Better Me in 2023?

A new video for a new year. My big 3 things that I'm working on this year, and how I did on my 100 day challenge. How's your year been so far?
My name is Heather and I'm from Portland, Oregon. I am eating a plant-based, whole foods, unprocessed diet, with no sugar, oil, flour or alcohol, to take off weight and regain my life. I once weighed over 436 lbs and have released over 110 lbs eating this way and walking for exercise. I call my channel The Butterfly Effect because I believe that all the small choices you make, over time, add up and have a huge effect on your life. I wanted to show people like me who have 100, 150, 200 or more pounds to take off that it can be done and we can do it together. I am far from perfect and have struggled with compulsive eating and been overweight for all of my life, but there is hope for me and there is hope for you too. What can you do, today, to bring you closer to your goals tomorrow? Please consider giving my videos a thumbs up, commenting and subscribing. I would be incredibly grateful for your support on this journey!
Facebook Group: #!/groups/58...

[@debmoore3980]

Heather, it’s great to see your bright face back. 🎉 I followed you for those years you were losing and was always inspired by your honesty and humility. I have gained about 25 pounds since I last saw you! 😬 But, am a week into making cleaner choices. I know that (by experience) I feel my best when I get the sugar and processed foods out. I have joined the YMCA for the water aerobics class and am really enjoying moving in the water! It IS a workout but is SO good for the joints, back, knees. I am 66 years old and want to grow stronger rather than weaker. You have a gift to inspire/encourage, Heather. Bring it in, Sweet Woman, we are here with you. Enjoy Costa Rica!!🎉🎉💃💃

[@wtillett243]

I just said a prayer for you Heather. Victory for you. We all struggle, let’s win this!

[@sunflower2594]

Dear Heather, You have been the one that pops to mind when I fall down and feel like a failure. I think, "I might as well quit!" And then I remember you. Thank you for showing up!

[@DianneRawGirl]

Hello, My year will be better too. Mike and I will be out of the truck and in our home again after 2.5 years mostly in a semi truck . He’s retiring. Getting back to my life as it was too!!!

[@NSkrobis]

Sure have missed you. Please post regularly letting us know how you are doing!!!

[@susanclark3467]

Glad to see you. We all fall down it’s the getting back up that matters. Have you thought about using kettlebells or dumbbells while watching tv or at work on the way back and forth to the bathroom. I incorporated this and it is helping with everything-back issues, shoulder issues, stamina etc etc

[@paulawhite8674]

So good to hear you have done so well in 100 days!!! Slow and steady helps me too.

[@RichS.73yroldbodybuilder]

Good to see you again. Yes, don’t have anything delivered.

[@GraceGrace_77]

Love this video! So happy to see your beautiful smile! I’m also working on walking and decluttering as well as clean eating and weight loss. Congratulations on your 100 days and have a blast in Costa Rica! May the Lord bless you richly! ❤☀️🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ellenkunkel8845]

You are so sweet! Your goals are my goals. I’m working on distributing sentimental stuff to my grown kids. Feels great!

[@judyosborne]

So good to see you back with us. I love your enthusiasm for a bright new year and your diet plans. I'm also loving my salads and fruit. I've been good since 1//1/23 and love the WFPB plan.

[@suzanneseaberg5075]

YAY! You’re back! So happy to see you!

[@saladstrongsoprano9625]

Thanks, Heather, for connecting the dots for me: Stirfry is warm salad. In the Netherlands, roughly as far up North as Battle Harbour, Canada, I also do not fancy salads in winter. I will be walking part of the way to my work, extending this weekly by one more busstop, untill I can walk all the way (which is 4.6 miles). Final goal: walking there and back. Another seed is Buckwheat. Love that... In short: I take your challenge. No travelplans, but hey, getting healthier is good in any circumstance!

[@ThePlantBasedHomestead]

Happy New Year! I love your persistence and the fact that you haven’t quite. I originally list 70 lbs and then life happened. While I have only gained and lost a few pounds here and there, I haven’t gained it all back. BUT I’ve stayed around between 20-28lbs keeping me from the 100 club. It’s frustrating. I have a goal set as well. One is coming off insulin which in excess, is keeping me fat along with sugar and carbs. Sugar is tough for me. I’d love to know how your got rid of it and what you do when your craving chocolate to curb that sugar craving. Welcome back and thank you for not giving up! It’s encouraging. ❤

[@Boxerr54]

#27 in 100 days! Yay! You just encouraged me. I have 116 days until our family reunion and then another 100 before my 50 year class reunion. What if I lost #25 in each of those timespans? I could be so healthy. I could be at goal weight by the end of this year. Let's do it!

[@tammywade3649]

I've missed you so much! Your my inspiration. My weight is up and down, but I always look forward to your tips and tricks for the journey!

[@kkrall8611]

Happy new year! I'm reading the book of evelyne trebole: intuitive eating. Its a fantastic book.

[@1940sExperiment]

🌺🌺🌺 It's lovely to see a new video Heather! I'm a vegan junk food consumer too (or was until 10 days ago!). I remember the HUGE salads you used to take to work! Am excited to watch your journey throughout this year and wish you all the best for a happy and successful 2023 xxx C 🌺🌺🌺

[@MrsAloha1959]

Sending you much LOVE, Heather. 🌴🌺🌺🌸🌸🌺🌴❤❤❤🌴🌸🌸🌺🌸🌸

[@laurieanne9712]

Always so glad to have you back!!! I'm working on weight--ugh. Gained 5 lbs. since I saw you last here..... I'm hoping with weight loss, I'll get some energy back.

[@mainelycarolyn4901]

I was just thinking of you today!!

[@drjackiesteel]

Girl you got this! Congratulations on the 27lbs. Have an an amazing time in Costa Rica. This is YOUR year. 💚

[@maggiemacha5552]

Hi Heather! Happy New Year to you! I enjoy your vibe and your energy and enthusiasm! I have been on this journey of clean eating and getting fit. I am Diabetic type 2. I follow Dr. Gregor, I read his 1st book! Diabetes runs strong in my family on my Mom's side. I watched my Nana and my Mom's health and quality of life due to being diabetic. I feel like my knowledge is a gift! I live by myself. I am turning 63 this coming Sunday! I have a sweet studio apartment, it is easy to keep clean! I just started enjoying video's on KZbin from Silver Sneakers. I also walk 2 times. A day! Keep all your doing, I am sure this video will inspire others. I enjoyed video and I hope you post another one soon. Much love from CT and may peace be with you 🙏💖

[@bohemiangoddess2]

Happy early birthday to you! 🎉

[@kimmccawley8785]

Always a joy to see you. Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@mz.lisaskitchen9125]

Hi Heather, I can relate to everything. My weight still fluctuates and I’m so determined to stabilize. Thank you for your open honest vulnerability we all need to see that and appreciate the journey! My prayers and good vibes are with you 🤗

[@eileenstorey259]

Excellent book on decluttering is Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K White

[@debbybuck3212]

Congratulations on your healthier lifestyle. So happy you will get a chance to travel. Keep up the great work and keep posting to inspire us to a healthy and happy life. You have a beautiful smile.

[@tamihoenig2914]

So good to see you Heather. Yes, we are going to have a great year together! I'm not crazy about cold salads in the winter, so I make a chopped salad and then pop it in the toaster oven at 350 for 10 min. Sounds weird, but then it is at room temperature, and tastes good! After the 10 minutes I'll add dressing or sprouts. You will be so happy with your decluttering. The rule I work off of, I only have what I am willing to dust, and if I have a drawer for shirts-I keep only what will fit in that drawer. That rule works all sort of spaces. I don't need more kitchen gadgets then I have cabinets for! Plus, it can't be crammed full. I have a reasonable amout of space, what will fit there is plenty for me.

[@snu3877]

You have some wonderful, concrete goals, and I also love the idea of working on them BEFORE January 1 so you are hitting the ground running in the new year (so to speak; walking is more my speed, lol.) One decluttering tip I love is the 15 minute rule: if you are having a hard time starting or getting motivated, set a timer for 15 mins. and do what you can for that time. When the timer is up, stop if you want, but chances are, you will want to do more. But of course, the beauty is, if you don't, that's fine, b/c you reached your goal of 15 mins. It's a great tool for procrastinators like me.

[@viviannedonnelly233]

Happy New Year Heather and everyone! My 3 things are similar: A mix between following Dr. Greger's Daily Dozen and Dr. Fuhrman's GBOMBS; walk 10,000 steps a day, and focus more on living in the moment and less in the past and future! Enjoy Costa Rica!

[@finnwiggles28]

So glad to see you again! :) You have such a happy-contagious smile! I'm 'peeling the onion' myself and purging too! I was diagnosed w/a very aggressive Cancer last month which has already spread to my lungs, & am 'getting my affairs in order' so that my family doesn't have to deal w/it. I'm enjoying my 'clutter-free' space while I can!

[@amilawstudent]

My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and that was 4 years ago and with continued treatment she's doing great! My friends dad has had it 15 years and he's still going strong. Praying for you right now. 😘

[@finnwiggles28]

@@amilawstudent You're The Best! Thank you SO much for sharing & encouragement. I haven't got much good news lately.

[@westcoastlass]

Sending you all my love 💌

[@finnwiggles28]

@@westcoastlass THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@karena.627]

Sending love, hugs, and healing energy to you!

[@lauraeleazer2396]

Heather, you are so kind, sweet and inspiring! I love that you pick yourself up and never, ever give up! I respect you and your motivation. We all fall…it’s part of the process, but what matters is whether we get back up again….I’ve done it 4x in my adult life and love that I’ve found this way of life and you,,,thanks for your inspiration and ignore the people that say…what happened…that’s not helpful or kind…be you and keep on striving to be healthy and the best version of you. I’m rooting for you❤❤❤❤

[@tinalewis6782]

Hi Heather! Walking twice a day sounds awesome! It all sounds like a wonderful year!

[@lindaripp5902]

I am focusing on consuming more nutrition even high nourishment, like dr. Brook Goldner, and quite a variety like doctor Bolsewich, And intense nutritional sources like dr. Fuhrman a combination of all of these. Really, I listen to all the plant based Dr's and made a program that works for me.

[@happycook6737]

Keep on keeping on! You are inspiring me so much.

[@thebutterflyeffect-plant-b3067]

You got it! Let's keep supporting and uplifting each other. We can do it together.

[@elizabethtobin4762]

So glad to see you Heather! Happy New Year! I’m decluttering my house this year, too! I’m taking it room by room and am working on one section of the room at a time. I’ve not been to Costa Rica but it sounds like such an interesting travel destination. I know you’ll enjoy it and I think you’re smart to try to build some stamina before you go. I’m so glad you’re back to your clean eating. You’re an inspiration to so many! 2023 is going to be great! ❤🥗

[@dreamofskye7400]

Love you Heather.

[@helensullivan918]

Happy New Year!! Good to see you!!!

[@theoldlefthander]

All My Love. ❤️

[@srcb1816]

I love your videos and everything you share. Please keep sharing. You are such a positive inspiration. Praying for you!

[@rebeccabrothers8056]

I'm glad to see you back , please share your meals and your journey, getting back on track myself, do even tho were not in same city, we can take this journey together! Welcome back?

[@jessann6143]

What a great video! I really needed to hear this today. I've also been struggling to stay away from processed foods and take out. I tend to do really well for about 2 weeks and then go off the rails for a week or more. I'm going to try my best this year! Good luck to you and happy new year! :)

[@ingridneugebauer7562]

Best wishes always 💕🦋

[@ingsh331]

So nice to see you again. I miss you! I hate to admit it, but I will need to eliminate flour products from my diet also. Wishing you the best in this new year and looking forward to your next video.😊❤

[@westcoastlass]

Eeeee! It's so nice to see you here again! I've missed your face and videos 🥰🥰

[@atomic_poppy]

YAY, so happy to see you again!

[@phillatella6470]

Food addiction sucks so bad. Only the addicts can really understand. I went whole food plant-based lost a ton of weight kept it off for years. Then I started little by little with the vegan junk food. I never was whole food plant-based for the animals I did it for health. My rationale after I started hitting the vegan junk food was what the hell if I'm going to eat this why not eat the real stuff. Then like in the movie fatso I don't know if anybody ever saw that you have to watch it if you didn't they play the Harlem Globetrotters theme and people go off on an eating tear. That was me the Harlem Globetrotters theme was playing right and left. And it was pizza and it was snacks and it was whatever I blew back up it's terrible. Back on the whole food plant-based stuff. It makes me feel so much better but I certainly like eating pizza and meatballs better. I know I know I know I know I know. It will shorten my lifespan so on and so forth but it does make me so happy. So I rant. Anyway back on the whole food plant-based here we go

[@Annlej1]

Hi from Sweden 👋 Nice to see a new video!

[@lindaripp5902]

I was thinking about you yesterday, and I was thinking that I hope that you are able to progress on this journey and get back to your wonderful health. And I hope that you share this journey with us, again.

[@michaelasibanda4279]

Happy New Year Heather!

[@timberdark]

Happy new year , Heather . So wonderful to see you .

[@rosabella4440]

Happy New Year! Nice seeing your updates ❤️❤️

[@jcsmith7898]

So happy go see you check in. You always inspire me!

[@cyndeflesia5314]

You truly are a awesome person! I am beyond inspired by you!

[@irmacastaneda1792]

So good to hear from you. I miss your videos. I'm glad you are doing well. You always make me feel good. Take care.

[@sandyallen1488]

Happy New Year dear Heather❤️

[@hisbeloved1413]

Right there with you, Heather. So proud of you! My goal is too faze out vegan junk food, too and make my own. Keep it up, you rock!❤️

[@redizrad]

Ooooh costa rica?! Anything particular or just for fun/leisure? I am jealous. Enjoy (:

[@debrachan1899]

Happy New Year! Happy to see your beautiful smile again! Enjoy your holiday 😊we got this! Congratulations on your weight loss 👏

[@Oldbroad1]

Nice to see you again! Congrats on your weight loss, 27 pounds is a lot! I lost nothing, but you inspire me! I bought a food scale that shows the calories. It’s really cool. I want to succeed like you! ❤

[@na-zu2ey]

I don’t struggle with my weight but I have a daughter who does. One of the biggest differences I notice between her and me, besides how much we eat, is how much time we spend thinking about food when we are not eating. She spends quite a bit of time looking for recipes and food inspiration, and to me that is a waste of time. At 40 years old, I know what is healthy and I have enough recipes to never need another. To me she seems obsessed with food but to her, she doesn’t think she thinks about food very much. I think obese people simply need to find something else to obsess about. Being so concerned with nutrition is just an excuse to obsess more. I encourage you to take up a new hobby and only post about that! Refuse to research or discuss food, and just eat sensibly- it’s not complicated so why spend more time acting as if it is. Don’t give life to your addiction.

[@l.j.2043]

Heather, will you only be posting once every few months?

[@zoelane8106]

Please don't go back to restricting your food again. It's why you gained the weight back. Processed food is ok in moderation but if you continue to tell yourself you can't have it , you will keep falling back on overeating it. I'm speaking from experience. I lost 100 pounds by eating raw Vegan and then when things happened in my life that caused me extreme stress, I gained 110 pounds. Recently I realized it's not really the food I eat but the fact that I was restricting food and thinking of food as "bad" or "good". Now I eat a lot of whole foods but also allow myself to have some processed food. I am losing weight again because I'm not obsessing over it. I really care about you and I hope you will realize that even if a certain approach worked for you , it didn't in the long run because you were restricting.

[@liss2166]

Promo-SM

[@kristinafontaine3211]

Are you the same person who was on Chef AJs show after losing 300 pounds? What happened?

[@pattypop52]

😊💜 🙏