If I Had to Lose 80 lbs Again: 10 Things I Would Do Differently

Losing 80 lbs was one of the hardest and most transformative experiences of my life. It wasn’t just about shedding weight—it was about reshaping my mindset, my habits, and ultimately, my relationship with myself. But if I had to do it all over again, I would approach it in a way that made the journey more sustainable, less stressful, and dare I say, more enjoyable. Here are the ten things I would do differently if I had to lose 80 lbs again.

1. Be Kinder to Myself

I used to beat myself up for every misstep. I thought I had to be perfect, and when I wasn't, I spiraled into guilt and self-doubt. The truth is, no one is perfect, and expecting perfection only sets you up for failure. If I could do it again, I would be more compassionate with myself, understanding that progress isn’t about never making mistakes—it’s about learning from them and moving forward.

2. Set Realistic Goals

I used to set outrageous goals, like losing 40 lbs in a month. Spoiler alert: That’s not sustainable. Now, knowing what I know, I would aim for a steady 0.5 to 1 lb of fat loss per week. I would focus on the long game rather than getting frustrated by arbitrary deadlines. Because when I finally reached my goal weight, I realized that I cared more about being in great shape for life than about how quickly I got there.

3. Start with a Manageable Caloric Deficit

Back in the day, I cut my calories drastically. I was starving, irritable, and eventually, I caved in and binged. Now, I understand that a smaller deficit—200-300 calories at a time—is far more sustainable. The body adjusts gradually, making weight loss more consistent and avoiding those frustrating plateaus.

4. Focus on Calories and Protein, Not Obsess Over Macros

I used to meticulously measure every gram of carbs and fat, thinking that a slight variation would ruin my progress. The reality? If you're not stepping on a bodybuilding stage, you don't need to stress over every macro split. Calories and protein intake are what truly matter for fat loss and muscle retention. If I had let go of my obsession earlier, I would have had a much healthier relationship with food.

5. Prioritize Whole Foods, But Allow Flexibility

I followed a strict meal plan that allowed no flexibility. If I swapped blueberries for blackberries, I felt like I had messed up. I now understand that variety is not the enemy. Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods 90% of the time is what matters. The other 10%? If I wanted some vegan ice cream or a date night out, I would fit it into my daily intake without guilt. This balance prevents the all-or-nothing mindset that leads to binges.

6. Optimize My Exercise Routine

I did way too much cardio from the start—hours on the stair master, thinking it would accelerate my fat loss. But the body adapts, and doing too much too soon means having nowhere to progress. If I had to do it again, I would focus on strength training 3-4 times a week and start with minimal cardio—maybe 30 minutes a week. And most importantly, I would choose cardio I actually enjoy, like basketball, hiking, or biking, so I wouldn't dread it.

7. Adjust My Environment for Success

If it's in the house, I will eat it. That’s just reality. Instead of relying on willpower, I would remove temptations from my environment. No junk food lying around, no mindless snacking. I would also schedule meal prep into my week so that I always had healthy food ready to go—because when you’re tired and hungry, convenience wins.

8. Focus on Consistency, Not Perfection

I used to think that if I wasn’t perfect, I had failed. But fat loss is not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent. Even if I was only 80% consistent, I would still make progress. The real danger is the “all-or-nothing” mindset, where one mistake leads to throwing in the towel. If I could do it again, I would accept that some days will be better than others, and that’s okay.

9. Seek Guidance from the Right People

I picked the biggest guy in the gym as my coach, thinking that meant he knew best. But his methods—extreme dieting, excessive cardio, and rigid meal plans—left me with a horrible relationship with food. If I could do it over, I would seek guidance from someone who prioritizes sustainability and mental well-being over rapid results. Because losing weight is pointless if you can’t keep it off long-term.

10. Recognize That My Worth Isn’t Tied to My Weight

For years, I thought my value as a person depended on how I looked. I believed that if I was overweight, I was less worthy of love, success, and happiness. If I could go back, I would remind myself that I am enough, regardless of my body size. You are not your weight. Your value isn’t defined by the number on the scale. What matters is that you’re working towards being the best version of yourself.

Final Thoughts

If I had to lose 80 lbs again, I would do it smarter. I would focus on making the process enjoyable, sustainable, and healthy—both physically and mentally. And most importantly, I would remind myself that weight loss is not just about looking better; it's about feeling better, being stronger, and living a life where I thrive.

If you're on your own transformation journey, I hope these insights help you avoid the mistakes I made. And if you’re looking for delicious, whole-food, plant-based recipes to keep you on track, I’ve put together a free recipe guide just for you. You can download it below—because eating well should be easy and enjoyable.

If you need personalized help with your transformation, check out the amazing coaching options we offer! Whether you need 1:1 custom coaching, group coaching through the Fit Vegan Blueprint, or want to be part of our exclusive Fit Vegan Inner Circle, we have programs designed to help you succeed. You can find all the details in the header menu of our website!