The Myth of Arrival
The finish line I imagined? It doesn’t exist. Here’s what does.
Welcome back to “The Psychology of Weight Loss,” my honest look at what happens in your mind after your body changes. In Post 1 I shared how losing 52 pounds didn’t make me feel “tiny” — just surprisingly normal. Today, I want to talk about another surprise on this journey: the myth of arrival. That persistent little belief that once we hit a certain number on the scale, everything will magically fall into place.
There’s no magic moment when weight loss feels “finished.” What there is: stronger muscles, repeatable meals that work, and the occasional recipe flop that reminds me balance is the real goal.
When I first started losing weight, I carried around this little fantasy: When I get to my goal weight, everything will be perfect. Perfect body, perfect confidence, perfect health, maybe even perfect jeans.
The truth? There’s no magic finish line waiting to hand me a medal. There’s just the next phase of learning what my body needs, and the ongoing work of getting comfortable in my own shell — the parts I love, and the parts still under construction.
Right now, my body feels like it’s in a settling stage. I’m close to where I want to be, but I know I need to build more muscle, fuel better, and give myself time to catch up with this new version of me.
For months I coasted along happily, enjoying the freedom of not obsessing about food. I ate little bits of things I’d once restricted. I let weight loss happen in the background without white-knuckling it. That was such a relief.
Now, the focus has shifted. I’m eating more intentionally — not obsessively, but with purpose. More protein, more foods that fuel my body, more energy so I can actually build muscle. It sounds counterintuitive to eat more when you’ve just lost weight, but it makes sense: my body needs strength and energy, not just less.
One thing that has surprised me is how comforting repetition can be. Having a few go-to meals on repeat takes away the mental load. I don’t have to reinvent the wheel three times a day. And when I do experiment with new recipes (usually once a week), it’s a mixed bag: some wins, some flops. When the flops happen, back to my trusty staples I go. That balance — autopilot for most meals, curiosity for some — feels sustainable.
So no, I haven’t “arrived.” There’s no ribbon at the end of this race. What there is: better sleep, more energy, a body that moves more easily, and the daily lessons of building a life I can live inside, not just a body I can shrink.
Concrete Note on the Physical Journey
This week I’m learning that maintenance isn’t standing still — it’s a phase of refining, rebuilding, and resetting. My weight has steadied, and now I’m focusing on muscle and strength.
Recipe Corner 🍴
Win: Miso-Glazed Salmon Dinner
This one was such a keeper — easy, flavorful, and exactly what my body needs for protein + healthy fuel.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 Tbsp white miso paste
1 Tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
Sesame seeds + sliced scallions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a small bowl, whisk miso, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil.
Pat salmon dry, place on a foil-lined baking sheet, and brush generously with glaze.
Roast for 12–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions before serving.
Perfect Pairings (Sides that Worked Well)
Garlic sautéed spinach (quick and adds greens).
Roasted sweet potato wedges (sweet/savory balance + slow-burn carbs).
Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice.
Quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar + sesame seeds.
Verdict: Easy, packed with flavor, and feels like a restaurant meal at home. Definitely in the weekly rotation.
Flop: Squid Ink Pasta with Anchovy-Caper Sauce
Bon Appétit promised it would be “briny, bright, and addictive.” For me, it was… a lot. Black noodles, strong anchovy-caper flavor, lemon zest — my taste buds weren’t buying it. Halfway through I was wishing for plain marinara. My partner gave it a polite try, then asked if we could “just make eggs instead.”
Verdict: Not for me. But hey, every failed recipe just makes me appreciate my reliable go-tos even more.
Closing Thought
One keeper, one disaster — balance in the kitchen, just like balance in this whole weight-loss journey.
What’s your version of the “myth of arrival”? Have you ever thought, “When X happens, then I’ll finally feel Y”? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments.
For anyone exploring GLP-1 medications or navigating this path themselves, I’ve gathered everything that helped me — from managing side effects to the small mindset shifts that make a big difference — in my book, The GLP-1 Revolution. It’s the guide I wish I’d had at the start: part science, part story, and a companion to help you feel less alone and more prepared as you find your own way forward.
