Sustainable Weight Loss Over 50: Our 100-Pound Journey with Hormones, Whole30, and Low Carb Living
Sustainable Weight Loss Over 50: Our 100-Pound Journey with Hormones, Whole30, and Low Carb Living
Losing weight is tough, but keeping it off for years? That’s a whole different challenge. We’re Craig and Kellie, hosts of the Unconventional Lives podcast, and we’ve done just that—dropped a combined 100 pounds and maintained it for nearly three years. Our secret? A blend of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the Whole30 program, low carb eating, and practical lifestyle changes like using Green Chef meal kits and intermittent fasting. In this 3000-word guide, we’ll break down how we transformed our health in our 50s, offering actionable tips for anyone looking to lose weight sustainably, boost vitality, and thrive. #WeightLossJourney #BioidenticalHormones #Whole30 #LowCarbDiet
Step 1: Hormone Balance—The Foundation of Our Success
Hormones are the unsung heroes (or villains) of weight loss, especially as we age. In our 50s, declining levels of testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones can lead to weight gain, brain fog, and low energy. We learned this firsthand when we both felt sluggish and “off” despite eating decently and staying active. That’s when we turned to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
What Are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived compounds that mimic the body’s natural hormones. Unlike synthetic hormones, they’re chemically identical to what your body produces, making them a popular choice for restoring balance. For Craig, low testosterone was a game-changer. Weekly testosterone shots, prescribed after a blood panel, boosted his energy and mood. Kellie, post-menopause, used bioidentical estrogen and progesterone to combat fatigue and flatness. The result? We both felt like “new” versions of ourselves.
Pro Tip: Get a full hormone panel, including thyroid, to understand your levels. Don’t settle for “normal for your age” from your doctor—aim for optimal. Visit BodyLogicMD for a provider near you.
Hormone balance didn’t just help us lose weight; it set the stage for every other change. Without it, our efforts in diet and exercise might have fallen flat. #HormoneReplacementTherapy #HealthyAging
Step 2: Whole30—A Reset for Our Bodies
Once our hormones were in check, we needed a dietary overhaul. Enter Whole30, a 30-day elimination diet that became our launchpad for weight loss. Whole30 cuts out sugar, gluten, dairy, alcohol, and processed foods, focusing on whole foods like proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. It’s not a “diet” in the traditional sense but a reset to stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels.
Why Whole30 Worked for Us
Eliminated Cravings: By removing sugar and refined carbs, we broke the cycle of insulin spikes and crashes. After the first 10 days (admittedly tough), cravings vanished.
Satiation: High-protein meals kept us full longer. Think grilled chicken, berries, and roasted potatoes—real food, not powders or bars.
Simplicity: No calorie counting or gimmicks. We ate until comfortably full, focusing on quality.
Craig initially resisted, calling it “stupid,” but a friend’s challenge pushed us to try it. The results? Kellie lost 35 pounds, Craig lost 65, and we gained clarity on how food affects our bodies. #Whole30Diet #HealthyEating
Step 3: Low Carb Living with Green Chef
After Whole30, we transitioned to a sustainable low carb lifestyle, aided by Green Chef, a meal kit service offering keto and low carb options. Green Chef delivered organic ingredients and chef-designed recipes, making healthy eating convenient without sacrificing flavor.
How Green Chef Fit In
Portion Control: Meals for two meant no leftovers tempting us for seconds.
Variety: Keto and Mediterranean options felt like restaurant-quality dishes.
Time-Saving: Most meals took 20 minutes, perfect for busy real estate agents like us.
We’d pick three meals a week, swapping rice for cauliflower rice when needed. This kept us on track without the stress of meal planning. For two years, Green Chef was our secret weapon for maintaining weight loss while enjoying food. #GreenChef #LowCarbMeals
Step 4: Smart Shopping and Meal Prep
Grocery shopping can derail even the best intentions. Supermarkets are designed to tempt you with processed snacks on every end cap. We learned to shop smarter by switching stores and following a few rules.
Our Shopping Rules
Change Your Store: We ditched big-box grocers for Sprouts Farmers Market, which focuses on organic produce and fewer processed options. Less temptation, better choices.
Never Shop Hungry: We go in the morning after breakfast to avoid impulse buys (like Craig’s cherry Danish incident at Panera Bread).
Use a List: Apps like AnyList keep us focused. We pre-load staples like chicken, avocados, and nuts.
Hit Farmers Markets: Local markets offer fresh, seasonal produce. We love Nightingale Bread for sourdough, but we ask vendors about their practices to ensure quality. (Pro tip: Bananas in Colorado? Not local.)
These habits saved us from “Little Debbie” traps and kept our kitchen stocked with whole foods. #HealthyShopping #FarmersMarket
Step 5: Intermittent Fasting—A New Frontier
Recently, we’ve added intermittent fasting (IF) to refine our results. IF involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, like a 16:8 schedule (16 hours fasting, 8 hours eating). It’s not for beginners—your body needs to be fat-adapted from low carb eating first.
Our IF Experience
Craig’s 48-Hour Fast: He lost 5 pounds and dropped body fat percentage. Autophagy (cellular cleanup) boosted energy and mental clarity.
Kellie’s 24-Hour Fast: She had surprising energy, staying busy to avoid food thoughts. Baja Gold salt in water helped with electrolytes.
16:8 Routine: We’re now experimenting with daily 16:8 fasting to maintain insulin sensitivity and gut rest.
IF isn’t about deprivation; it’s about giving your body a break to burn fat and reset. Check out Dr. Jason Fung’s blog for science-backed IF tips. #IntermittentFasting #HealthyLiving
Overcoming Setbacks: The Cherry Danish Moment
Weight loss isn’t linear. Craig’s cherry Danish splurge at Panera Bread, triggered by a stressful day, is proof. He gained a pound and felt sluggish, a reminder of how processed sugar affects us. But we don’t beat ourselves up. One slip doesn’t undo progress—it’s about getting back on track. #WeightLossMotivation #HealthyMindset
Mexican Food Hacks: Enjoying Favorites Guilt-Free
We love Mexican food but ditched rice, beans, and flour tortillas. Now, we use corn tortillas, fresh guacamole, and black beans (for Craig) to enjoy it guilt-free. It’s about smart swaps, not deprivation. Try recipes from Isabel Eats for healthy Mexican dishes. #HealthyMexicanFood #LowCarbRecipes
The Four Pillars of Our Journey
Our Fit Over 50 e-book (coming soon) outlines our four pillars: hormones, nutrition, movement, and mindset. These guide our daily choices, from hormone panels to strength training and positive thinking. Sign up at unconventionallives.com for a free copy. #FitOver50 #HealthyLifestyle
Why It Works: The Science Behind It
Low carb diets and IF improve insulin sensitivity, reducing fat storage. Hormones optimize metabolism, while whole foods stabilize blood sugar. Studies from Harvard Health show low carb diets outperform low-fat for weight loss in older adults. Fasting triggers autophagy, per PubMed. #WeightLossScience #HealthyAging
Tips for Your Journey
Start with Hormones: Test and optimize with a trusted provider.
Try Whole30: Commit to 30 days to reset your body.
Use Meal Kits: Green Chef saves time and keeps you on track.
Shop Smart: Stick to Sprouts, farmers markets, and lists.
Ease into IF: Build a low carb foundation first.
Forgive Slip-Ups: One Danish won’t ruin you—move on.
Conclusion: Your Unconventional Path Awaits
Losing 100 pounds and keeping it off wasn’t about gimmicks or deprivation. It was about balancing hormones, eating whole foods, and making intentional choices. Whether you’re 50 or beyond, you can reclaim your vitality. Start small, stay consistent, and embrace the unconventional. Download our Fit Over 50 e-book at unconventionallives.com and join us on this journey. #SustainableWeightLoss #HealthyOver50
Tagline: Transform your health over 50 with hormones, Whole30, and low carb living—our 100-pound weight loss story shows you how! #WeightLossSuccess