Hey everyone, Kylie here! So, for a long time, I dreamed of hitting the trails. Hiking was my passion, but honestly, my weight held me back.
Add a demanding 9-to-5 job into the mix, and by my 30s, I was constantly running on empty.
For three years, I’ve been on a serious weight loss journey, diving deep into product research and trying things out for myself.
It wasn’t easy, but now? I’m feeling amazing! I’ve shed the extra weight, my energy levels are through the roof, and I’m finally back to hiking and crushing it at work.
Plus, I’m feeling pretty good about myself too!
Today, I want to share how I navigated the overwhelming world of weight loss products, and what I learned along the way.
Here’s how I tackled researching products:
Real People, Real Reviews: First thing, I didn’t trust those super polished ads. I went deep into online forums and hiking groups. I wanted to hear from people who actually used the products. What did they like? What didn’t they like? Did it actually help them on long hikes?
Focus on Ingredients: I’m not a scientist, but I tried to understand what was actually in the supplements or food replacements. I looked up ingredients online, checked for any weird side effects, and if there were any studies about them. I paid extra attention to anything that claimed to “burn fat fast” because that usually means something is off.
Nutrition, Not Just Weight Loss: I didn’t want to just lose weight, I wanted to fuel my body for hiking. So, I looked for products that were high in protein, had good carbs for energy, and weren’t just empty calories. I wanted to make sure I was giving my body the right tools for long hikes.
Talk to the Pros: I actually went to see a registered dietitian. They helped me understand my body’s needs and what kind of supplements or dietary changes would be safe and effective for me. They also helped me understand how to properly balance my calorie intake with the amount of calories I burn while hiking.
Trial and Error: Honestly, what works for one person doesn’t always work for another. I tried a few different protein powders, meal replacement shakes, and electrolyte drinks. Some made me feel great, others made me feel sluggish. I kept a journal of what I tried and how it made me feel.
Don’t Believe the Hype: There’s so much marketing out there. It’s easy to get sucked into promises of quick fixes. I learned to be skeptical and to always do my own research. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Sustainability: I wanted to make sure that any lifestyle changes, or product usage, was sustainable. I didn’t want a quick fix, I wanted a lifestyle change that I could maintain for years to come.
Basically, I took my time, did my homework, and listened to my body. It’s a journey, not a race. And now, I feel so much better on the trails!