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My Weight Loss Journey, Part 1: 26 Pounds Down—and How I Took Back My Health

02/06/2026 by Dina Leave a Comment

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This post is the beginning of a series I’ve been wanting to write for a while—because this journey has been about so much more than weight loss.

Yes, I’m 26 pounds down.
But the biggest win? I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and today my numbers say a very different story.

My most recent A1C is 5.6, which means I’m no longer even prediabetic. And I didn’t get here through anything extreme, expensive, or impossible to maintain. What changed my health the most was intermittent fasting, paired with simple, realistic habits.

This isn’t a “perfect” story. It’s a real one.


When Weight Loss Became About Health

Like a lot of people, I originally started trying to lose weight to feel better in my body. But everything shifted when I received my type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

That diagnosis was scary—but it was also a wake-up call. But here’s the thing, even with the diagnosis it took me two years to do something about it. I was in denial. But you can’t live there. You have to adapt and change.

Instead of chasing quick fixes, I focused on what I could actually stick with long term. I started intermittent fasting, eating in a 9 AM to 6 PM window, and paying closer attention to how food affected my blood sugar.

Over time, something amazing happened:

  • The weight started coming off
  • My cravings improved
  • My energy stabilized
  • And my bloodwork steadily improved

Seeing my A1C drop to 5.6 was one of the most empowering moments of this entire journey. It showed me that lifestyle changes truly matter.


Progress, Not Perfection

This series isn’t about pretending I do everything right.

I eat low carb most of the time, I try to avoid sugar… and yes, sometimes I eat it anyway. 😅I see you my first love (Dr. Pepper).
I live by an 80/20 mindset—eating well about 80% of the time and allowing myself grace the other 20%.

That balance has helped me stay consistent without feeling deprived or burned out.

workout clothes

My favorite workout outfit. It says if found on ground drag over finish line. Haha!

I also work out at home, doing light but effective movement like:

  • Rebounder workouts
  • Yoga
  • Treadmill walking
  • Stretching and light weights

Nothing extreme. Just movement I can actually show up for.

What This Series Will Cover

In the posts ahead, I’ll be sharing:

  • How intermittent fasting changed my blood sugar and mindset
  • What low carb eating looks like in real life
  • My at-home workout routine (and how I stay motivated)
  • How I handle sugar, cravings, and “off” days
  • What I wish I knew when I was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

This journey is still ongoing—but I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I hope sharing it helps someone else feel less alone.

If you’re at the beginning of your own health journey—or starting over for the tenth time—this series is for you. 💛


My favorite snack or breakfast is greek yogurt and blueberries. I make the greek yogurt myself in my Instant Pot

Next up in the series: How Intermittent Fasting Helped Me Reverse My Numbers (Without Feeling Deprived)

Medical Disclaimer:
I am not a medical professional. This post reflects my personal experience and is for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, fasting routine, or exercise plan—especially if you have diabetes or other medical conditions.

Thanks for reading and following along on my journey. Before you go check out these other articles and then give me a follow on tiktok, facebook, and instagram or by email in the middle of this post.

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Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Weight Loss and Fitness Tagged With: how i lost weight, intermittent fasting journey, my weight loss journey, weight loss without regret

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Hi, I'm Dina and welcome to my blog! I blog about all things southern and fun! I'm trying to raise un-entitled kids in an entitled world! Welcome to my UnEntitled Life! You'll find recipes, crafts, travel, and money saving tips here. I love my front porch, my family and decorating ideas too! Not necessarily in that order! Grab your favorite drink and hang out with me!

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