I’ve Lost Over 100 Pounds – But My Biggest Test Is Yet to Come

102 Pounds Down, And A Big Test Of My Willpower Is About To Happen!

This week I hit a milestone that I honestly thought was out of reach at the beginning of the year, I’ve now lost over 100 pounds in weight.

My most recent weigh-in showed another 3 lbs gone, which takes me to 102lbs lost, and that means I've finally broken that 100lb loss milestone! I'm the smallest I’ve been in years. I’ve bought new clothes off the high street instead of specialist big-and-tall shops. I even wear shorts to work now, something I never would have dared before.

And here’s my line in the sand: I’m only taking my new clothes on holiday. The old ones are staying in the loft. If I mess this up, I’ll have nothing to wear. That’s all the motivation I need.

But now comes the hard part….

Florida: Food Paradise, Self-Control Nightmare

I’m heading to Florida, my favourite holiday destination, and my first trip back in 11 years. I’m buzzing to go. But America also means temptation everywhere.

Cheesecake Factory. Cracker Barrel. Denny’s. Giant portions. Cheetos for breakfast. Twinkies. Snyder’s pretzels. Ice cream tubs the size of buckets.

For years, food was half the fun of a US holiday. But this time, it can’t be.

Because while food brings a short-term buzz, I know exactly how I feel afterwards: bloated, angry, moody, and guilty. And with ADHD, that guilt spirals.

That’s why I can’t just “go and enjoy myself” the way people suggest. For me, restraint is less stressful than regret.

My Holiday Plan to Not Put on Weight!

Stay active: Even though I won’t have my Village Gym routine, I can still stay active every day. The first night we’re in a hotel with a gym, so I’ll make the most of that while I can. After that, it’s about keeping a rhythm. I’ll stick to daily walks – non-negotiable – which should feel easier with palm trees, blue skies, and sunshine instead of grey pavements. Swimming will also play a big role; it’s exercise without feeling like a chore. I’m even tempted to head to Walmart or Target and buy a kettlebell so I can do some quick toning sessions in the villa.

It might sound extreme for a 10-night holiday, but for me, movement isn’t just about burning calories; it’s about keeping my head in the right place.

Stick to my villa routine: One of the best things about having a villa is control.

Instead of relying on hotel buffets or constant restaurant meals, I can shop at a supermarket and keep my breakfasts and lunches exactly like they are at home: fruit, eggs, yoghurt, salads, and protein foods to keep me full. No fuss, no excess, just the food I know works for me. Sticking to this familiar rhythm will give me two “safe” meals a day, which means even if dinner is more challenging, I’ll have already stayed within sensible boundaries.

Choose better dinners: Evenings are going to be the hardest part. Florida is full of incredible food, and eating out is part of the experience. But I’ve got a plan. I’ll lean on high-protein meals like steak, chicken, and especially seafood, things that keep me full and satisfied without piling on unnecessary calories. Florida is famous for its fresh seafood, which is a win. What I won’t be doing is defaulting to fries with every meal, or giving in to calorie-heavy sides. Desserts are also off the list, as much as a slice of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake calls my name, I know it’s not worth undoing months of work for a five-minute sugar high.

No alcohol: This part is easy, I don’t drink anymore. My ADHD medication, Elvanse, doesn’t mix with alcohol, and to be honest, I don’t miss it. Alcohol-free beers give me the same buzz without the calories, and they slot perfectly into an evening by the pool with a game of Uno. Cutting alcohol out isn’t a sacrifice for me, it’s a relief. It’s one less calorie trap to worry about, and one less way to derail my progress.

The Things You Don’t Might Not Think About Unless You've Been Morbidly Obese

Unless you’ve been the size I was, it’s hard to explain how much being very overweight affects everyday life. These are things most people never have to consider, but for me, they shaped how I moved through the world.

Flying: Every flight started with dread. Would the seatbelt fit? Would I need to quietly ask for an extension and deal with the embarrassment? Would the armrests dig into my legs until they were sore? Would the person next to me sigh or shuffle because I was “taking up too much space”?

That anxiety stopped me from wanting to fly for years. Travelling should feel exciting; for me, it felt humiliating. Now, I’m confident I’ll fit into that seat. I’ll be comfortable, I won’t be spilling over the edges, and I can finally focus on the trip itself instead of the shame.

Restaurants: Something as simple as going out for a meal used to be a minefield. Before I even sat down, I’d scan the chairs, do they have arms? If they did, there was a chance I’d get stuck, or be so wedged in I could barely move. Booths were even worse. More than once, I had to squeeze in and then realise my stomach was pressed against the table, overspilling onto the table, or leaving me trapped. That wasn’t just uncomfortable, it was humiliating, for me and for my family.

Even standing up wasn’t guaranteed to be safe: I always worried I’d pull the chair up with me, stuck to my body. Now, I can sit in a chair without thinking twice. That simple act feels liberating.

Clothes: Shopping was a nightmare. You don’t just pop into Next or M&S when you’re morbidly obese. Normal sizes don’t fit, and most shops don't have clothes in like a XXXXL size! You’re forced into specialist big-and-tall shops, paying more for clothes that still make you feel terrible. Even basics like jeans or a t-shirt became reminders of what I couldn’t do. Now, I can grab a pair of shorts or a polo shirt from the high street, try them on, and walk out smiling because they fit. It’s not about vanity, it’s about freedom.

Everyday movement: Even walking into a room used to come with anxiety. Would the chair hold me? Would people stare? Could I keep up if we had to walk more than a few minutes? These constant calculations weighed me down almost as much as the physical weight itself. Now, I can walk, move, and exist without every action being a negotiation with my size. Also, going somewhere warm and not being soaked in sweat is going to be something to look forward to; the same with not having heat rash and chafed thighs, because your legs rub together!

That freedom is priceless. And I don’t ever want to lose it.

Health First

This isn’t just about vanity, it’s about saving my life.

• I was pre-diabetic. Weight loss is my chance to avoid that diagnosis.

• I’ve been on blood pressure tablets for years. Now I’m on the lowest dose, with readings classed as normal, which is excellent!

• With heart disease and heart attacks in my family tree, I knew I had to act before it was too late.
  

Every pound I’ve lost lowers my risks. I won’t undo that for the sake of cheesecake.

The ADHD Side of Weight Loss

Structure matters: My brain thrives on routine. When I have a set plan – the gym on certain days, a daily walk, regular meal times, I can stick to it. When that structure disappears, everything wobbles. Guilt, impulsivity, and self-doubt creep in fast. ADHD means I can go from “I’m in control” to “I’ve ruined everything” in the space of one decision, so keeping a framework is vital. It’s not about being rigid for the sake of it; it’s about protecting myself from slipping into chaos.

All-or-nothing thinking: One of the hardest parts of ADHD is the extremes. If I have one “bad” meal, my brain instantly tells me I’ve failed completely. It doesn’t matter if I’ve stuck to a calorie deficit for 100 days straight, that one slip can feel like the end. That’s why this holiday is such a big test.

I need to remind myself that balance exists, and that one off-plan choice doesn’t erase months of hard work. The spiral is what I have to avoid, and the only way to prevent it is by having a strategy before I’m faced with temptation.

Restraint vs regret: Some people think being strict on holiday is miserable. But for me, it’s actually easier.

I know myself well enough now to recognise that the “freedom” of eating whatever I want comes with a heavy cost; the regret afterwards.

That anger, guilt, and self-loathing is far more stressful than simply skipping the fries or saying no to dessert.

Restriction might look like a negative from the outside, but in reality, it’s my way of keeping peace of mind.

Medication support: Elvanse has been my secret weapon. It keeps me focused, calmer, and helps suppress my appetite. Without it, my impulses would be harder to control, and I know I’d be far more likely to overeat. For years, I turned to food for stimulation – that “dopamine hit” that ADHD brains constantly crave. Elvanse fills that gap. It doesn’t make things easy, but it gives me a fighting chance.

Mental health link: Weight loss isn’t just physical, it’s mental. ADHD can amplify worry, guilt, and self-criticism to the point where one small mistake feels catastrophic. Managing my mental health is just as important as tracking calories. When I feel in control, I’m calmer, happier, and more resilient. When I lose control, the negative cycle begins – eat, regret, spiral, repeat. Staying consistent isn’t just about avoiding weight gain; it’s about protecting my headspace.

Why I Can’t Afford to Slip Back

This is the part people sometimes don’t understand. When someone says “just relax, enjoy yourself, you’re on holiday”, it sounds reasonable, but my reality isn’t that simple. ADHD doesn’t allow me to switch off in that way. For me, a “slip” isn’t just a slip. One day of bad choices can spiral into weeks of self-sabotage.

That’s why I need structure, discipline, and a clear plan. Without them, I know exactly where I’ll end up, and I’ve fought too hard to ever go back there.

• Health risks: I was pre-diabetic and on strong blood pressure medication. Losing weight has brought both under control. If I slide backwards, I’m not just gaining weight, I’m inviting those risks straight back into my life.

  
  

• Confidence: Being able to walk into a high street shop and buy clothes that fit is something I never take for granted. I never want to be forced back into specialist big-and-tall shops that made me feel terrible.

  
  

• Travel freedom: Flying used to terrify me because I didn’t know if I’d fit in the seat. Now, for the first time in years, I’ll be comfortable on a plane. I don’t ever want that old anxiety back.

  
  

• Family pride: My family has backed me every step of the way. If I gave in now, I wouldn’t just be letting myself down; I’d be letting them down, too.

  
  

• Future goals: In November, I need two wedding suits. I want to walk into a shop, grab them straight off the rail, and feel good wearing them. That’s a milestone I’m determined to hit.

  
  

• ADHD reality: This isn’t about being “too strict.” It’s about survival. With ADHD, one “bad day” can feel like complete failure. That’s why I can’t allow myself to treat this like a holiday from my progress.
  

Accountability

The week after I get back, I’ve got my second free PT session at Village Gym. After my first session, my trainer knows me and chats to me about how it's going, gives me tips and is really supportive; I feel like I'd be letting him down as well as myself but going backwards! There’s no way I want to walk back in and admit I’ve gained a stone or that my gym kit doesn’t fit anymore. Knowing I’ve got that session waiting for me is another layer of accountability, and another reason I’ll keep myself on track.

It's Time For Change!

For years, food was my main source of enjoyment on holiday. Big meals, snacks, desserts, that was the highlight. But all it ever gave me was a quick rush, followed by regret.

Now, the real joy comes from freedom: being able to walk without pain, shop for clothes that actually fit, sit on a plane without anxiety, and live my life without limits.

This holiday isn’t about denying myself fun, it’s about proving to myself that I can enjoy everything Florida has to offer without going back to the old me.

I’ve worked too hard and gained too much to let a few fries or desserts steal that from me.

Got Any Tips?

I know I’m not the only one who struggles with holidays while on a weight loss journey. So I’d love to hear from you; how do you stay on track? How do you enjoy yourself without undoing progress?

Drop me your tips on Instagram; they might be exactly what I need to hear while I’m out there!

Where I Am Now

102lbs lighter. Blood pressure is normal. Clothes that fit. Confidence higher.

Florida is my biggest test yet. But if I can lose 100 pounds, I can handle 10 nights in America without undoing it all.

Does that mean I won't be tempted? I'm sure I will, there's something about the 'theatre' of going into a bustling American restaurant, and the smells and sights you see, that will likely make it harder to resist, but my willpower is strong, let's hope it's strong enough!