health | Life with EssieB

Essie’s Wellness Bag | My Go‑To Amazon Essentials.

My must-have tools for daily health + glow on this weight loss journey so far!

*Just a heads-up. As an Amazon Associate. I earn from qualifying purchases made from my links. I don’t recommend anything I haven’t tried and hope it provides benefits for you as it has for me.

Vitalitown 10 in 1 Magnesium Complex Supplement – 400mg Elemental Magnesium Chelated with Glycinate, Citrate, Malate, Taurate & More – for Sleep Muscle Heart Energy – Non-GMO, Vegan, 90 Caps https://amzn.to/4dAhdKO\
Geritol Liquid Multivitamin https://amzn.to/45wf150
Vit D3/K2 drops https://amzn.to/3Z3WR6
Benefiber Daily Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Powder for Digestive Health, Unflavored – 125 Servings https://amzn.to/3Z7ZiVY
Benefiber On The Go Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Powder for Digestive Health, Daily Powder, Unflavored Stick Packs – 36 Sticks (Pack of 2) https://amzn.to/3HfPSkV
Metamucil Fiber Supplement, Unflavored Clear Mixing Powder, No Grit, No Sugar Added, Plant Based Prebiotic Fiber Blend for Daily Digestive Health, 75 teaspoons https://amzn.to/4kxaIe6
Leader Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Powder for Digestive Health, 100% Natural Daily Fiber Powder, Sugar-Free, Taste-Free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Unflavored, 62 Servings https://amzn.to/3H9zxyr
Quality Choice Clear Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Powder for Digestive Health – Tasteless, Non-Thickening Formula – 62 Servings, 8.6 Ounces (248g), Ideal for Adults & Children 6 & Up Daily Fiber Powder https://amzn.to/4kggEZ2
MiraLAX Gentle Constipation Relief Laxative Powder, Stool Softener with PEG 3350, Works Naturally with Water in Your Body, No Harsh Side Effects, Osmotic Laxative, 45 Dose https://amzn.to/3FoO3Sm
Amazon Basic Care ClearLax Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Powder for Solution, Osmotic Laxative, Relieves Occasional Constipation, Unflavored, 1.68 pound https://amzn.to/4mCoxJV
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free – White Peach https://amzn.to/3SXY77P
HydroMATE Electrolytes Powder No Sugar Tropical Punch Sugar Free Hydration Packets Keto Party Favors Sticks with Vitamin C 30 Count https://amzn.to/43mEqwJ
Bare Bones Beef Bone Broth Instant Powdered Mix | Rich Savory Packets on-the-Go No Artificial Flavors | Keto & Paleo Friendly | 10g Protein | 16 Pack https://amzn.to/45w6y1H
Pure Encapsulations Betaine HCl Pepsin – Digestive Enzymes Supplement for Digestion Aid & Support, Stomach Acid & Nutrient Absorption* – with Betaine HCl Pepsin – 250 Capsules https://amzn.to/43jX7B1

May Wrap-Up: Celebrating Wins, Facing Realities, and Kicking Off June!

Posted on June 2 by EssieB

It’s been coming off!

Whew, what a month! As May winds down, I’m sitting here feeling a mix of pride, relief, and serious motivation. You might have seen my quick updates on Instagram and TikTok, but I wanted to dive a little deeper into what’s been happening on my #tirzepatide journey. And let me tell you, for the first time in a long time, the scale is moving in the right direction, and I’m actually consistent with my weight loss!

The Non-Scale Victories That Hit Different

When I say “great weight loss,” it’s not just about the numbers on the scale, though those definitely hold their importance too. For me, the real wins are the non-scale victories (NSVs). Lately, I’ve had so much more energy. I’m sleeping better, which feels like a miracle some days. And the best part? My clothes are fitting differently! Being able to effortlessly prop up my leg or bend over to tie my shoes without feeling like I’m doing a full workout? That’s gold right there. Those little moments remind me that this journey is truly paying off. It’s about what my body can do now, and that’s a feeling I haven’t had in ages.

The Real Talk: Challenges on Tirzepatide

Now, don’t get it twisted, this journey isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. While #tirzepatide (and #zepbound) has been a game-changer, there have definitely been hurdles. The biggest one lately has been navigating the world of compounds vs. brand name meds. Going from 2.5mg vials of Zepbound to 6mg of Tirzepatide, or dealing with the recent FDA court order impacting compound pharmacies – it’s been a challenge. The worry about having enough medication to get through this and lose all the weight I need is a constant thought in the back of my mind.

Then there are the side effects. Oh, the joys!

TMI WARNING!!!

Constipation has been a recurring theme, and at one point, it swung the other way to diarrhea – both equally discouraging in their own right. And let’s not forget the infamous sulfur burps and delayed digestion. It’s wild how much those affect everything from alcohol consumption to even how my other medications are absorbed. I knew some of this going in, but experiencing it firsthand is different. Thankfully, it hasn’t deterred me from my goals just yet. Staying focused on the positive changes helps me push through those uncomfortable moments. I used products to combat that, and they have been extremely helpful on this journey. I will add links at the end of this post on what works for me.

Kicking Off June: My Fitness “Kick into Overdrive” Plan

So, with May’s wins firmly in the bag, it’s time to shift gears and tackle my #JuneGoal: fitness! I’m planning to kick my activity into overdrive, but in a smart, sustainable way. My main focus for exercise will be walking. The goal is to hit 10,000-12,000 steps every single day. Why walking? It’s low-impact, which means it won’t stress out my body and send my immune system into that unwanted fight-or-flight mode. It’s consistent, achievable, and something I can commit to daily.

I’m also working on building some new #consistency habits around this goal and accountability. I plan to share more about those soon, along with some products I use on this journey that might help others who are also on these medications. It’s all about finding what works for you and building a routine that supports your long-term health.

This journey as a #blackgirlgettinghealthy and committing to #blackgirlfitness is about more than just numbers. It’s about rediscovering what my body is capable of, building sustainable habits, and celebrating every single step forward, no matter how small.

I may fall short of my goal, but I am striving to hit it, so I will end up near it if not meeting it. 🎯

The Matcha-Tirzepatide Combo That’s Changing My Life

Posted on April 30 by EssieB

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!