Hello! My name is Arnold, and I’m a Louisiana native, LSU graduate, and passionate advocate for languages and wellness. I’ve spent years honing my skills in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin, and my time teaching English in China was a life-changing experience. But perhaps my most transformative journey was losing 63 lbs in just 18 weeks. This experience not only changed my body but also deepened my commitment to helping others achieve their weight loss goals.
Through this journey, I learned that the most crucial factor in achieving weight loss is the right mindset. It’s not just about diet and exercise; it’s about overcoming the psychological and emotional hurdles that often stand in the way of success.
Today, in Unlocking Weight Loss: The Power of Mindset, I want to share the importance of mindset and introduce you to some of the key challenges you must overcome to reach your weight loss goals.
Lack of Motivation
Staying motivated over the long term can be incredibly challenging. It’s common to start a weight loss journey with enthusiasm, only to feel your motivation wane over time. I’ll be sharing strategies to keep your motivation high, including setting realistic goals, finding your personal “why,” and celebrating small victories. In general, staying motivated while balancing the demands of your students and your health can be tough, but with the right tools, it’s entirely possible.
Stress
Stress is one of the biggest enemies of weight loss. It can lead to emotional eating, poor food choices, and decreased motivation to exercise. Learning how to manage stress through techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and physical activity is essential for long-term success.
Negative Body Image
Negative body image can sabotage your efforts by leading to low self-esteem and unhealthy behaviors. It’s important to develop a positive self-image and focus on health and well-being rather than striving for an unrealistic ideal. I’ll discuss ways to improve body image and build self-confidence.
False Beliefs
Many people hold false beliefs about weight loss, such as the idea that there are quick fixes or magic diets that will make the pounds melt away. Understanding the science behind weight loss and adopting a realistic and sustainable approach is crucial. I’ll debunk common myths and provide evidence-based information, so you can make informed decisions that benefit both your health and your role as an educator.
Apathy
Apathy, or a lack of interest and enthusiasm, can be a significant barrier to weight loss. When you feel indifferent about your goals, it’s easy to fall off track. I’ll share tips on how to reignite your passion for health and fitness, including finding activities you enjoy and staying connected to your reasons for losing weight.
Mental Health
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can greatly affect your weight loss journey. These conditions can lead to emotional eating, lack of motivation, and other challenges. Addressing mental health through professional help, self-care practices, and support systems is vital for success.
Controlling Impulses
Impulsive eating and cravings can derail your progress. Learning to control these impulses through strategies like mindful eating, planning meals, and avoiding trigger foods can make a significant difference. I’ll provide practical advice on how to build better eating habits, which can help you maintain your energy and focus throughout the day.
Doubt
Self-doubt can erode your confidence and make it difficult to stay committed to your goals. Believing in your ability to succeed and surrounding yourself with supportive people are key components of overcoming doubt. I’ll discuss ways to boost your self-confidence and build a supportive network.
Commitment
Consistency and commitment are essential for long-term weight loss success. It’s not just about making changes for a few weeks or months but adopting a new lifestyle. Staying committed to your plan, even when it’s tough, will lead to sustainable results. I’ll offer strategies to help you stay on track and maintain your progress.
My Personal Story
I have been an educator for over 10 years, working across a wide spectrum of students, including K-12, college students, adult education, special education, and English as a Second Language (ESL). Currently, I serve as a Spanish teacher for a virtual school. My passion for teaching has always been a driving force in my life, but like many, I found myself facing unexpected challenges when the world was turned upside down in 2020.
During this time, I found myself not only grappling with the demands of teaching, not knowing if we would still be having classes, but also with my own lack of self-care and health issues. The overwhelming pressure and uncertainty affected my ability to engage fully and manage my responsibilities effectively.
But despite the challenges, I made a resolute decision to take control of my health. I declared to myself, “I will love myself, love my body, and be true to my desires.” This pivotal choice on Sunday, May 10, 2020, marked the beginning of my transformation.
Embracing a set of health principles, I embarked on a transformative journey that led to profound changes in my life. Within just 9 weeks, from May 11, 2020, to July 12, 2020, I shed 43 pounds, going from 217 lbs to 174 lbs. But I didn’t stop there. Determined to maintain this positive trajectory, I continued my commitment, and over the following 9 weeks—from August 17th to November 15th, 2020—I lost an additional 20 pounds, reaching a healthy weight range of 154 to 158 lbs.
This journey wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about reclaiming my life. Since November 30th, 2020, I have dedicated myself to living a fit and healthy lifestyle. My transformation is a testament to self-love, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to my well-being.
Having undergone such a profound change, I discovered a newfound passion for health and wellness. I now dedicate myself to teaching the same health principles that turned my life around, sharing them with others around the world. The rise of COVID-19 has highlighted the critical importance of a strong immune system and overall health. With obesity rampant in our communities, I’ve made it my mission to help individuals and families improve their quality of life through holistic health.
Looking Forward
Coming up next, I’ll dive deeper into the issue of lack of motivation and its impact on weight loss. It’s a challenge many of us face. Together, we’ll work towards creating a New You.
Spread the Word: Let’s Empower Our Community
As you continue reading upcoming articles, I encourage you to share this website with friends, family, and colleagues in our community who could benefit from these insights. By spreading the word, you help build a supportive network dedicated to uplifting the health and well-being of our community.
Visit my website to explore more articles and resources designed to offer practical advice for improving health. Your support helps create a space where we can unite in pursuing better health, self-care, and a stronger community.
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Your Thoughts Matter
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I hope it resonated with you and provided meaningful insights into the health challenges many in our community face. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what obstacles do you encounter, and what strategies have helped you? If there’s a particular aspect of health or wellness you’d like me to explore in future posts, please share your ideas. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me focus on what matters most to you. Let’s keep this conversation going and support one another on the path to better health!
Who is Arnold Brown?
Raised in Louisiana, Arnold Brown graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Spanish and minoring in Mandarin Chinese. Upon graduation, Arnold accepted the opportunity to live for two years in China, where he taught English as a Second Language at the University of Ningxia. Being the only African American male in the city where he lived, Arnold describes his experience as absolutely life-changing. Arnold speaks 4 languages fluently, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin Chinese. Arnold currently teaches Spanish classes online, tutors, and also has very own self-paced Spanish learning online program. If you would like to learn more about Arnold’s background, click here.
Arnold Lost 63 Lbs in 18 Weeks
Having undergone a profound transformation in 2020, Arnold also discovered a deep passion for health and wellness, and now dedicates himself to teaching the same principles that transformed my life, especially within the community. As a certified personal trainer, nutritionist, bodybuilding specialist, and youth fitness instructor, learn how Arnold lost 63 lbs in 18 weeks by reading his story here.