From Burnout to Balance: How Courtney Lost 70 Pounds, Quit Drinking, and Transformed Her Life
When Courtney looks back at her life just two years ago, it feels like another lifetime. Working long nights in the service industry, surviving on little sleep, fueling herself with caffeine, and leaning on alcohol to unwind, she was stuck in a cycle that left her physically drained and emotionally depleted.
Health problems were starting to surface—poor digestion, low energy, difficulty sleeping, and weight gain that seemed impossible to reverse. Menopause symptoms added another layer of frustration. Courtney knew she needed a change, but didn’t realize how much change was possible until she made one decision that would ripple through every part of her life: to start putting her health first.
Step One: Choosing Sobriety
The first turning point was quitting alcohol. What began as a short-term break turned into a permanent shift. Courtney has now been sober for over 15 months, even while continuing to work in a bar environment. She credits her success to removing herself from triggers, finding new ways to relax, and surrounding herself with supportive friends.
“Once I stopped drinking, I realized how much of my energy and time it was stealing,” she says. “I could finally see clearly what needed to change next.”
Step Two: Building Discipline Over Motivation
While Courtney’s transformation looks inspiring from the outside—70 pounds lost, improved digestion, better sleep, and reduced menopause symptoms—she’s quick to say it didn’t happen overnight.
“Motivation comes and goes. Discipline is what gets you up and moving on the days you don’t feel like it,” she explains. Her approach included:
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Regular workouts, even on busy days
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Balanced meals focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods
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Consistent sleep patterns, no matter her work schedule
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Replacing “cheat days” with moderation and mindful choices
Step Three: Rethinking Food and Fitness
Courtney shifted her mindset from seeing food as a reward or comfort to seeing it as fuel for her body. She learned how different foods impacted her energy, digestion, and workouts.
“I used to eat whatever was quick, then wonder why I felt sluggish,” she says. “Now, I think about how my meals will help me feel strong tomorrow.”
Step Four: The Ripple Effect
As her health improved, so did her confidence and mental clarity. Better sleep led to more energy, which made workouts easier. Improved nutrition reduced inflammation and bloating. And the discipline she built in her fitness journey carried over into other areas of life.
Courtney emphasizes that transformation isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about reclaiming control over your choices, your health, and your happiness.
Courtney’s Advice for Anyone Starting Their Own Journey
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Start small – Focus on one change at a time.
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Find your “why” – Your reason needs to be bigger than a number on the scale.
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Be patient – Real change takes time and consistency.
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Don’t wait for motivation – Build habits that work even on tough days.
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Surround yourself with support – The right environment matters.
Courtney’s story is proof that it’s never too late to change your life. Whether you’re struggling with unhealthy habits, feeling stuck in burnout, or simply want to feel better in your body, the first step is choosing to start—today.
💡 Inspired by Courtney’s journey? Listen to her full story on the Resoluna Podcast for more insights and actionable tips.
