Weight loss requires a broad range of lifestyle adjustments, but most people reap major rewards with the right attitude and tools.
A slimmer recently shared his success after losing 10 stone through a holistic approach to health.
Jake Baxter, from Salford, said the weight loss journey represented more than just shedding pounds; it provided a complete shift in life perspective.
During a conversation with GB News, the 28-year-old highlighted the importance of adding nutritious foods to one's diet rather than focusing on restrictions.
"I had no idea about nutrition, the moment I started to learn and implement small changes, was the moment I finally started making progress," he explained.
Learning about concepts like non-activity thermogenesis (N.E.A.T.) was particularly transformative for this approach to fitness, teaching Jake how to increase calorie burn through everyday movements.
Jake says his journey provided a complete shift in life perspective
JAKE BAXTER
Unlike many dieters, Jake focused on what he could add to his diet rather than what to eliminate. He noted: "My habits went from bingeing on hyper-palatable and calorie-dense foods to focusing on foods higher in nutrients."
His top dietary choices included black beans, sweet potatoes, olive oil, nuts, seeds, Greek yoghurt, eggs, fruits, chicken and fish.
While he still makes room to enjoy pizza and chocolate in his diet, he is simply more careful not to eat these foods in excess and challenges common misconceptions about processed foods.
He particularly criticised the overuse of the term 'processed foods', being thrown around as something bad on social media.
"This diverts away from the actual problem," Jake declared. "[This] is what we (collectively as a society) are eating too little food high in fibre and wholegrains and moving too little.
"The increasing costs of living is making it harder than ever for people to buy those healthier options and is a huge contributing factor to declining health, like obesity."
Advocating for better nutrition education rather than fear-mongering may ultimately be the answer to tackling obesity, Jake argued.
But losing 10 stone, Jake acknowledges that his internal struggles continue.
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Jake acknowledges that his internal struggles continue
JAKE BAXTER
"I have always intertwined my self-worth with my appearance. I felt I wasn't good enough because I was too ugly," he admitted.
"I'm on the path to rebuilding my self-worth through my ability to keep putting one foot forward no matter how hard it gets."
He maintains that the most profound lesson from his journey is that weight loss is about life transformation.
"It's not about losing weight, it's about changing your approach to life," he reflected, emphasising the importance of self-reliance.
"People will come and go, but you have to keep showing up for yourself, because ultimately that's the only person who's going to be there when it's all over."
