16.5K followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

0 saved

3

1

Here’s what I did 👇🏼

For almost 2 years I felt completely stuck.

No matter what I tried…

No matter how “clean” I ate.

No matter how much I worked out.

Nothing changed.

I’d lose a few pounds… then gain it right back.

I was exhausted, inflamed, and holding most of my weight in my midsection and face.

What I didn’t realize at the time was my body was stuck in chronic stress mode.

When cortisol stays elevated too long, your body literally holds onto fat and inflammation because it thinks it needs to survive.

Once I stopped trying to force weight loss and started supporting my nervous system and stress hormones, everything started shifting.

✨ My energy came back

✨ The puffiness and inflammation went down

✨ My body finally started responding

I’m now down 27 lbs and went from a size 12/14 in jeans to a size 6.

No extremes.

No starving.

No running myself into the ground.

Just finally working with my body instead of against it.

If you feel like you’re doing everything right but your body still feels stuck, there’s usually a reason.

follow me and comment CORTISOL and I’ll share what helped me. ❤️ for the fastest response please message me on Instagram. (TheCortisolCode)

#cortisolreset #hormonebalance #stressweightgain #weightlossplateau #hormonehealth

3/14 Edited to

1 comment

Cortisol

Related posts

Here is what I did Today!

#random #blowthisup #blowthisupforme #dayinthelife #Lemon8Diary

2 likes

A side-by-side comparison shows a person's midsection before (Jan. 1) and after (Feb. 7) a 5-week glow-up. The 'after' image reveals a more toned stomach, consistent with the article's theme of body transformation through lifestyle changes.

Let’s be clear: I did not achieve this with some crazy fad diet! i wanted to try these out as an experiment to help better my mental health and my body changed as a result. I challenge you to try what i did just for one week and see if anything changes. My confidence has gone up, my energy levels a

4684 likes

A side-by-side comparison of a woman's body transformation, showing her gaining weight between July 2023 and July 2024, with text overlays "My Tips For GAINING WEIGHT" and "HOW I TRANSFORMED My Body."

A full-body mirror selfie of a very thin woman in July 2023, with text detailing her 98lbs weight, loss of appetite due to depression, and discomfort with her body before transformation.

A full-body mirror selfie of the woman in July 2024, showing her at 123lbs, with text explaining her methods for gaining weight, including eating more and strength training.

How I Transformed My Body | Weight Gain Tips

Gaining weight has been a huge struggle for me for abt 3 years now. 2020 -2021 was real tough for me and honestly depression took over. I was struggling so badly to eat. I had absolutely no appetite and when i did I could never eat more than a few bites of something without feeling nauseous. Afte

1311 likes

A split image showing a woman's body transformation from 2023 to 2024. The left side shows her in a bikini on a beach, and the right side shows her in a sports bra and shorts in a gym, displaying a more toned physique.

A plate of food including avocado toast, kimchi, a fried egg, and kiwi slices, illustrating a clean and balanced diet. Text overlays emphasize a slight caloric deficit, balanced meals, whole foods, and listening to hunger cues.

A woman performing a seated cable row exercise in a gym, demonstrating weight lifting. Text overlays highlight training 5-6 times a week, progressive overload for muscle building, and not neglecting any muscle group.

How I transformed my body ✨

A fitness journey is a lifestyle, it can’t be about finding quick fixes to lose “x” amount of weight in “x” amount of time. My biggest mistake was neglecting the importance of a balanced high-protein diet, and it showed. Once I cleaned up my eating habits, everything else was just a plus. Weight li

3829 likes

A split image showing a woman in a white bikini, illustrating a 'before and after' weight loss transformation, with the text 'HOW I LOST 10LBS SWIPE FOR MORE' overlaid.

A plate of scrambled eggs and avocado, alongside a glass of berry smoothie, on a kitchen counter, with the text 'Intermittent fasting' overlaid.

A woman in a brown tank top and black leggings lying on an asphalt road, looking towards the sun, with the text 'Walks!!' overlaid.

How I lost 10lbs of fat!

I remember being inconsistent with my diet & overeating at night. Eventually this lead me to gain 10lbs, which isn’t a lot but I didn’t feel as good about my body. Slowly, over the course of the next 4 months I started healthier habits & lost the 10lbs I gained! Here are some of my favorite

16.5K likes

What I did traveling to NH during a snowstorm ❄️

My fav place to travel to- Laconia, NH❄️🤍 My family and I always travel here at least once a year. Gorgeous views, amazing food and super easy travel day coming from Long Island. Snowstorm Jett definitely added some excitement to our trip😅 can’t wait to see you again NH 🤍 #wintertravel #newhamps

102 likes

what i did in OKC! 🍒💌🍷

Highly suggest these places! (and book bc it’s def my new favorite) #okc #oklahomatravel #travelwithme2024 Oklahoma City

993 likes

So I did something!

22 likes

This is what I do

38 likes

A collage featuring a person with long dark hair against a cherry blossom background, overlaid with the text "THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU'RE BORED" and various cute pink and white items like a bow, gift tag, cookies, and a bunny plush.

An open spiral-bound sketchbook displaying cute bunny sketches, with pink ribbons tied around it and scattered on a textured white blanket. The text "Draw/color" is prominently displayed over the image.

A phone screen showing a lock screen and a home screen customized with pastel-colored icons and widgets, including Sonny Angel figures, strawberries, and headphones. The text "Make your own wallpaper" is overlaid.

if you’re bored try some of these things!

Here are some fun things you can do if you’re bored!! ˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚ Comment below some ideas to cure boredom! :) #bored #funthingstodo #things to do when your bored. #boredidea

6110 likes

Workouts I did 2 lose 75+ pounds

It has worked for me 🤍 @Lemon8 Fitness Hoping it will help maybe just one person. #workout 🏋️ #weightlossjourney💪 #losingtheweight #gymessentials #lemon8challenge

23.6K likes

How I went from this, to this 🍋✨

NUTRITION. My diet has been everywheeere throughout the years. at some points I’ve become nutritionally deficient. I think a part of it is a product of living in America, when my family is from South America and nutritional density is completely different here. MY WHOLE HAIR LINE HAS CHANGED. Wha

679 likes

A woman in a blue and white bikini stands in the clear blue ocean at Seaside, FL, with a sandy beach and houses in the background under a blue sky.

The United States Post Office in Seaside, FL, a white building with an American flag, is shown in a downtown area with palm trees, people, and bicycles.

A wrapped Cubano sandwich from Cocina Cubana and a High Noon drink can are on a white table, indicating dinner to-go.

Seaside, Fl What I did!

I never left the beach unless it was to get food! For lunch we went to a lobster shack typa place! We got a basket of shrimp & potatoes & it was so yum. The workers were so nice. Then we went searching for the beach. It was a walk, I didn’t realize that there’s only 1 beach area tha

28 likes

HOW I LOST 15 lbs IN 2 MONTHS 🎀 #lemon8diary

I recently changed my eating habits and overall lifestyle and it resulted to me loosing 15 pounds! Which is insane, so here’s how I did it!🎧✨ 1. Intermittent fasting This helped me remain in a calorie deficit throughout the month! Basically, I would only eat from 11am and stop eating at 6pm 🕕

6874 likes

A handwritten list titled "Dates" with heart decorations, detailing 40 date ideas for couples near RVA. The list, written on lined notebook paper, includes activities like go-karting, spa days, baking, and visiting a pumpkin patch.

40date ideas for couples near rva

Took me a couple weeks to come up with these. We have been together almost 8 months and haven’t done any of these?!?!? Definitely ideas for every season in there. 🍁☀️❄️🌷 #newdateideas #dates #relationshipdateideas #ilovemyboyfriend #rva Richmond

4211 likes

A couple posing outdoors, with the title '3 THINGS I DID TO SAVE My Relationship' overlaid on the image.

A woman with an open mouth, overlaid with text explaining 'We Almost Split Up Because of ME' and listing her past toxic traits.

A woman walking away, looking back, with the text '1. I CHANGED' and an explanation about the necessity of changing for a partner.

3 Things I Did To Save My Relationship

There’s a saying of the 7 year itch. That if you make it past your 7th year of marriage, you’re golden. This is crap. Marriage is work, every single day of the year. During our 10th year of marriage in 2020 we almost split up…… and it was because of ME. There’s so much to say but I’ll try to

283 likes

A split image shows a woman's body transformation. The left side depicts her in a red bikini top appearing heavier, while the right side shows her much leaner in a black crop top and sweatpants, taking a mirror selfie in a gym. The image highlights a 30+ lbs weight loss.

The image displays cooked chicken pieces in a pan, illustrating 'STEP 1: Changed My Diet'. The text emphasizes switching to more protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthier options for better results and overall well-being.

A gym setting with a person's legs visible, featuring a tattoo, and gym equipment in the background. The text outlines 'STEP 2: Created a split that worked for me', focusing on finding a suitable workout routine and perfecting form to prevent injury.

How i transformed my body and lost 30 lbs

3 Tips to change your physique!! -Looking at before pictures always make me so thankful that I got into the gym in the first place 🤞 these are 3 of the biggest things that helped me stay consistent and see my results more quickly! -eating clean, creating a workout split and cardio are all ama

5390 likes

so i did a thing

my hair was broken, matted and knotted. long hair stopped being me in my 20's im so pro pixie

164 likes

A close-up image shows a decorative pen or stylus featuring a butterfly design with black and clear rhinestones at the top. Below the butterfly are a clear textured bead and a black bead, leading to a pen body covered in silver rhinestones. The text overlay reads "Here's a thing I did." and "lemon8 @stkelsiej".

Here's a thing I did.

0 likes

That’s what I do

0 likes

A collage showcasing various date ideas with friends, including decorating plates, making jewelry, building LEGOs, playing with clay, cooking, and having a picnic with coloring activities.

Four panels show friends decorating plates with handwritten messages, some outdoors and some indoors, centered around the theme of 'letting go plates'.

Four panels depict friends engaged in building LEGO sets, with various pieces, instruction manuals, and finished models visible on tables and floors.

DATE IDEAS WITH FRIENDS🌺

#gettoknowme #Dateidea #dateactivity #follow #foryou

6703 likes

Here is what I did

Sign up to be a travel business owner!!! Only $199.90 link /directions below. You will receive 3 to 4 emails when you are done. https://www.plannetmarketing.com/Foster2803 Here is my link.. First step Enroll now you will see the $19.95 option click enroll now again , then you will see $19.95

0 likes

A woman in a black dress poses, making a peace sign, with the text overlay 'How I went from 180 to 135lbs in 3 months'.

A woman in a black sports bra and shorts stands, with the text overlay 'Month 1: 180lbs Unmotivated, sad, hungry', representing her starting point.

A woman in gym attire takes a mirror selfie in a gym, with the text overlay 'Month 3: 135lbs focused, happy, healthy Here's the secret'.

How I went from 180 to 135lbs in 3 months🏋️‍♀️✨

I have always struggled to lose weight my entire life and have dealt with binge eating since I can remember. I always thought I’d stay stuck in a body I believed wasn’t my full potential…until one day i said “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”. Hope these tips help you and your fitness/weightloss journey, as it did

22.8K likes

How I dodged the Freshman 15(Barely!)

— a true story of snacks, sneakers, and survival When I got to college, I swore I wouldn’t gain the Freshman 15. “Not me,” I said confidently, holding my iced coffee and wearing leggings like a second skin. I had a Pinterest board full of meal prep ideas, a cute water bottle, and gym shoes I

316 likes

A smiling woman holding a drink, with text overlay 'How I lost 40lbs in 4 months', introducing her weight loss journey.

A smiling woman posing with a drink, with text overlay 'After:', showcasing her appearance after losing weight.

A woman taking a mirror selfie from the side, with text overlay 'Before:', illustrating her appearance before her weight loss journey.

How I lost 40lbs in 4 months

⚠️I know that weight loss is not everyone’s fitness goals but it was mine! Please understand that these are the things that worked for ME & everyone is different ☺️ Here are three things I did to help me reach my goals ✨ 1. Eat every 2-3 hours: I use to eat 2-3 large meals or not eat unti

2574 likes

WELL THIS IS WHAT I DO!

I’m an esthetician, and honestly being an esthetician is like this big umbrella there are so many different services you can offer. My main specialties right now are makeup, lashes, brow tinting, and waxing. In school, I learned a whole lot of other skills too ( body sculpting, brow services, hyalu

271 likes

A white background with pink and purple floral accents, displaying a bulleted list of activities to do "With no internet," such as drawing, journaling, reading books, and organizing.

A white background with pink and purple floral accents, showing a bulleted list of activities to do "With internet," including making playlists, playing games, online shopping, and watching movies.

Things to do when bored!

What to do when your bores or stuck inside because it’s too hot or rainy, if it’s nice outside go to the third pic. #things to do when your bored. #boredidea #rainyday #rainydayactivities #bored

11.7K likes

A top-down view of fallen autumn leaves in shades of orange and brown, with white text overlayed that reads "8 diy crafts to do this fall".

Three fall-themed doormats, one with a pumpkin, one with ghosts, and one with a checkerboard pattern, are displayed on a wooden table alongside various craft paints and palettes.

Three small terracotta pots are painted with fall designs, including mushrooms, pumpkins, and ghosts, showcasing creative autumn decor.

8 diy crafts for fall 🎃

fall content is back & here’s some crafts to do with family & friends this season. #falldiy #fallcrafts #fallcrafting #Lemon8Diary #holidaydecor

1858 likes

A close-up of a person's face showing visible acne on the cheek and jawline, with the title 'HOW I HEALED MY ACNE NATURALLY' overlaid.

A close-up of a person's face with widespread acne, accompanied by text describing the onset of chronic autoimmune-like symptoms and debilitating acne in 2021.

A close-up of a person's cheek showing inflamed acne, with text explaining the decision to take health into their own hands for a healing journey.

HOW I HEALED MY ACNE NATURALLY

I root and feel for anyone dealing with acne. It isn’t fun at all, it can hurt and ruin one’s confidence. If there’s one thing you take away while reading this is that your acne will heal🙏🏽 your body is powerful, and it’s constantly doing what it can to come back into homeostasis. Remember

4917 likes

2 crazy things I did in my hall makeover!

2 crazy things I did in my hall makeover, one of them I’d probably do different if I did it again. What would you have done?? #hallway #hallwaydecor #homedecor #homeremodel #homedesign

430 likes

A side-by-side comparison showing a woman's weight loss transformation. The left image shows her before, in a sports bra and leggings. The right image shows her after losing 40lbs, in a fitted brown top and shorts, highlighting her slimmer physique and defined waist.

40LBS DOWN, HOW I DID IT!

After my last post, I had a lottt of questions about how exactly I lost weight after gaining due to medical circumstances. The truth is, it wasn’t easy, it took around 5-6 months, and there was a lot of trial and error involved. After finding what worked best for me, someone who is very progress dr

5305 likes

Girly Activities To Do!

Go be creative and switch it up a bit! #ThingsToDo #creativity #girlyfun

242 likes

WHAT DID I DO WHEN I TURNED 19?

WHAT DID I DO WHEN I TURNED 19? #fyp #foryou #explore #viralreels 💔 this is my last birthday video I promise 😝😝 see yall later !!

405 likes

0 likes

HOW DID I DO THAT?!

846 likes

I did something…

Soooo what are your thoughts?? #Lemon8Diary #beautyfinds #embracevulnerability #shareyourthoughts #collegestudent #collegelife #collegecontentcreator #collegecreator

467 likes

A woman in black scrubs takes a mirror selfie, with text overlay "LIFE AS A Medical Receptionist" and a floral stethoscope sticker.

A person in black scrubs sits at a medical office front desk, working on a computer, with a "Scream" mask sticker covering their face and a speech bubble "No you hang up first!".

A black and white photo shows a woman in athletic wear lifting a barbell overhead in a gym, illustrating her morning workouts before work.

What I did in my gap year! 🩺

I spent my gap year between undergraduate and graduate school as a medical receptionist at a holistic healthcare office. During this time, I learned so much more about the inns and outs of an outpatient office, as well as what it takes to run one that is privately owned. I outlined my days

95 likes

I DID A THING…

Stepping into a dream where romance and luxury intertwine ✨🌹 The Prismatic Phoenix resides here—wrapped in florals, candlelight, and a little bit of magic. #RomanticizeYourLife #EtherealLuxe #RomanticNouveau

1480 likes

I decided to try laxatives for the first time💀😭

2559 likes

A split image titled "How I lost 40 lbs in 4 months KETO" shows a woman's before and after weight loss transformation. The left side shows her heavier with pink hair and sunglasses, while the right side shows her slimmer with brown hair and glasses, holding a phone and a can.

🌸How I lost 40 lbs in 4 months🌸

Hey y’all! Let’s chat about keto! 🥑✨ Keto, or ketogenic, is a low-carb, high-fat diet designed to shift the body into a state of ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat consumption, typically aroun

1114 likes

I’ll tell you what worked for me👇🏾

Back in November 2023, I decided to make a change because I didn’t like what I saw in pictures that I took for my birthday the previous month. I decided to give up gluten (yes no gluten) I drank nothing but water, I meal prepped weekly and lowered my portions of food while also upping my protei

1996 likes

a trip to Colorado: MUST do’s

this is around my 12th time going to Colorado and there’s always SO MUCH to see and explore! Every visit my brother, who lives in Colorado, takes us to a new spots and it is hard to choose a favorite! Anyways, here’s where I went on my trip: 🫧 These are in no particular order ! 💌 There’s probab

280 likes

craft ideas✨🖌

#aestheticcrafts #cutecrafts #craftidea #craft #craftideas

845 likes

How I became a GIRL BOSS 💰| I DO WHAT I LOVE 🪄✨🫧🧼

Hey girlies i felt the need to share this, because it’s something I’m passionate about and it’s how i make money by doing what I love. The ending of 2020 I quit my WFH job, and before y’all start yelling and saying what the hell was I thinking lol hear me out. 1. The pay and hours were shitty.

1321 likes

So I did a thing

Mr and Mrs Copeland 08/28/2025

35 likes

So I did a thing…

Can’t wait to share all the content from last night’s concert! #straykids #kpop #fyp

31 likes

What do I do now 🖤

all I wanted was a boyfriend for Valentines day and I screwed up, also I have liked him for a month but I thought he liked me back.

258 likes

A podcast player interface titled 'I Manifested a FREE Car, But Paid For It With My Energy Instead'. It shows 'Cosmosis or Whateva with Saliamarie1243', dated May 23, with a 24-minute duration. A description about a 'crazy story-time' is also visible.

The podcast cover art for 'COSMOSIS, or whateva with SaliaMarie1243' featuring a woman's face. Below, it lists the podcast title and author, with checkmarks indicating availability on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Be Careful What You Wish For 😅

A free car is the wildest thing I’ve manifested aside from the healthiest relationship I’ve been in 💕 I paid ZERO dollars for the car but my energy took a whacking lol 😩 I read from my actual journal in this episode, grab your popcorn 🍿😂 What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever manifested? Or

934 likes

A young woman with dark hair and pink highlights lies on a white blanket in a grassy field. Text overlay reads: 'What my client asked for and What I did'.

A client's shoulder-length brown hair with subtle highlights, viewed from the back. A text bubble states: 'I want my hair to be more vibrant red. I also want highlights and thicker money pieces'.

A client's hair styled with red and blonde highlights, including prominent blonde money pieces framing the face. The hair has a layered, wavy cut.

What my client asked for vs what they got!💇‍♀️

Hey! My name is Tori and I’m a licensed cosmetologist! I just recently graduated cos school, and here are some of the hair i’ve done from the time i started to now!! 🤍 #halloween2023 #shareyourthoughts #hellolemon8 #hairstyles #hairinspo #hairtips #dayinmylife #fallvibes #unaesthe

743 likes

A graphic showing two positive pregnancy tests, one strip and one digital, with text overlays "You Got A Positive!" and "What Happens Next? SWIPE". A pregnant woman graphic is on the digital test.

A woman in a sports bra and shorts, showing her bare stomach, with text "STEP 1 Make sure to document how you feel when you find out! This pic is right after I found out. I was only 3 weeks here."

An open hand holding four white and pink prenatal vitamin capsules, with text "STEP 2 Start taking a prenatal if you aren't already. Along with that you should of course stop any drinking, smoking or anything else you're doing that could potentially harm the pregnancy."

You’re pregnant! What happens next 🤰🏽

When you get your first posting it can be SO overwhelming! This is all of the stuff I did right after finding out I was pregnant at only 3 weeks! 🤰🏽 I took a selfie! 🤳 Idk why but I was just feeling so overwhelmed with happiness when I found out I just wanted to document everything and take

2898 likes

The image shows a bathtub filling with bubbly water, with candles on the rim. Overlay text in pink and white reads "Vagina Fun facts". The bottom left corner has "lemon8 @lilmissmilaidy".

The image features dark, bubbly water with a white text box explaining that a vagina can be wet without sexual arousal due to hormones, sweat glands, or touch, emphasizing the importance of verbal consent.

The image shows dark, bubbly water with a white text box explaining that vaginas deepen when aroused, elongating from their normal 3-6 inches to make room for penetration.

Vagina Fun facts‼️

Understanding fun facts about vaginal health is crucial for promoting body positivity, encouraging open communication, empowering informed choices, preventing misconceptions, encouraging regular health check-ups, and enhancing sexual pleasure. This knowledge fosters overall well-being, confidence,

13.9K likes

See more