Sharon McMahon, known for her informative and empowering voice as the founder of Sharon Says So, is an inspiration to thousands. While many know her as a trusted resource for civics education and government facts, her personal journey to health and wellness has resonated with many others on a much deeper level. In 2024, Sharon embarked on a transformative weight loss journey that resulted in a dramatic 50-pound weight loss, going from 200 pounds to 150 pounds. But Sharon’s transformation isn’t just about numbers on a scale—it’s a story of resilience, emotional growth, and finding balance.

In this intimate interview, Sharon opens up about what motivated her to make lasting changes, how she navigated the ups and downs of her journey, and the profound impact it has had on her mental and emotional well-being. What began as a quest for better health turned into a journey of self-love, reflection, and empowerment.

The Start: A Moment of Realization

For Sharon, the road to weight loss began not with a dramatic resolution, but with a quiet realization. For years, she had focused on balancing her career, family, and advocacy work, all while slowly letting her health fall to the wayside. But as her health began to feel the strain, Sharon knew it was time to make a change.

“I was just tired,” Sharon admits. “Tired physically, emotionally, and mentally. I’d been focusing on everything and everyone else, but I wasn’t showing up for myself. I knew it was time to take a step back and reevaluate what I was putting into my body and how I was caring for myself.”

She continues, “I wasn’t looking at myself through the lens of weight loss or fitting a certain body type. It wasn’t about vanity—it was about health—about feeling better physically and emotionally so that I could do all the things I loved to do and be the person I wanted to be.”

It wasn’t an easy realization, though. Sharon had spent much of her life justifying her habits, excusing them with the pressures of work, motherhood, and life. But the moment she acknowledged that her own health needed attention, everything changed.

The Decision: Shifting Focus from Perfection to Balance

Sharon’s decision wasn’t based on a “quick fix” mindset. Like many people, she had tried various diets, exercise routines, and self-improvement strategies, but the results were always temporary. This time, she knew she had to take a sustainable, long-term approach.

“I decided that this wasn’t going to be another ‘dieting cycle.’ I wasn’t looking for a quick transformation,” Sharon says. “It was about focusing on balance, making choices that would last, and being consistent.”

Sharon didn’t want to deprive herself of the things she loved, so she began experimenting with different methods that allowed her to enjoy her life while making healthier choices. She incorporated mindful eating, opting for whole, nutritious foods, while still enjoying the occasional treat.

“I learned to be kinder to myself. I didn’t have to starve myself or cut out everything I loved,” Sharon says. “Instead of seeing food as something to restrict, I started seeing it as fuel—something that nourished me.”

Alongside her diet changes, Sharon integrated physical activity into her routine, starting with low-impact exercises such as walking and stretching. Slowly, she added more strength training and cardio, building up her stamina over time.

The Struggles: Navigating Setbacks and Overcoming Self-Doubt

The road wasn’t without its bumps. Sharon, like many others on a weight loss journey, faced moments of doubt, frustration, and self-criticism. There were times when the weight wasn’t coming off as quickly as she’d hoped, and other times when the scale seemed to go up instead of down. She also had to confront deeply ingrained habits and patterns that she had relied on for years.

“I won’t sugarcoat it—it was hard,” Sharon admits. “There were times when I felt defeated. I would wonder, ‘Am I ever going to get there? Is this even worth it?’”

But rather than letting those setbacks derail her progress, Sharon learned to reframe her perspective. She realized that weight loss was not just about physical changes—it was about changing her mindset and how she viewed herself.

“There were days when I wanted to quit, but I had to remind myself that it was about the journey—not just the destination,” she says. “I had to embrace the idea that progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay. The important part was showing up every day, even if it was just a little bit.”

Her struggle with consistency wasn’t just about exercise or diet; it was about pushing through the emotional and mental barriers that often held her back. For Sharon, the real challenge was learning to be kind to herself and give herself permission to move forward, no matter the speed.

The Breakthrough: 50 Pounds Lost and Confidence Gained

After a year of consistency, Sharon had lost 50 pounds—transforming not just her body, but her outlook on life. But as she reflects on her journey, she acknowledges that the weight loss itself was secondary to the newfound confidence and joy that came from living a healthier lifestyle.

“When I saw the number on the scale, I felt proud, of course. But what really blew me away was how much better I felt mentally,” Sharon shares. “I have more energy, more confidence, and I’m just overall happier. I’m able to keep up with my kids, I feel more focused, and I don’t feel held back by my own body anymore.”

For Sharon, the 50 pounds lost was a tangible measure of her commitment and progress. But the emotional benefits—the sense of empowerment, mental clarity, and overall well-being—were even more significant.

“This isn’t just about losing weight,” she says with a smile. “This is about reclaiming my life, and I feel like I’ve done that.”

Patience, Self-Compassion, and Mindset

Sharon’s weight loss journey has been transformative, not only for her body but for her mind and heart. Her advice for others who might be starting their own health journey is simple but powerful: be patient, be kind to yourself, and focus on building sustainable habits.

1. Be patient with yourself: “Weight loss isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. The results may not come quickly, but they will come if you stay consistent.”

2. Find balance, not restriction: “Health isn’t about cutting everything you love out. It’s about learning how to incorporate the things you enjoy into a balanced lifestyle.”

3. Self-compassion is key: “Don’t be hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Show yourself kindness and understand that setbacks are part of the journey.”

4. Consistency is the secret: “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up every day and making small changes that add up over time.”

Sharon’s Ongoing Journey

While Sharon has made incredible progress, she knows that her journey is far from over. She remains committed to maintaining her healthy habits and continuing to grow both physically and mentally.

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I know that this is an ongoing journey,” Sharon says. “I’m still learning, still improving, and still making choices that support my well-being. The best part is, I now have the confidence to continue on this path for the rest of my life.”

For Sharon McMahon, the journey isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about living life to its fullest, embracing every stage of the process, and prioritizing self-love and well-being. Her story is a testament to the power of patience, resilience, and the ability to transform both body and mind.