Lose Weight Sustainably: A Fierce and Focused Journey to 40

Hello, and welcome to my blog!

I’m Marissa Kaye, and I’m on a mission to transform my life and lose weight sustainably before I hit the big 4-0 in July 2026.

This journey isn’t just about shedding pounds quickly; it’s about making lasting changes that will carry me into my forties feeling healthier and more vibrant than ever. Through this blog, I’ll be sharing my experiences as I navigate the challenges of sustainable weight loss and overall life improvement, hoping to inspire others who are on similar paths. Join me as I explore balanced nutrition, enjoyable exercise, and healthy wellness strategies that support long-term success in losing weight sustainably and embracing a healthier lifestyle.

Why I’m On This Journey

As my 40th birthday approaches (less than two years away!), I’ve realized that it’s time for a change. I want to feel strong, healthy, and confident in this new decade of my life. My goal? To lose 50 pounds and achieve the best mental and physical shape of my life. But this journey isn’t just about the numbers on the scale. It’s about working to create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle that nourishes my body, mind, and soul. I’m transitioning to a more organic lifestyle, exploring new ways to stay active, and prioritizing my mental well-being. As someone who has experienced the challenges of depression and anxiety, I’m passionate about mental health awareness.

At the heart of my support system is my amazing husband. Our journey together is filled with love, growth, and mutual support. He’s so supportive in this transformation, and together we’re creating a healthier, happier life. I’m excited to share not just my personal journey, but our journey as a couple, including relationship tips and insights we’ve gained along the way.

As a mom to a wonderful teenage daughter, I’m motivated to set a positive example and create a healthy home environment for our family. This includes conducting thorough research on the ingredients in the foods we consume, personal care products, and household cleaning supplies. I aim to minimize our exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, pesticides, and additives. Although we’re not always perfect we believe in taking steps toward a healthier happier life. Progress, not perfection.

My journey isn’t just about physical health—it’s also about personal growth and lifelong learning. I’m what you’d call a non-traditional college student. I first stepped onto a college campus at 17, full of dreams and ambitions. As for many of us, life happened. I had my daughter at 23, and focused on mom life while running a portrait photography business for her baby and toddler years. I am so grateful for that time with her while she was small! During that time, I took several years off from my college studies. Now, at 38, I’m finally working towards finishing my bachelor’s degree in psychology and business. This winding path through higher education has taught me invaluable lessons about persistence, balancing multiple responsibilities, and the joy of learning at any age. As I navigate the unique challenges of being an adult student, I’m excited to share insights that might help others who are considering returning to education or are amid their own non-traditional academic journeys.

What You’ll Find Here

On this blog, I’ll be sharing my adventure towards a healthier, more balanced life. Here’s what you can expect:

My Personal Journey

I’ll share my experiences, challenges, and victories as I work towards my goals.

Visual Journey

Personal progress photos documenting my transformation
Food photography showcasing healthy and delicious recipes
Visual guides for workout routines and fitness tips
Photo essays of our travel and hiking adventures
Behind-the-scenes glimpses of my life as a mom, student, and blogger

Wellness & Nutrition

Nutritious recipes and meal planning on a budget
Workout routines and fitness tips, including my love for VR fitness (Supernatural, here I come!)
Exploring healthy drinking habits and alcohol alternatives

Organic Living

Insights into our transition to a more organic and holistic lifestyle
Tips for organic living on a budget
My adventures in growing food at home (green onions in water, anyone?)

Lifestyle

Photography
Travel and hiking experiences
Life with my furry companions (expect some dog content!)
My journey as a non-traditional student: returning to college after 30
Balancing study, work, and family life (with some tips on making money from home!)
Insights from my psychology and business studies and how they apply to everyday life
Supporting local business
Volunteer opportunities in the community

Mom & Home Life

Strategies for maintaining wellness while parenting a teenager
Tips for encouraging healthy habits in teens
Balancing self-care with family responsibilities
Decluttering and repurposing tips

Relationships

Our journey as a couple: supporting each other through life’s challenges
Relationship tips and insights for maintaining a strong partnership

Reviews and Resources

My favorite wellness apps and tools
Product and service reviews related to health and wellness
Apps I use to make a little extra money from home

A Focus on Mental Health

Mental wellness strategies and affirmations
Open discussions about depression and anxiety
Resources and strategies for mental health management
Information on suicide prevention and awareness

I’m not a certified health expert or a fitness guru – I’m just someone who’s decided to take control of their health and happiness. I’ll be learning as I go, and I invite you to learn alongside me.

Join Me on This Adventure

Whether you’re on your own wellness journey, looking for inspiration, just curious about a more healthy lifestyle, or a fellow mom navigating the teenage years, I hope you’ll find something valuable here. If you’re dealing with mental health challenges, looking for ways to live a healthier life, or interested in strengthening your relationships, you’re in the right place too.

Let’s support each other, share our experiences, and grow together. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Here’s to new beginnings and the exciting path ahead. Welcome to my journey to 40: fierce and focused, fit and thriving!

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