Reclaiming My Health in 2025: A Realistic Approach to Weight Loss

At the start of 2025, I made a resolution: reclaim my health. I had gained some weight—not a drastic amount, but enough to make me realize I needed to make some changes. In the past, losing weight wasn’t overly complicated. Watch what you eat, exercise consistently, and over time, the weight comes off. It’s a simple, tried-and-true formula. But this time, things were different.

The New Challenges

For one, I’m older—nearly 50. My metabolism isn’t what it used to be, and weight loss takes more effort. On top of that, I’m a new dad, which means less free time for meal prepping and long workouts. I knew I needed a plan that wasn’t just another short-term diet but something sustainable—something that could integrate into my daily life without making me feel like I was sacrificing everything I enjoyed.

Finding a Plan That Works for Me

Many health experts recommend cutting out alcohol completely. I understand why—it’s not great for your body. But I also enjoy the occasional drink and wasn’t willing to give it up entirely. The same goes for junk food. I didn’t want a restrictive diet that would leave me feeling deprived, but I also needed a structured approach that would keep me on track.

So, I did my research and found a system that works for me. What I’m about to share may not be the perfect solution for you, but that’s the key takeaway: find what works for your body. Everyone’s metabolism, lifestyle, and nutritional needs are different, so the best plan is the one that fits your life.

The Tools That Helped

To understand my body’s needs, I turned to a few key tools:

• MyFitnessPal: A free app that tracks calories, weight, and macronutrients. The premium version offers even more insights, but the free version is already incredibly helpful.

• Wearable Tech: Devices like the Apple Watch track movement and activity levels, helping to keep me accountable.

• Lumen: This was a game-changer for me. Lumen is a device that measures your metabolism through a daily breath test, helping you determine whether your body is burning fat or carbs. It gives personalized recommendations on what to eat based on how efficiently you’re metabolizing food.

How It Works for Me

With Lumen, I’ve learned that some days my body is primed to handle indulgences like a pour of whiskey or a slice of pizza. Other days, my metabolism isn’t as active, so I stick to lean proteins and vegetables. Instead of completely cutting out the foods I enjoy, I make strategic decisions based on my metabolism’s daily fluctuations.

This approach has made a huge difference. I can enjoy meals with my family without feeling left out. I can go to whiskey tastings with friends without guilt—because I’ve planned for it. And if my metabolism slows down one day, I adjust my diet the next.

The Bottom Line

If you’re trying to lose weight or improve your health, my best advice is this: find what works for you. It won’t always be easy, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be sustainable.

If you’ve found a system that works for you, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment or reach out—I’ll continue sharing my progress and insights along the way.