Dr. Trish lost 36 pounds

Dr. Trish lost 36 pounds. While pursuing a doctoral degree, she was stress eating and had no time or energy for exercise. Her health was suffering due to several issues, including sleep apnea. By embracing a low-carb lifestyle and working out five days a week, she has transformed.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I gained weight while pursuing a doctoral degree. The stress caused me to eat more, and I didn’t have the time or the energy to exercise. My family has a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and strokes. I did not want to continue that history. 

I was really out of shape. I couldn’t walk up stairs without breathing hard. My body ached. My legs hurt. I also started having bad sleep apnea. I had borderline high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I want to live a long time for my husband and children, and myself, so I was determined to change my lifestyle.

How did you change your eating habits?
I initially started by eliminating high-calorie drinks and junk food such as fast food and sweets. I cooked more at home and also ate more fruit. I was then inspired by my husband to try Keto because he lost 80 pounds on it and kept it off for three years. I did more of a low-carb diet rather than strict Keto, and I used a carb and calorie tracker. I reduced my calories to 1200 – 1500 calories per day and tried to keep my carbs under 50.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I started walking 10,000 steps per day, five days per week. I later switched some days up with workouts on the elliptical or aerobics exercise on YouTube. I also started doing strength training using stretch bands and light weights.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My highest weight was 216 pounds. My lowest weight before the holidays was 175 pounds. I’ve been maintaining 180 pounds since after the holidays. I have started the second half of my journey to lose another 30 pounds. My goal weight is 150 lbs.

What is your height?
I am 5’6″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey at the end of June 2020. I lost 40 pounds by Thanksgiving 2020.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned the importance of moving every day, even if it’s not intense workouts. I also learned to stop overeating. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Keep pushing. Even if you have a bad day and miss your goals for the day, get up the next day and get back to it.

I posted my weight loss journey on my YouTube channel, Life with Dr. Trish.
Instagram: @drtrishvarner