Moroccan Magic, Missed Doses & A Very Real 8lb Gain
Let’s just say it: Marrakesh was absolutely incredible.☀️
The weather? Glorious.
The food? Delicious.
The souks? Chaotic.
The step count? Outrageous.
The sunshine? Soul-restoring.
The... forgotten Mounjaro injection? Wait, what?!😳
🌴 Let’s Rewind: A Missed Injection (Cue Panic)
Yes, you read that right. After 49 straight weeks of perfectly timed doses, I forgot to take my injection before I left for Morocco. I know. I KNOW.
The moment I realised, I went into full spiral:
Would I raid the minibar and inhale everything in sight? 🍫🍪🍷
Would I turn into a raving crisps-and-chocolate monster mid-flight?
Would I gain 20lbs overnight and lose all the hard-won progress?
Would my next injection cause horrendous side effects for skipping a dose?
Would I wake up in a baklava-fuelled sugar coma under a pile of pistachios and regret?
Spoiler alert: none of that happened.
🥂 What Actually Happened
I was...fine.
I drank more than I did in Cape Verde (we’re calling it “hydrated with style”) but stuck to wine and gin & tonic. Not a sugary cocktail in sight. 🍷✨
I had a few no-alcohol days, like a very grown-up, very sensible adult. (Who even am I?!)
We enjoyed some incredible Moroccan food – and yes, the desserts were small, sweet, and delightful. Bite-sized joy, not binge-inducing doom.
No mad cravings, no emotional breakdown in the snack aisle, no midnight kebab regrets.
Turns out,missing one injection isn’t the end of the world. I made conscious choices, moved more than I have in weeks, and had an actual holiday, without guilt.
🥘 Let’s Talk Food: Morocco Style
Let’s just say the Moroccans donotskimp on the honey. 🍯
Whether it was tagines, pastries, or sticky nutty delights, there was sweetness in everything. But the portion sizes? Tiny. Perfect for a taste without the overload.
Most days, we were in a buffet-style hotel — and I was amazed at how easily I gravitated towards healthier, balanced meals. A little protein, a lot of salad, a sliver of something sweet. I didn’t overeat. I didn’t evenwantto.
And I never thought I’d say that.
🏃♀️ Step Count: Breaking Records (and Nearly Our Marriage)
We walked everywhere. And I meaneverywhere.
One afternoon, we got totally lost in the souk. Like, “will we ever find the hotel again” levels of lost. But on the plus side, my step count hit a new record. So technically, getting lost was a cardio win. (Although my husband may disagree.)
⚖️ Weight Gain: Yep, It Happened
📈 Weight gain: 8lbs
😱 Emotional reaction: “What the actual…?!”
But here’s the thing. I landed Sunday night. Weighed Monday morning.
My legs were full of post-flight swelling. I’d had more sugar, more salt, more wine than usual. I missed a dose. My body did what bodies do when they’re in a different rhythm.
Am I thrilled? No.
Am I devastated? Absolutely not.
This is real life.
🔄 What Matters Most
The most important part of this update isn’t the gain.
It’s what I did next:
✅ Took my next injection — even though I was nervous about side effects. (Spoiler: I was fine!)
✅ Returned to healthy eating— no “holiday mode hangover” dragging on for days.
✅ Reconnected with my “why” — not to be skinny, but to be strong, free, healthy, and full of energy.
And do you know what? Just ten months ago, I was nearly 20 stone.
I wouldn’t have managed the walking. I wouldn’t have worn the clothes I wore.
I wouldn’t have felt confident, radiant,me.
This wasn’t just a trip. It was a checkpoint. A reminder of how far I’ve come.
📓 Journaling Prompt of the Week
When you hit a “setback” like a weight gain, missed dose, or indulgent weekend… what is your usual reaction?
How can you begin to respond with compassion, curiosity, and clarity instead?
This isn’t about perfection. This is about staying in motion. 💛
🧳 Holiday Learnings (Besides Pack Your Pen, Helen)
Missing one dose won’t derail your life.
Enjoying your holiday is not failure.
You are not defined by a number on a scale.
And honestly, sunshine fixes almost everything. ☀️
So here I am, post-holiday, a little puffier, but a LOT more grounded.
Charged up. Recommitted. And excited for the road ahead.
Because this isn’t the end of the journey. This is just a detour.
💬Has anyone else missed a dose before? How did you find it? Let’s swap stories in the comments!
Next up: Operation Autumn Reset 🍂
Because I’ve got goals, people. And no baklava in sight.
Helen x
