make choices that support healthy digestion and absorption.
Beyond the 4 Months: Sustaining My Transformation
While my initial goal is to lose 20 kg in 4 months, this is just the beginning. I don’t plan to return to my previous eating habits of three meals a day. Instead, I’ll adopt a mindful approach, eating only as much as my body needs in a single meal. My journey beyond these 4 months will be about maintaining healthy lifestyle choices that support both my mental and physical well-being.
The Positive Changes I’ve already Experienced are Truly Remarkable
In just a few days, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my cognitive function, with the “brain fog” lifting. I’m also experiencing increased energy levels, allowing me to be more active and even write this blog. My focus and memory have improved, and my resting heart rate and blood pressure have normalized. Additionally, I’ve observed a positive impact on my emotional well-being, feeling less anger and experiencing more joy, laughter, and freedom from sugar cravings. The seemingly simple act of tying my shoelaces is now a reminder of the progress I’ve made.
This experience has solidified my belief in the power of a holistic approach to weight loss. By addressing food sensitivities, understanding mental health, and prioritizing gut health, I’ve found a path towards sustainable well-being, not just weight loss.
Disclaimer: I emphasize that my experiences are personal and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
