Alessandra lost 31 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Alessandra lost 31 pounds. Earlier this year, a routine physical revealed that she had pre-diabetes and high cholesterol. With her 3-year-old twins in mind, she decided it was time to make some serious lifestyle changes, like working with a dietitian. 

Social Media:
Instagram: @alecat86

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was after I went in March 2023 to get my yearly physical and my Doctor, and I realized I was heavier than I’d ever been. My blood work came back showing high cholesterol issues as well as pre-diabetes. I knew then I had to make some serious changes. 

I wanted to ensure I was whole and healthy for my 3-year-old twins. He referred me to a dietician, and it took two months to get an appointment. I saw the Dietician on May 2, 2023, and we had a detailed appointment discussion regarding lifestyle changes. 

How did you change your eating habits?
The very first thing I did was download MyFitnessPal and start to track my calories. I like it because it holds me accountable for what I am eating. I stopped eating sugar and fast food. I make sure I eat 1,200 calories per day. Sometimes, I eat a bit more if I work out. 

I played around with various protein drinks until I found 1 I liked. Now, I drink 1 per day as a meal replacement. I drink about 96 ounces of water a day. The biggest thing is just making sure I stay within my allotted calories per day. 

What is your workout routine?
I purchased a walking pad from Amazon for my office and home. I used to only get about 3,000 steps a day. I only sit down once I hit at least 10,000 steps per day. I usually do about 1,200 steps per day. 

I plan to start strength training this week.  

How often did you work out?
I walk on my walking pad about six days per week. I enjoy it and feel better when I do. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 198 pounds.

My current weight is 167 pounds.

My goal weight is 160 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5’2″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My journey started on May 2, 2023. It has been about five months so far. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I had no weight loss surgery.  

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to actually pay attention to what I am eating. There are so many things that I did not realize carried so many calories and sugar. 

I learned to educate myself on what I put in my body more. I have also learned to meal prep and take the time to make my own food at home.

I have learned to move, move, move! To make myself more active, even when (or especially when) I don’t want to.  

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
My advice is to literally just start! Don’t wait until the first of the month, and don’t wait until next week. Start today! Start walking, start educating yourself on what exactly you’re eating and if it is best for your health.