In a previous blog (My 2025 Year in Review), I ended it by talking about my health journey that I had started. However, to help with context, here’s a quick summary.

My health journey has been along the lines of a typical story. I start out doing well, then I’ll slip here and there, until finally it tapers out and feels like I can’t sustain the changes I was trying to make. I’ve always been on the heavier side and at my heaviest I was about 280 pounds (I’m 5’10” for context). Last February, I started that journey again. My bloodwork showed my A1C had crept up to 5.6 and to explain that number, being labeled as “pre-diabetic” is 5.7. That was probably the number that got me scared. I bought a CGM from Stelo and used it to lower my number. I also joined a gym as well and started working with a personal trainer. 

With all that being said, not much progress has been made. Yes, I’m now down to 234 pounds and have put on some muscle in place of fat, but my eating habits haven’t been adjusted. Hence, the very little progress. There’s quite a bit I haven’t been changing, but still expecting to see results.

When I really look back and examine things, it’s not as bad as I thought. Turns out, I’ve been making more small changes than I realize and I’m seeing the results. One of them is my food choices. Yes, I’m still eating sweets, but I’m not snacking on them between meals like I used to, I’ve switched to protein snacks. The sweets are being eaten with my meals as a dessert (except breakfast, at least during the weekdays). I’ve also made the portions smaller as well and it has helped.

The next set of changes I did around the same time; drinking my coffee black (yup no creamer or sugar) and having breakfast be 80% protein. Now this doesn’t sound like it’ll make a big difference, but it reduced the amount of sugar and carbs in my daily diet. Changing my breakfast to be primarily protein had two benefits. One, it keeps me full most the day and helps my blood sugar stay stable. Second, it has helped with my ADHD. Sounds a little unreal right? Well, it turns out the more stable my blood sugar levels are, the better I’m able to focus and get through my day with minimal effort. It doesn’t solve everything, but it’s made a significant difference.

Small changes do add up and make more of a difference than you realize. Despite not dropping weight like I thought, moving around my job has gotten easier. I’m not winded by the time I reach the third floor after taking the stairs and I have more energy later in the day. 

These are the little wins I celebrate and it’s also these little changes that are moving me in the right direction. Nowadays it feels like we have to make big changes in order to feel the wins or feel like the world will acknowledge that we are winning. Personally, I think it’s unhealthy to believe that we have to ignore the little changes. Think of it like an hour glass. A few tiny grains fall through and you don’t really notice. However, when it is halfway through its time, those small grains have built up into a noticeable pile. 

Is that the best example? Probably not. Did it give you a visual about small changes? Hopefully yes. Don’t take for granted the little things. Remember, every little change or choice in the right direction is something worth celebrating. Until next time, safe exploring everyone!