I’ve avoided writing this post for a while.
Not because I’m ashamed or afraid to talk about my health journey, but because I’ve spent a lot of time trying to do it in the shadows. Privately. Quietly. Hoping I could pull off a transformation behind the scenes and only show up when the glow-up was complete.
But here’s the truth: that hasn’t worked.
So I’m doing something different. I’m sharing this in real time… the mess, the mindset, the metrics. Not because I have all the answers, but because I believe there’s power in being seen while you’re still figuring it out.
This isn’t a typical weight loss journey. It’s a realignment.
Where I’m Starting From
I recently stepped on the scale and saw 287 pounds.
That number hit me hard… not because I’m obsessed with the scale, but because I hadn’t seen it in a while. And the number had been going down, slowly but steadily. So, you can imagine my shock. But this shock reflected something deeper: how far out of alignment I’d gotten with my body, energy, and overall well-being.
Last summer, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It wasn’t a total shock, as I’d been flirting with the “pre-diabetic” line for years. But still, hearing it out loud was sobering. I was put on medication, started to make changes… but I quickly realized that path wasn’t working for my body.
So I stopped the meds. And I told my doctor I wanted to take responsibility for this… my way.
The truth is, I’m not new to this world. I’m a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach. I’ve been on this journey before and had success. I know what to do. But knowing and doing aren’t the same thing. That gap between knowledge and aligned action is where I’ve been stuck.
But this time, I’m doing it differently.
Why This Is About More Than Weight
Yes, I want to lose weight. Yes, I have a goal (around 200 lbs, give or take with some added muscle). But honestly? That number isn’t the point.
I want to wake up energized. I want to sleep deeply and easily. I want to feel strong, grounded, and present in my own body.
More than that, I want to live aligned… physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
As a Manifesting Generator in Human Design, I’m meant to use my energy every day. When I don’t? I feel it. I get restless at night. My mind races. I stay up late watching videos or journaling or talking to ChatGPT because I haven’t fully used my energy during the day. My poor sleep carries over to the next day, creating a vicious cycle.
That’s a signal I’m out of alignment. And I’m tired of ignoring those signals.
The Metrics I’m Tracking
But like I said, this isn’t just about weight loss. The number on the scale is not the only measurement for success. In fact, that’s probably the least important thing I’ll be watching, but if I get everything else right, that number will take care of itself. Here’s what actually matters to me:
- HRV (Heart Rate Variability) — my go-to metric for nervous system health
- Sleep quality — am I falling asleep easily and waking up rested?
- Mood & patience — especially with my wife and kids. Am I snappy or present?
- Energy flow — did I move enough during the day to use up my sacral energy?
- Body cues — how does my body feel? Tight? Light? Grounded?
These are the metrics of alignment. They tell a much more holistic story than just pounds lost.
The Tiny Experiment Approach
I recently read Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff, and it shifted the way I approach change. Instead of trying to overhaul everything at once, I’m treating this next season as an experiment — one focused on curiosity, not perfection.
Here’s what my Tiny Experiment looks like:
1. Movement
I want to add regular movement back into my routine. I have been strongly influenced by Dr. Peter Attia’s book Outlive, as well as Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge. These books emphasize strength training and cardio for the sake of longevity and enjoying life as you age. So, that has to be a core component of my experiment. Like the authors of Younger Next Year say in their book, you must treat exercise like your job as you age: 6 days a week, no excuses.
So here’s my plan:
- Resistance Band Training (RBT Fit Camp): My mentor runs a 45-day training program annually. It kicks off today, which is perfect timing. This 45-day program is my anchor. It’s joint-friendly, progressive, and sustainable — exactly what I need at 43. Click here to purchase your own bands.
- Walking Pad at My Desk: I work from home, so walking while I work is a game-changer for movement without sacrificing focus. Plus, I will take more opportunities to stand at my desk, instead of sitting in a chair.
- Outdoor Bike Rides: A couple short rides each week for cardio and sunshine.
The goal is to knock out my workout early in the morning. This keeps me from letting the day’s events dictate my time allocation. Mornings are mine, so I will maximize the time.
I know if I can get back into a routine, I’ll be able to stick to it. I just have to get started.
2. Nutrition
If I’m honest, this is the hardest part. I’m a picky eater. I hate leftovers & meal prep. And I don’t always have time in the day to stop and prepare a fresh meal. Not to mention, I’ve eaten a healthy dose of the typical Western diet. The addicting combination of sugar, fat, and salt in processed foods literally rewires our brains to crave those things (like a drug). It’s a hard addiction to break.
That said, I’m keeping my approach to food simple. I will follow an intuitive approach to eating.
- Precision Nutrition Hand Portions: No calorie counting. No macro math. Just intuitive portioning using my own hand as a guide. Click here to get the guide.
- Whole foods, simple meals: Not trying to be fancy. Just trying to nourish my body without overcomplicating it.
- No restrictions: I will allow myself to enjoy foods I enjoy, but in moderation.
3. Recovery & Tracking
I’m all about biohacking (tracking your health & fitness data to make tangible changes), so that will play a significant role in this experiment, specifically the role of tracking progress. I will use a combination of fitness wearables and journaling to track both my recovery and health data.
- Apple Watch + Amazfit Helio Strap: To track my HRV and other health metrics so I can see how my nervous system responds.
- Sleep tracking: Not just the numbers… but how I feel when I wake up (this will also get tracked by the devices).
- Google Sheet: I’m tracking all of this publicly for accountability. I’ll update the sheet weekly with fresh data. (Link below if you want to peek.)
Why I’m Sharing This Publicly
Honestly? Because I’m tired of doing it alone.
There’s something powerful about being seen in the middle of the process… not just at the finish line. I don’t want to inspire people by being “done.” I want to connect with people by being in it. Plus, there’s an extra layer of accountability when I know others are watching (and cheering me on).
If you’re in your 30s or 40s and feel disconnected from your body, tired of the hustle, or like your energy just isn’t flowing the way it used to… you’re not alone. This is your invitation to join me. Walk with me. Maybe even start your own tiny experiment. Whenever you decide to start, I’m here to cheer you on.
I’ll be posting updates here and on YouTube, with occasional behind-the-scenes looks at workouts, meals, and reflections.
Because health isn’t just about weight.
It’s about alignment.
And I’m ready to reclaim mine.