Transformation of the Day: Carley shares how she lost 85 pounds. Her journey started after she experienced a severe panic attack. She began to explore the link between what she was consuming and her mental health, leading her to find a mix of healthy eating habits that worked for her. She also committed to working out.
Social Media:
Instagram: @fitwithcarl
TikTok: @Carleylauren_
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My journey started when I was on a plane ride back from a beautiful tropical vacation. My anxiety had gotten the best of me, and I had a severe panic attack on the flight. It was so bad my smart watch recorded it as a zone 3 cardio workout for 4 hours. My therapist encouraged me to explore the link between what I was consuming and my mental health. I knew I never wanted to feel like that again, and I would do anything I could to prevent that. My journey didn’t start out as a desire to change my body. I was trying to change my mind.
Once I started eating well and moving more, I realized how much better I felt. My mental health improved dramatically. My relationships with those around me became stronger. I was able to take care of myself in a way I previously wasn’t. I don’t often think about giving up now. The idea of giving up is realizing I would go back to feeling horrible. I’d much rather suffer through a workout for an hour than suffer through life.
How did you change your eating habits?
My dietary changes happened around the same time as C*VID ramped up. I started early on in my journey eating a keto-based diet. Keto was the hot new diet, and it was accessible. I could get meats and veggies sustainably from the market (unlike toilet paper)! Now, I try to eat a higher protein diet to support my exercise. I do include intermittent fasting in my routine. I no longer cut out food groups. I have food freedom and eat whatever I want without guilt.
What is your workout routine?
I focus mainly on strength training, and I have one designated cardio day a week. I enjoy all forms of movement. My most logged exercise is outdoor walks!
How often did you work out?
3 to 6 days days a week.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 250 pounds, and now I’m down to 165 pounds.
What is your height?
5’9″
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in December of 2019. My transformation has been ongoing for four years.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No surgery.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Discipline and patience. Before this journey, I was not a disciplined person. If the results weren’t instant, I didn’t want them. Nothing about this journey has been easy or quick. I’ve learned how to follow through on the commitments I’ve made to myself. I understand the value now in honoring those commitments.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Find people that you can be in community with, online or in person. Make your goals small. It’s softer on your mind to set a goal of 1lb/week rather than to try and tackle 100 lbs at once. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Learn to fall in love with the process. Take pictures. Celebrate every milestone.
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