Brandy lost 36 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Brandy lost 36 pounds. She experienced weight gain after the loss of a child. When she learned that she had a 46 inch waist and was at risk for diabetes, this Houston mom decided to take action. Learning to love herself in the now and going Keto has been crucial to her success.

In 2012, I lost 45 pounds and said never again. However, years later and after my rainbow baby (after a loss), I found myself right back in the same predicament… but worse. My heaviest weight this time was 261.9 pounds on my 5’5” frame. In addition to this, my doctor told me I had pre-diabetic symptoms. Being that diabetes ran in BOTH sides of my family, I knew I had to do something. Also, seeing “46 inch waist” on doctors visit form was an eye opener.

It was very hard for me to let people see me. I punished myself by not buying clothes until I was a smaller size. I finally started seeing results when I decided to start loving myself in the present moment. My husband has been supportive of me starting a Keto lifestyle and joining a nearby bootcamp in April.

I fractured my foot last month by tripping, but doing whatever I could as a mother to not drop my daughter in the process. That put me right back into a depressed state. I felt like I was finally making huge progress before this happened. Now, due to the injury, I have time to focus on nutrition and on staying on track while I heal. I know this is a lifetime marathon, not a sprint. That it makes me take great pride now in non-scale victories and any positive step towards my goal. Self Love saved me.

How did you change your eating habits to go Keto?
I started researching Keto after watching youtuber @chanelrosegold and messaging @nursefitnfine. I read the book Keto Clarity and started pinning recipes from Pinterest. The nurse practitioner I see for insurance wellness checkups said it was good to do and set my initial macros for me in terms of percentages of protein, fats and carbs.

I stopped eating bread and chips, which was very hard for me because I love mexican food. I also stopped drinking empty calories. I was drinking AT least 4 cans of Dr. Pepper a day. I started using lettuce as a substitute for bread and incorporating lots of side salads to replace fries. I decorated the water bottles I carry around with me to keep my water intake up, as that was a struggle for me.

How many days a week did you workout?
Before my current foot fracture, I worked out 3 days a week. I am currently able to cycle and do upper body workouts. I will be cleared to ease back into workouts in 1 week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 261.9 pounds. My current weight is 225.7 pounds.

When did you start your journey?
I’ve gone up and down for a while since 2017. I did the New Years Resolution thing but, didn’t want it bad enough. I finally said enough is enough in March 2018, staying consistent and starting Keto.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Loving myself during my journey. I struggled with buying clothes at size 18. I was wearing sweats and long sleeves to cover up in Texas weather. I’ve learned to cut myself some slack and love all of me at size 18 and my current of size 12. I’ve shifted my focus to being healthy and protecting my temple. I’m making changes so that I can enjoy my kids, my husband, and live in good health.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
It’s a marathon, not a race. Keep going and making small changes. It all adds up. Take plenty pictures during your journey and do what works for you. Every journey is unique and there is no cookie cutter plan.

Instagram: @shopsincerelybk