#WeightLossJourney | 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 Juggling Act: Releasing the Old, Embracing the New (and the Scale’s Rollercoaster!)

Posted on May 23 by EssieB

Whew, can we just talk about this journey for a minute? Because let me tell you, it’s been a ride. If you’ve been following along, you know I’m in a full-blown battle for the new me, working tirelessly to build her up while gently, but firmly, releasing the old. And honestly? It’s a whole lot. It feels like I’m juggling flaming torches, chainsaws, and maybe a live badger sometimes. But in the midst of the chaos, there’s so much good happening.

The Scale Saga and Shifting Mindset

Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the numbers on the scale. Goodness, this thing has been a rollercoaster. One minute I’m celebrating a loss, the next it’s creeping back up. It’s frustrating, right? You put in the work, you make the choices, and then your body decides to hold onto those last few pounds like it’s guarding national treasure. My emotions are all over the place – there’s disappointment, for sure, because who doesn’t want instant gratification? I’m impatient, I want to see those results now.

But here’s the kicker: beneath that impatience is a deep, unwavering commitment. I’m learning to be realistic, to understand that my body’s going to do its thing, especially when it comes to significant changes. This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a profound transformation, and that takes time. The bigger picture? I am making real, tangible progress on weight loss. So far, I’ve officially lost 25 pounds on this journey, and let me tell you, it’s finally starting to show! Clothes are fitting differently, I’m feeling lighter, and that’s an incredible feeling.

Building the New Me: Routines, Systems, and Small Victories

This “new me” isn’t just happening by magic. It’s a deliberate, conscious effort to implement routines and systems that support my goals. And while it’s a lot to keep track of, I’m choosing these changes for myself, knowing they’ll lead to a healthier, happier life.

So, what’s been working? My daily routine now includes drinking collagen, Miralax, and fiber – getting that digestive system happy! I’m committed to getting in a walk at least three out of five workdays a week, and hitting at least 40 ounces of water during my workday. And my Apple Watch rings? I’m aiming to close those five out of seven days a week, pushing myself to move more.

Beyond that, I’m focusing on my overall health. Hydrating my skin, taking Geritol multivitamins for iron and other needs, and adding liquid Vitamin D3/K2 (especially crucial for us melanated folks!) are non-negotiables. And speaking of moving, I invested in two new pairs of Brooks shoes to support my wide feet, and wow, what a difference they’ve made! I’m walking further and more comfortably than ever before.

Even my sleep is getting an upgrade! I recently got a new CPAP machine, and while it’s a learning curve, using it seven times in the last three weeks has already made my days feel so much better. The energy boost is real.

Tools of the Trade: My Support System

I couldn’t do this without my little army of apps and tools. My Stelo biosensor has been a game-changer, giving me real-time insights into my glucose levels and helping me understand my body’s responses to food. It’s truly amazing what you can track these days!

I’m also leaning on Shotsy (for tracking those weekly injections, which, by the way, have been smooth sailing!), Happy Scale for a more forgiving view of the numbers, and the Renpho weight scale. My Apple Health app is like the central hub, sending all that vital information to my other apps and keeping everything in one place.

But perhaps the biggest change is the shift in my eating habits. I’m more mindful, more conscious of what I’m putting into my body. Now, when I crave Chipotle, I’m ordering a kid’s meal. Instead of a full hibachi plate and sushi, I’m choosing just sushi. And that mini sub or sub-in-a-bowl from Jersey Mike’s? Those are my new go-tos. These aren’t just small swaps; they’re monumental shifts in how I approach food.

Looking Forward: Birthday Reflections and New Horizons

As my upcoming birthday approaches, it brings with it a wave of appreciation for life, but also a stark reminder: tomorrow isn’t promised. There’s so much more I want to do, so many experiences to have, and this journey is about creating the best possible version of myself to live it all.

Speaking of new horizons, I’m excited to share that I’m also working on a video update! I’m hoping to have that done by the end of May, just in time for my birthday month. It’ll be another way to share this evolving story with you all.

This fight for the new me isn’t always pretty, and it’s definitely not linear, but I am here for it. Every step, every choice, every small victory is moving me closer to the woman I’m becoming. And that, my friends, is worth all the juggling in the world.

Ready to Embrace Your Own “New You”?

What aspect of building your “new self” resonates most with you right now? Share your own journey in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you’re navigating your own transformation!