Carie lost 80 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Carie lost 80 pounds. She knew it was time for a lifestyle change when simple things like playing with her kids or sitting in the passenger seat became challenging or uncomfortable. So she did her research on eating plans, committed to a workout routine, and decided that she would not quit this time.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My name is Carie, and I’m 28 years old. My motivation to lose weight came from me being uncomfortable all of the time. Whenever I went out with my family, just sitting in the car’s passenger seat was uncomfortable. Also, I was constantly pulling my shirt down because it would always come up on my stomach. 

Playing with my kids was always hard, and doing simple tasks like washing the dishes was a struggle. There were days where I wasn’t as motivated as others, but I never wanted to give up. I was really fighting for my health and decided that no matter what, this would be the time that I WASN’T going to quit. 

How did you change your eating habits?
When I decided to lose weight, I researched different types of diets and went with low carb/high protein. I also did intermittent fasting and cut out all processed sugars, unhealthy fats, and starches. It was hard at first because my body was used to snacking on unhealthy food throughout the day, but it became easier as time went on. 

I began to make meals with lots of green veggies, i.e., broccoli, green beans, kale, spinach, cabbage, and okra. I also cut out red meat. I ate pork chops, chicken apple sausage, chicken breast, turkey, and seafood. 

Since I was practicing intermittent fasting, I only drank herbal teas (green, black, and peppermint) and drank a gallon of water a day. I didn’t follow a specific meal plan, but I stuck to making the same meals every week. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
When I first started my journey, I worked out 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes. There were days I wasn’t motivated. On those days, I would play my “unmotivated” music playlist to get myself started, and by the time I finished my work out I was so happy I did. 

My workout routine consisted of weightlifting and resistance training. I did very little cardio. However, when I did, I would run the stairs in my house or do an outdoor activity with my family. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? 
My starting weight was 254 pounds. I weigh 174 pounds now. My ultimate goal is to be 140 pounds. 

What is your height?
I’m 5 feet even.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in July 2020. It took me ten months to lose 80 pounds.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I don’t plan on getting weight loss surgery. However, I’m not going to lie. I did consider weight loss surgery in the past because I thought it was the “easy” route. However, when I started my journey, I realized that no matter whether I decided to start my weight loss journey naturally or with surgery, I would still have to put in the work. Losing a large amount of weight is hard, no matter the tools you decide to use. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I say this all the time, and I’m sure you’ve heard it a thousand times before, but it’s true when people say weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re are going to slip up. Failing is going to happen, and that’s ok. This journey was not easy at all. 

I had to learn to forgive myself and not beat myself down on days when I just wasn’t that motivated to work out or when I overate. It’s ok to have bad days. As long as you pick up right where you left off the next day, you are good. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
A scale is a tool for weight loss, but it doesn’t determine your progress. 

• If your clothes are fitting better or falling off
• If your skin is clearing up
• If your towel wraps all the way around your body, and it never did before…

Those are Non-scale victories, and they matter more than your weight ever will. If you feel good, keep doing what you’re doing until you get to where you want to be.

Instagram: @carievscalories