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How Changing My Environment Made Me Lose Weight

Writer's picture: Michelle OngMichelle Ong

The past 2 years of the pandemic has certainly altered the way we live our life. A great part of it is losing our freedom to just go out any time we want and meet with our family and friends. Fear and anxiety washed over us, and even paralyzed some of us. I would be a hypocrite to say that I did not feel anxious during those times. It certainly gave me sleepless nights and had affected my mood. I am blessed to have tools to turn to to help me overcome the onslaught of negative thoughts and emotions. I kept myself busy by studying more about health and wellness, and coaching people. I also had to constantly monitor my two teens who were struggling with online learning and their mental health. With the restrictions and ever changing guidelines from the government, we couldn't travel outside the city as much as we'd want to with our younger kids. Flying out of the country was not an option as you'd be wasting your time in quarantine.


MacRitchie Reservoir

It was such a relief that Singapore finally relaxed its rules, and we were finally able to fly back to our second home last April. I savored every minute of our 2 months stay there. What a joy it was to walk outside without a mask on, and inhale the fresh air! A few kilometers walk, and I am surrounded by nature already. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the wet market across us as I reveled in the freshness and variety of the veggies, beancurd and mushrooms which are not available here in Manila. The chicken, pork and seafood somehow smelled and tasted better. This inspired me to cook almost everyday. Of course, we also had our fill of the sumptuous local food. While I am spoiled to have 2 helpers here in Manila, I do not have one in Singapore so I had to do most of the household chores. Strangely, I enjoyed doing the chores. They were actually quite therapeutic!

fresh mushrooms are cheaper in Singapore than in Manila

I also made sure to meet up with old and new friends (fellow health coaches). The social connection was something that I missed a lot. It was easier to meet up with friends there as we didn't have to worry about traffic and parking.


I had mixed emotions coming back to Manila. I realized that I was feeling so toxic with the environment here that my whole being was starting to suffer. Sure we would drive out of the city every now and then to have a break, but it took so much effort and time to get to the place. Whereas in Singapore, I can just hop on the bus, take the train or walk and I can be in a park, reservoir or the botanical garden in a matter of minutes. My time in Singapore made me so joyful and inspired that it literally melted my fats away. I lost 2 kg and 5 cm (2 inches) off my waistline. My metabolic age went down to 44 years old from 46 (last Feb 2022). I lost 2% body fat and maintained my visceral fat at 3%.


Joyfully creating dishes with different varieties of veggies

While I have been eating healthily and working out for most parts of my life, having a less stressful environment allowed my body to perform optimally. I know I am blessed to have the resources and time to be in a different place as not many people can have this luxury. However, do consider taking at least 2 weeks off or more. Be in a place where you can be grounded in nature and be able to do what you love to do. It is truly invigorating! Your whole body will thank you for it. Mine did!


How about you? Has a change in environment ever done wonders for your health and wellness?


P.S.

I do want to emphasize that my path to living a healthier lifestyle started many years ago and has evolved along with major events in my life. It is NOT an overnight thing. I also have coaches and mentors who've helped me in my journey as I can't do this alone. I thought I could back then. It was only when I got stuck that I realized that I needed to let go and be led by others to keep me in the right track.










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