10 Health Lessons I Learnt From Losing 156lbs
Grace Smith, founder of Forge Female Fitness, shares how her own transformation inspired Northern Ireland’s leading female-only gym.
At 29, I was nearly 300lbs, a virtual recluse, depressed, and eating my way through grief after losing my dad to a sudden heart attack. My life revolved around a job I hated, Tayto crisps and chocolate.
On 18 June 2013, I decided enough was enough. Following nine years of depression and emotional eating and forced to see my 30s go the same way, within 12 months, I lost 156lbs naturally. That journey didn’t just change my body; it taught me what real, sustainable health means.
These are the lessons that changed my life and led me to found Forge Female Fitness in 2016, now Northern Ireland’s premier female-only gym and coaching team.
1. It’s not about willpower — it’s about “why power”
Willpower got me to Wednesday. But when you find your deep emotional “why”, that carries you through. Mine was refusing to watch another person I loved fall victim to the same health issues that took my dad.
2. The scale doesn’t tell the whole story
The scales were just one measure of progress. I also tracked energy, happiness, and how my clothes fit. The real wins were walking without being breathless and playing with my nieces. The small victories were just as important as the big ones.
3. Understanding my relationship with food changed everything
I wasn’t just eating because I was hungry; I was eating out of loneliness and anger. Once I understood why I ate, everything shifted. That’s why Forge has an expert Nutrition & Mindset Coach on our team.
4. Strength training transformed me
Forget hours on the treadmill! Lifting weights built confidence and a body I’d never had before. Feeling strong physically made me stronger mentally. Strength changes everything.
5. The right coach changes everything
Having a good coach who listened and guided with understanding made all the difference. That’s why Forge focuses on every woman’s unique goals and challenges.
6. Understanding your hormones changes everything
When I learned how my hormones affected my energy, mood and cravings, everything changed. Our coaching team now helps women do the same.
7. Small daily actions beat massive efforts
The “all or nothing” mindset kept me stuck for years. Real transformation came from small, consistent changes I could sustain. Pick one small habit this week. Master it, then add another.
8. Community matters more than motivation
Motivation fades, but community lasts. Being surrounded by women who get it and cheer you on keeps you going. Find your people. Don’t do this alone. Our community of 140+ women are each other’s cheerleaders.
9. Progress isn’t linear
Some weeks I gained. Some I lost nothing. That’s normal. Keep showing up even when results don’t show — the ones who trust the process always win.
10. If it’s to be, it’s up to me
No one was coming to save me. I had to choose myself every day. Take that first step; it can change your life.
These ten lessons became the foundation of Forge Female Fitness Northern Ireland’s leading female health studio, helping over 4,000 women transform their lives.
Real transformation isn’t just about fitness. It’s about rediscovering yourself, your body and building a life you love.
📍 Forge Female Fitness
Unit 5, Taggart’s Yard, 18 Meetinghouse Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6JN
📧 Email: grace@theforge.pt
📞 Tel: 07519726541
🌐 www.forgefemalefitness.com
