Health Journey | Life with EssieB

The Matcha-Tirzepatide Combo That’s Changing My Life

So as of this post, I’ve just completed (or am about to complete) my twelfth week on this journey, and honestly, so far so good! For those who are curious, I’m currently using compound tirzepatide sourced from Brello, and I have to say, it’s been remarkably comparable to my experience with Zepbound (sorry not sorry to the brand loyalists! 😉😂😂😂).

It’s actually quite fitting that I’m sharing this update today, as it’s a special day – a very happy 70th birthday to my wonderful mom! There is something planned for her, and it is a slight last minute and a surprise. You will learn soon on this blog, but we hate surprises, so it will be told to her the night before. This milestone has me reflecting on the importance of health and well-being at every stage of life.

My weekend was also a whirlwind of joyful activity. As a prospect for my social club, I had a busy day at the National Harbor/Oxon Hill immersed in doing a photoshoot. Hanging out with this group has left me in stitches and gave my core a much-needed workout. I hope to be able to name and mention them on the blog soon, but until then, know I am having fun. On top of that, I attended a celebration in honor of a cousin in law’s one-year wedding anniversary! It was a beautiful reminder of the love and support I have in my life. It was also so great to see family who I haven’t seen in a long time since the divorce, but who I still love in my heart dearly.

Of course, no journey is without its little quirks, and I’ve definitely experienced the usual side effects – let’s be real, constipation has become a familiar friend (too much information? Maybe! 😉). But I’ve been proactive about it, making sure my fiber intake is consistently on point. My morning ritual now includes a powerful trio: Miralax, collagen, and natural fiber powder in my beloved morning matcha. Speaking of which, if you want to see my ode to this green goodness, head over to my Instagram or TikTok @lifewithessieb for a fun montage! The switch to a matcha latte with almond milk has been a game-changer for my energy levels. I can actually power through my daily tasks now without that dreaded afternoon crash and burn I used to know all too well. As a busy mom of three – a 19-year-old, a 14-year-old, and my energetic 8-year-old – that sustained energy is a huge win, especially with such a packed schedule lately!

Beyond the energy boost, getting my sleep in order has also been a significant positive in this chapter of my life. Since the past five years brought on a cascade of changes, including weight gain and those lovely diagnoses like ADHD, hypothyroidism, prediabetes, and insulin resistance, my health has felt… well, dicey at times. It often leaves me pondering that classic chicken and the egg conundrum: Did the weight gain precede the onset of these illnesses, or were the underlying conditions always there, gradually leading to weight increase? It’s a question I’m still exploring, and I know many of you can probably relate to that feeling of your body shifting and trying to understand why.

This journey with tirzepatide feels like I’m finally gaining some ground in navigating these health challenges. It’s not just about the number on the scale; it’s about feeling more energetic, managing those underlying conditions, and ultimately, feeling more like myself again, especially with the demands of my social life and family. On a completely different note, I recently caught the new movie “Sinners” and will be sharing my thoughts on it in a separate post soon, offering I hope a bit of a different perspective. Stay tuned for more updates on both my health journey and my cinematic reflections!

Almost There! Celebrating Progress, Jamaica Reset, and Spring Break Plans

Posted on April 22 by EssieB

Stepping into Spring with Milestones, Jamaica Vibes, and Birthday Cheers!

Hey everyone! Things have been feeling particularly vibrant lately, and I wanted to share a little life update from my corner of the DMV. Spring is officially here, bringing with it a sense of renewal and a few exciting milestones on the horizon!

First off, I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’m so incredibly close to hitting my first significant weight loss goal! It’s been a journey of intentional effort, as well as getting my health together in many, and seeing the progress has been incredibly motivating. I am not ashamed to say I am using a medication to help in my weight loss and it has been so instrumental in my progress so far. The recent increase in my Zepbound or compound tirzepatide (depending on when I take it) dosage seems to be settling in well, and I’m feeling really good overall. This whole process has really kickstarted a deeper commitment to my health, and I’ve become a bit of a data geek, diligently tracking all sorts of metrics on my phone through various apps. It’s empowering to see the numbers reflect the positive changes I’m making.

Speaking of feeling good, I recently had the immense pleasure of escaping for a second international trip in my life, taken this year – a much-needed reset in beautiful Jamaica. The sunshine, the vibrant culture, and the sheer relaxation were exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries. It’s amazing what a little time away can do for the mind and spirit, and I’m feeling refreshed and ready to tackle what’s next.

And what’s next? Well, for all my fellow DCPS parents out there, you know spring break is just around the corner! While my work schedule means I won’t be taking a full week off, I’m definitely carving out some precious time to spend with my youngest boys. We’re planning a fun day (or at least a glorious half-day) exploring some of the many kid-friendly gems right here in the DC area. Stay tuned for potential adventures!

On a slightly less glamorous but equally important note, my quest for new walking shoes continues! I’ve been putting it off (oops!), but my knees are definitely reminding me that it’s time. My loyalty lies firmly with Brooks – as a plus-sized woman with, shall we say, substantial legs and thighs, the stability and support they offer are non-negotiable for keeping my knees happy. While I sometimes wish they came in a wider array of colors, function absolutely trumps fashion when it comes to comfortable and supportive footwear. If any of you have favorite Brooks models for stability, especially for us curvier folks, I’m all ears for recommendations!

In other exciting news, I’ve been diving headfirst into the fascinating world of AI prompt generation for imaging. It’s like unlocking a whole new level of creative expression, and I’m really enjoying honing this skill. Who knows, maybe you’ll start seeing some of my AI-generated artwork popping up here on the blog in the future!

Finally, and this is a big one – by the time this post goes live, we will have officially celebrated a major milestone in our family! My oldest son will have turned 19 years old on April 22nd! It feels like just yesterday I was navigating those early years of motherhood here in the DMV, and now he’s on the cusp of adulthood. It’s a bittersweet but incredibly proud moment for me. Happy early (or belated, depending on when you’re reading this!), birthday to my amazing young man!

My son’s room decorated, courtesy of his girl bf

Life here in my corner of DC is a beautiful blend of progress, relaxation, family, and new discoveries. Thanks for being a part of the journey with me. What are you looking forward to this spring? Let me know in the comments below!

Warmly,

My lifestyle changes so far……

Posted on April 7 by EssieB

Daily writing prompt

Describe one positive change you have made in your life.

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Whew chile, the last few years have been a whole situation. But lately? Lately, something different has been brewing. As of late, I have been on a health kick. I turned 40 in 2024 and have been battling health issues from chronic stress and just life in general. Life has been lifing like crazy with me. Life straight up threw hands with me for the past five years. From the never-ending chaos of the pandemic and all that civil unrest, to the gut punches of losing family back-to-back-to-back, navigating a divorce after all that time, and then my health throwing its own tantrums? It has honestly felt like one continuous battle.

Earlier this year, I decided to improve my health and committed to doing what I really needed to in order to get to where I needed in my journey. As time marches on and my sons get older, I am reminded that I want to have the energy to move and grow and just BE. My pastor cousin dropped that truth bomb years ago in marriage enrichment – ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup.’ It sounds simple, right? But for so long, I was running on fumes, always putting everybody else first. It took hitting a wall to finally let that sink in.

I say all this to say: one positive change I made in my life so far was being intentional with any steps that I am making to improve my health. And let me tell y’all something – this new chapter? It’s about being intentional. Every step I take for my health, I’m doing it unapologetically. If my body’s talking, I’m listening. If I feel I need something, I’m asking. And if I wanna do something for my own well-being? I’m doing it. Period. No permission slips needed from NOBODY. Only person judging me is my Creator and we are in constant talks (need to do more consistently and regularly and sometimes their arguments but I digress-LOL). So here I am, about to step into 41 with a clarity that my younger selves could only dream of. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress and finally feeling good in my own skin. And honestly? I am absolutely LOVING this journey. I am LOVING IT!