How I Lost Weight Without Trying

The more I learn about our food and its ingredients, the more overwhelming it feels, like there’s nothing left I can safely eat. But is that really the case? It’s true that many foods today are highly processed and can negatively impact our metabolic health, trigger inflammation, and leave us feeling tired or unwell. So, when everything seems harmful, where do you even begin?

Sugar

I began eliminating certain foods in September 2024, starting with sugar. And let me tell you, I loved sugar. I grew up on Pop-Tarts and cereal. In my twenties, I ate tons of sugary protein bars, thinking they were healthy. More recently, I baked cookies and cakes using coconut sugar, honey, and maple syrup, believing I was making better choices. Sure, those are more nutritious alternatives—but at the end of the day, sugar is still sugar.

When we eat sugar or refined carbs like white flour, our insulin levels spike, leading to inflammation. And inflammation is at the root of nearly every disease. Cancer and other chronic illnesses thrive on sugar. According to Heart.org, the average American consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily—that’s more than 2 to 3 times the recommended amount, adding up to 60 pounds of sugar per year.

The more I learned about the effects of sugar and processed carbs, the more motivated I was to make serious changes. I was already baking bread from scratch, but I stopped. I no longer make weekly treats with coconut sugar. Instead, I stick to fruit, and I still keep track of my intake.

Check out these low-sugar dessert alternatives.

Gluten

Next, I cut out gluten. At the time, it was just three weeks before Christmas, and I was dealing with a persistent rash on my fingers. I assumed it was from my rings, but after learning about the link between gluten and skin irritation, I decided to give it a try.

Our bodies don’t naturally produce the enzyme needed to properly digest gluten, and today’s wheat is far more processed than it used to be. That’s why some people can eat pasta in places like Italy without issues, but experience skin or digestive problems when eating it in the U.S.

After just five days without gluten, the rash on my fingers started to clear up. But when I ate gluten again at Christmas, the rash immediately returned. While not everyone is sensitive to gluten, it's more common than many realize. According to Beyond Celiac, around 18 million Americans may have some level of gluten sensitivity.

If you struggle with skin issues, brain fog, anxiety, headaches, or digestive discomfort, it might be worth eliminating gluten to see if your symptoms improve. These signs are often your body’s way of reacting to something it sees as a threat, triggering inflammation. And the more chronic that inflammation becomes, the more serious the health issues can get.

Alcohol

Alcohol was another thing I eliminated early on. Once I learned how it disrupts cortisol levels, interferes with sleep patterns, and hinders the body’s ability to produce human growth hormone (HGH), I knew it was time for a break. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, alcohol also increases the risk of several cancers, including breast, head and neck, and esophageal cancer.

I haven’t had a drink since September 2024, and honestly, I don’t miss it. Alcohol is packed with sugar and fast-digesting carbs, and let’s be real, anyone who’s ever had a hangover has probably said, “I’m never drinking again.” It feels good to wake up clear-headed on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Now, when I’m out and want something other than water, I’ll go for a San Pellegrino with lime or a fun mocktail. There are plenty of refreshing, alcohol-free options that leave me feeling better, not worse, the next day.

Check out these videos for some fun, healthy mocktail options.

How much weight did I lose?

In September 2024, I weighed 148 pounds, which had been my typical weight for years. After making these changes, I now hover around 135 pounds, even through the holidays, when I usually gained weight in the past. I stayed away from sugar, alcohol, and did my best to limit processed carbs.

But weight loss wasn’t the goal. I made these changes to improve my overall health and longevity. This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but I truly believe we consume far too many toxins as a society. What we eat does impact our bodies, and those effects can build up over time.

So, going back to the original question: What can I eat? The answer - plenty. I eat all kinds of whole foods, and I genuinely love the way I eat. I feel energized, clear-headed, and pain-free. No joint stiffness, no brain fog. My food tastes great, and when I step outside my usual routine, I notice the difference right away. I feel sluggish, my energy dips, and I sometimes break out or experience eczema. I can even taste the difference in overly processed foods now.

If you’re interested in what I normally eat, check out my grocery staples list here. I keep these things in my pantry/fridge weekly and make all kinds of delicious recipes from them. If you're looking for more recipes or healthy food options, check out my YouTube channel.