Amanda lost 121 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Amanda lost 121 pounds. In college, she decided to start eating healthy and exercising to avoid a family history of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise were the tools she used for her year long transformation. Check out her story.

My name is Amanda. I have lost 121 pounds by living a low carb/sugar free/high fat lifestyle. I workout 4 – 5 times a week for 2 hours. I’d been heavy for most of my life and was often called “that fat girl”. Well, not anymore!

At my heaviest, I weighed over 300 pounds.  I started losing weight during my senior year of college.  My campus was in downtown Chicago, so I had to walk everywhere. Going up and down train station platforms was great exercise.

My motivation was to eat better and live a healthier lifestyle. Three out of four of my grandparents have/had type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. My mother was my inspiration. She was athletic in her youth, and she has always been my biggest cheerleader. She would not let me give up!

I had terrible eating habits and I’m a true chocoholic. I ate everything in sight; chips, cookies, cakes, and candy. Luckily, I found numerous low carb and sugar free substitutions for my favorite snacks. I swapped chips for pork rinds, kale chips, and popcorn. When it came to sweets, I just started eating sugar free versions of my favorite desserts. I love to cook, so I started baking sugar free cookies, cheesecakes, pies and cakes.

I am 5’9″ and now weigh 185 pounds, total weight loss: 121 pounds. My transformation took a year.

I worked out Monday – Friday (still do). 45min/1hr of cardio to warm up, then weight training. I have a home gym, but I prefer to walk/jog/bike outdoors and go to trails or around my neighborhood.

My advice to others who want to lose weight is: Be patient and take baby steps towards what you want.  Don’t compare yourself to others and never give up.  Pounds will not fall off over night – hang in there.  Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed while in the gym.  If you have a support system during your journey you are less likely to fail.  Team work always makes the dream work.  Find a partner that’s around your size (if possible) and do it together.  STICK WITH IT!

Instagram: @lifeinamandamode