10 Pounds Down: My First Month on Keto.

My Path to Wellness and Self-Empowerment

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Embarking on a journey to wellness and self-empowerment can feel daunting, but here I am, Marissa Kaye, a 38-year-old mom to a teenager, sharing my triumphs and tribulations after just one month on this path.

In this short time (since I’ve started this blog!), I’ve shed 10 pounds, a milestone that has me feeling both proud and invigorated. My weekly routine has been a mix of consistent workouts, including 4 thirty-minute gym sessions (Monday-Thursday), 2 one hour (or more) gym workouts (Friday, Saturday), and a day of rest (Sunday), complemented by daily walking and Supernatural VR fitness 4-5 times a week. (if you’re new here, check out my blog post: How Supernatural VR Fitness Changed My Life: A Journey of Transformation and Gratitude)

But it’s not just about the pounds lost—it’s about the empowerment gained.

In this post, I’ll share my experiences and insights, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own wellness journey.

Join me as we explore sustainable lifestyle changes that promote overall wellness and personal growth.

November 2023 → October 2024.

This post is highlighting the last month, but I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge where I was a year ago and celebrate the progress I’ve made!

A total of 24 pounds lost, with 10 of those shed in the past month! However, the most significant transformation isn’t just in the weight loss; it’s in the health I’ve gained.

In the October photo, I not only appear more vibrant, but I also feel it. Alongside the weight reduction, I’ve proudly remained alcohol-free for 27 days! When I look at the 2023 photo, I see a lot of inflammation and puffiness, especially in my face!

Sober October Update

Since my last drink on September 28, 2024, I have reached day 27 of no alcohol! I am enjoying more restful sleep and fewer nocturnal awakenings. My skin appears clearer and my face is less puffy. I’m more productive, especially in those early morning hours.

We’re looking forward to incorporating more alcohol-free months in our routine.

Join our Sober October Team through Macmillan Cancer Support! https://www.gosober.org.uk/users/marissa-kaye

Embracing Consistent Fitness Routines

Gym Workouts: A Weekly Breakdown

Consistency has been my guiding principle. Each week, I commit to 4 thirty-minute early morning (3:30am) gym sessions and two hour-long sessions (on Friday and Saturday!). These workouts vary from cardio to weightlifting, ensuring a balanced routine that targets different muscle groups. On cardio days, I push myself on the treadmill, elliptical, or bike increasing intensity and incline to challenge my endurance.

Weightlifting sessions are focused on strength building, alternating between upper and lower body exercises. The hour-long sessions are my chance to combine both cardio and strength, giving my body a comprehensive workout.

Rest Day

I designate one rest day to allow my muscles to recover, which is just as crucial for progress. This routine not only contributes to weight loss but also enhances my energy levels and mental clarity.

Discipline

Through these structured workouts, I’m realizing the importance of discipline and have found motivation in tracking my progress and celebrating small victories.

Staying Consistent with Supernatural VR Fitness

related post: How Supernatural VR Fitness Changed My Life: A Journey of Transformation and Gratitude

Supernatural VR fitness has been an absolute game-changer for me. Integrating virtual reality into my workout routine has added a whole new dimension of fun and engagement. I aim for 4-5 sessions a week, ensuring at least one quick hit per day (usually about 10-15 minutes in length). Some days are longer 30-45 minute sessions, or multiple sessions throughout the day. I missed a few days last week, but it was Fall Break and my kiddo’s birthday weekend so we had a lot going on! I’ll work harder to get Supernatural done first thing in the morning! It is such mood booster and I love seeing the coaches to start my day!!!

Immersive Workouts

These sessions are immersive, transporting me to stunning locations worldwide while I engage in high-energy workouts. The combination of music, movement, and visual stimulation keeps me motivated and makes exercising feel less like a chore.

Whether it’s squatting to the beat or dodging obstacles, each session is a full-body workout that leaves me exhilarated. This innovative approach not only aids in my physical fitness but also boosts my mood, making it easier to stick to my goals.

Supernatural VR has proven to be an effective component of my fitness journey, blending technology with exercise to create a sustainable and enjoyable routine.

Some highlights from my Supernatural workouts the last month:

Quick Hits with Coach Mark, Mood Booster (L Flow):

Got a Diamond! (100% Accuracy, 98% Power)

Quick Hits with Coach Doc, Rappattack (H Flow):

Triple Platinum! (99.5% Accuracy, 94% Power)

The Power of Daily Walks

Daily walks have become a cherished habit in my wellness routine. Whether it’s a brisk lap around the track or a stroll around the backyard with the dogs, walking provides a peaceful escape from the day’s demands. It is a low-impact exercise that’s easy on the joints but highly effective for weight management and mental health.

These moments allow me to clear my mind, reconnect with nature, and reflect on my growth journey. Walking daily not only contributes to my physical fitness but also serves as a meditative practice, reducing stress and enhancing my mood.

I’ve noticed increased stamina and improved cardiovascular health, making my other workouts more effective. By committing to this simple yet powerful habit, I’m reminded that wellness is not just about intense workouts; it’s about embracing movement in all its forms.

Small, Sustainable Changes

Daily walks are a testament to the small, sustainable changes that collectively drive significant results.

Navigating Busy Mom Life

Balancing fitness with the demands of being a mom can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. I’ve learned to incorporate workouts into our daily routine, sometimes turning them into family activities. For instance, we might walk together or go to the gym together, making fitness a shared experience. I was proud of my teen for getting up bright and early and going to the gym with us during fall break!

I’m learning that it’s essential to be flexible—sometimes plans change, and that’s okay.

Balance + Progress, not Perfection

Prioritizing my wellness is about finding balance, not perfection. I’ve embraced the idea that short, effective workouts are better than none and that making time for myself ultimately benefits my family, too. These moments of self-care have made me a more patient and energetic mom. By integrating wellness into our lifestyle, I am demonstrating to my daughter the importance of health and perseverance, creating a foundation for lifelong healthy habits.

Fall Break, Our Daughter’s 15th Birthday Celebration

Halloween Birthday Theme

I asked my daughter to check with her best friends and decide on a theme. I suggested some themes they could consider, and they decided on Halloween! I love doing a Halloween theme, her due date was 10.31 and I was induced ten days early on 10.21!

We were able to utilize some Halloween decorations borrowed from my mom, and I ordered a kit and backdrop from Amazon. I also got a few things from Dollar Tree. I plan to do a birthday planning blog post soon showing more details about the party planning process! We had a lot of fun planning, and decorating.

above – photo of chocolate-covered strawberry ghosts made by Makayla

My sister Makayla made these adorable strawberry white chocolate-covered ghosts for the party!

They were a hit and there was not a single one left by the end of the night!

Pumpkin-shaped Cheeseball made by my mom Lisa! She did a great job, it looked so cute.

also pictured (affiliate links ahead!):

Castelvetrano Olives , Specially Selected Mixed Seed Italian Breadsticks

Fall Break (for Gem)

Last week was fall break for my teen! Highlights from her fall break:

• She had sleepovers with her best friends
• We had so much fun with her birthday celebration over the weekend (with a surprise visit from my oldest brother, Jeremy who traveled in from Nebraska!)
• Shopping at the mall (she found a shirt to wear to her birthday party, and the cutest Oscar the Grouch Halloween costume from Spirit Halloween).

Back in School For Me – Fall Term B begins

Gem’s fall break also fell on Week 1 of Term B of the fall semester for me! I didn’t take any courses during Term A, but the break between Summer and Fall Term B was well-used to get me on track with my health and wellness goals.

I’m excited to dive deeper into my Bachelor’s degree journey with a new set of 8-week courses. Here’s what’s on my academic plate this term:

Psychology of Personality

Case Management Practice

Introduction to Addictions

Week 1 has been great, and I’m already hitting my stride. This term represents a significant shift for me – it’s my first time in years (since 2019, I believe) taking multiple classes simultaneously. I prepared for this transition over Summer 2024 by taking a single course in Interviewing Techniques, which helped me build confidence for this full-time plunge.

Now, I’m working on mastering the delicate balance between work responsibilities, household duties, family time, coursework, caring for our fur babies, and maintaining my personal health and development goals.

First Week Course Highlights

Psychology of Personality: We’re exploring the foundational theories of psychoanalysis, focusing on Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic approach and Carl Jung’s analytical psychology. While I’ve encountered both theorists in previous psychology courses, this deeper dive has been fascinating. A quote that resonates deeply from Jung’s legacy: “Man is not necessarily doomed forever to be shoved about by traumas over which he could exercise little control” (Jung, as cited in “Dr. Carl Jung, Founder of Analytic Psychology, Dies,” The New York Times, June 7, 1961).

One particularly interesting contrast we’ve discussed is how these pioneers viewed human development:

• Freud emphasized how past experiences, particularly childhood, shape us as victims or prisoners of our history
• Jung proposed a more hopeful perspective, suggesting we’re influenced by both our past experiences and future aspirations

Case Management Practice: This course introduces the fundamentals of case management. So far in week 1 we’re exploring various professional roles and effective service delivery methods.

Introduction to Addictions: We’re covering essential concepts in substance abuse and addiction counseling, including Models of Addiction and Ethical Considerations.

Tools Supporting My Success:

✨ Notion.so I’ve only recently discovered Notion.so, and it’s revolutionized my digital organization! It’s become my go-to platform for managing class notes, tracking assignment deadlines, and keeping all my academic materials in order. As someone juggling multiple responsibilities, having this level of organization has been game-changing.

Notion helps me simplify life’s chaos. In addition to using Notion for my college coursework, I also use it to organize my personal life and blog life. I’ve been using it for EVERYthing!!

✨Speechify What I love about Speechify is that I can multitask while still getting through required textbook reading. Instead of sitting down to read my textbooks for hours, I can listen to the audio reading (I use Snoop Dogg’s voice! I love Snoop!) and go on a walk, get laundry done, cook dinner, etc!! I can’t even express how much I appreciate this service and how well it works for me! I still sit down and review the paper and ebook versions, making study guides from the material, and going over it thoroughly to make sure I understand important concepts.

If you love reading and also appreciate listening to your PDFs, books, and various documents, you might want to consider the Speechify app.

Why Speechify? : I use the Speechify app daily. It’s transformed the way I read, making it more immersive and efficient.

Use my referral link to receive a $60 discount on their premium plan: https://share.speechify.com/mJAt3a1

Tea Time Treats

Want to check out my favorite study-time (well really, anytime!) teas?

Visit my Walmart Storefront for my curated selections!

Celebrating Small Wins

Recognizing and celebrating small victories has become a cornerstone of my wellness journey. Each pound lost, every extra set completed, or a new healthy habit formed is an achievement worth acknowledging.

The only bad workout is the one you didn’t do

On those rare mornings when I wake up at 3 a.m. and feel the temptation to sleep in and skip the gym, I remind myself, “Time to rise and get moving!” When I actually do get up, I’m filled with pride. I feel SO much better when I come home from the gym – I’ve not ever had a day where I regretted going to the gym to work out.

These small wins keep me motivated and serve as reminders of my progress. They help shift the focus from solely the end goal to appreciating the journey itself.

(note: It’s also important to listen to your body and take rest days when needed! Rest days are so important – Don’t push yourself too hard. in this example, I’m talking about the days where being lazy/sleeping in is easier than getting up and putting the effort in.)

By celebrating these moments, I’m reminded that change is incremental and that each step forward is valuable. This mindset encourages me to continue pushing forward, even when progress seems slow.

Whether it’s treating myself to a new workout outfit or simply taking a moment to reflect on how far I’ve come, these little celebrations reinforce the positive changes I’ve made. They foster a sense of accomplishment and empower me to set new goals.

In this way, celebrating small wins becomes a powerful tool in maintaining motivation and staying committed to my wellness goals.

Find ways to celebrate your progress today!! (Comment below and let me know what you’re celebrating so I can celebrate you too!)) ✨🎉

Finding Motivation in Family & Community

Connecting with others on a similar wellness journey has been instrumental in maintaining my motivation.

Sharing experiences, tips, and encouragement with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of this path creates a powerful network of inspiration. This community acts as a reminder that we are not alone; others are forging their paths to health and empowerment, too.

Participating in discussions or simply reading about others’ journeys can offer new perspectives and strategies that I can apply to my own routine. Celebrating each other’s successes and offering support during setbacks fosters a sense of accountability and motivation.

Through these connections, I’ve learned the importance of a support system in achieving long-term goals. The collective wisdom and encouragement of a community make the journey more rewarding and sustainable, reinforcing the belief that together, we can accomplish more.

Join our new, and growing Facebook Group

Olive + Basil: Thriving Together: A Health & Happiness Journey.

Inspiring others to start their wellness journey has become a rewarding aspect of my own path. Sharing my experiences and the lessons I am learning allows me to connect with those who might be hesitant to take the first step. I strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment, where individuals feel empowered to pursue their goals at their own pace.

Encouraging others involves highlighting the power of incremental change and the importance of self-compassion. It’s about reminding people that every journey is unique and that progress, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

I find joy in offering practical tips and emotional support, helping others see that wellness is attainable and enjoyable. By fostering this sense of community, we build a network of support that amplifies each individual’s success. Together, we can inspire a ripple effect of positive change, turning personal victories into collective empowerment.

About the group

🌿 Our Mission

This group is a safe, supportive space for anyone interested in pursuing a more balanced, healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting out or well along your path, you’ll find encouragement, practical tips, and a community of like-minded individuals here.

🎯 What to Expect

In this group, we’ll be sharing:

Nutritious recipes and meal-planning ideas

Workout routines and fitness challenges (including VR fitness!)

Mental health resources and self-care strategies

Tips for organic living

Personal victories and challenges

Support and motivation

🤝 Community Guidelines

To ensure this remains a positive space for everyone:

• Be kind and respectful to all members
• Maintain privacy – what’s shared here, stays here
• No hate speech, bullying, or promotional spam
• If you’re unsure about posting something, please ask an admin

🗓️ Weekly Schedule

To keep things organized and engaging, we’ll have themed days:

• Motivation Monday: Share your goals for the week
• Tasty Tuesday: Healthy recipe exchange
• Wellness Wednesday: Mental health and self-care focus
• Thoughtful Thursday: Personal growth, learning, and reflection
• Fitness Friday: Share your workouts or fitness achievements
• Self-Care Saturday: Relaxation, stress relief, and personal indulgence (in healthy ways)
• Sunday Reflection & Connection

Reflecting on Personal Growth and Wellness

Empowerment Through Self-Love

Embracing self-love has been transformative on my wellness journey. It’s about accepting myself where I am while striving for improvement. This mindset shift has empowered me to pursue my goals with compassion rather than criticism.

Self-love means acknowledging that perfection isn’t the objective; progress is. By being kind to myself, I’ve learned to celebrate my strengths and understand my areas for growth without self-judgment. This approach has cultivated resilience and determination, fueling my desire to continue evolving.

Practicing self-love involves setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and recognizing that my worth isn’t defined by numbers on a scale. It’s about valuing the journey and the lessons learned along the way. This empowerment extends beyond physical changes; it encompasses mental and emotional growth, fostering a holistic sense of well-being.

With self-love as my foundation, I’ve found the courage to embrace challenges and the confidence to pursue a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Building Sustainable Lifestyle Changes

Creating lasting lifestyle changes has been central to my wellness journey. Instead of drastic diets or intense short-term regimens, I’m focusing on habits that are sustainable and adaptable to my everyday life.

This approach involves gradual shifts, like choosing whole foods over processed foods, incorporating more organic foods into our daily life, and incorporating regular physical activity that I genuinely enjoy. By making small, manageable changes, I’ve been able to maintain consistency without feeling overwhelmed. It’s also important to keep flexibility in mind, allowing room for life’s unpredictable moments without derailing my progress.

Tracking my habits and setting realistic goals help maintain direction and motivation. These changes are about more than just physical health; they enhance my mental and emotional well-being, too. As I continue to build on these foundations, I’m learning that sustainable changes are the key to long-term success and fulfillment. They empower me to live a balanced life, supporting both my wellness journey and my responsibilities as a mom.

In Summary

This past month has been a transformative journey of growth and empowerment. Embarking on this path toward wellness has been about more than just physical changes; it has been a deeply personal expedition into my own strength, resilience, and self-love.

Every step I’ve taken—from the consistency of my fitness routines to embracing mindful dietary changes—has contributed to this newfound sense of empowerment. I’ve left behind old habits that no longer served me and replaced them with practices that enrich both my body and spirit. The 10-pound loss is a testament to these positive changes, but the true reward is the vibrant health and confidence that are blossoming from within.

Reflecting on the past month, I see clearly the power of setting attainable goals and celebrating each small victory along the way. Whether it’s the exhilaration of early morning gym sessions or the peace found in daily walks, each moment contributes to a foundation of wellness that supports my holistic growth. The journey has also emphasized the importance of self-care, highlighting how essential it is to balance personal goals with family responsibilities.

Planning and celebrating my daughter’s Halloween-themed birthday, while continuing to prioritize my own health, proved that harmony between family life and personal wellness is achievable. This month has underscored the significance of staying organized and prioritizing tasks—not just at the gym but in all areas of life, including academia as I returned to my studies with renewed vigor.

As I embrace another term in my academic journey, I’ve come to appreciate how tools like Notion.so and Speechify have simplified my life, creating space for both learning and personal wellness. These tools have allowed me to juggle multiple responsibilities with greater ease, focusing more on growth and less on stress.

The pursuit of balance extends into my community interactions, where I find motivation and joy in sharing experiences with those on similar journeys. Our newly established Facebook group, Olive + Basil: Thriving Together, serves as a dynamic, inspiring support network. Together, we will celebrate milestones, face challenges, and cheer one another on, reinforcing the belief that wellness is most fulfilling when it’s shared.

Moving forward, my focus will remain on cultivating sustainable lifestyle changes that nurture my mind, body, and spirit. Every new discovery has reinforced the understanding that wellness isn’t a destination but a vibrant, ongoing voyage. Embracing this journey with an open heart allows for continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that growth is woven into every facet of my life.

As I step into the next month, my commitment to self-care and personal empowerment remains unwavering. By fostering an environment that supports incremental change and community engagement, I am laying the groundwork for enduring health and happiness.

With each passing month, I become more confident, more resilient, and more empowered by the journey itself. This is not just about losing pounds but finding a more authentic, empowered version of myself, ready to tackle whatever lies ahead with grace and determination.

📢 Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Using these links supports my content creation. I only recommend products I believe in. See our full disclosure here: https://olive-basil.com/affiliate-disclosure/