#WeightLossJourney | Life with Essie B.

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

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!

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!

AI generated drawing of a black mom and her three boys

Hello World, From My Corner of the DMV! Welcome to LifeWithEssieB!

Posted on April 15 by EssieB

*AI photo created using Leonardo Phoenix 1.0*

Hey everyone! If you’ve stumbled upon this little corner of the internet, welcome! I’m EssieB, and I’m so excited to finally be embarking on this blogging journey with you all through “LifeWithEssieB.” For those who don’t know me yet, I’m a proud 3^rd generation native of Washington, D.C., a city that’s as much a part of my identity as the air I breathe.

While my roots are firmly planted in the vibrant soil of the District, a significant chapter of my childhood unfolded just across the border in Southern Prince George’s County, right on that familiar DC line. Growing up there was like having the best of both worlds – the close-knit community feel of the county, with the ever-present pulse and energy of the nation’s capital just a stone’s throw away. Those early years shaped my perspective in countless ways, offering a unique lens through which I’ve always viewed the DMV and its wonderful, sometimes quirky, blend of cultures and experiences.

Fast-forward a few years (okay, maybe a few more than a few!), and my life is now wonderfully full, primarily thanks to the three incredible young men I’m raising right here in Southeast DC. Being a mom to boys in the city is an adventure in itself, a constant balancing act of school events, weekend explorations, and navigating the unique rhythm of urban family life. Like many of you, I also navigate the world of co-parenting, a journey that has taught me so much about communication, compromise, and putting my children first. My family is my heart, and you’ll definitely be hearing stories and insights about our life here in the District.

Beyond the joys and occasional chaos of motherhood, I also navigate the dynamic world of DC real estate. Helping folks find their little piece of this amazing city, especially guiding first-time buyers through what can often feel like a daunting process, is a real passion of mine. There’s something truly special about helping someone find their home in the place I’ve always called mine.

So, why “LifeWithEssieB”? Well, for years, I’ve felt a pull to share my experiences and perspectives. As a Black woman who’s lived and worked in DC my entire life, I feel there’s a unique story to tell – one that goes beyond the political headlines and stereotypical portrayals. I want to share the everyday realities, the triumphs, and the challenges of navigating life in this incredible city through my own lens.

This blog is also a space for my personal journey of growth. For those who know me, you know I’m always striving to be a better version of myself. That includes my ongoing weight loss journey, a path filled with ups and downs, motivation and moments of struggle, but ultimately one of progress and self-discovery. More recently, I’ve also come to understand myself better through a late diagnosis of ADHD. This revelation has been a significant turning point, offering clarity and new strategies for navigating daily life, from managing tasks to focusing on my online studies as I pursue my aspirations in law. I’ll be sharing some of my experiences and what I’m learning along the way, hoping it might resonate with others on similar paths.

So, what can you expect from “LifeWithEssieB”? Think of this as your go-to space for a real, honest, and often humorous look at:

DC Life: From local hidden gems in SE DC to navigating the city with kids, exploring cultural events, and understanding the unique pulse of our nation’s capital from a native’s perspective.
Motherhood: The joys, the challenges, the messy realities, and the heartwarming moments of raising boys in an urban environment, as well as my experiences with co-parenting.
Real Estate: Insider tips and advice on buying and selling homes in the DC market, neighborhood spotlights (with a special focus on SE DC), and demystifying the process for first-time buyers.
Personal Growth: My ongoing journey with weight loss, navigating life with ADHD, self-care strategies that actually work, and reflections on personal development.
My Perspective as a Black Woman in DC: Sharing my experiences, celebrating the richness of our culture, and offering my thoughts on the world around me.

Ultimately, I hope “LifeWithEssieB” becomes a community – a place where we can connect, share our experiences, learn from each other, and maybe even have a few laughs along the way. I’m excited to embark on this journey and share my life, my city, and my experiences with you all.

What are you most curious to hear about first? Let me know in the comments below! I’m looking forward to connecting with you.

Warmly,