Kiara lost 50 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Kiara shares how she lost 50 pounds. She was dealing with many health challenges, including high blood pressure, depression, GERD, and inflammation. When a naturopathic doctor suggested a food allergy test, it had a life-changing impact. Check out how she transformed her lifestyle.

Social Media:

• Instagram: @kiara.swanigan
• TikTok: kiaranow
• YouTube: Kiara Swanigan & Co

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?

My motivation was to have good health as I was suffering from heart palpitations, high blood pressure, fatigue, body aches, GERD, anxiety, depression, constant headaches, bloat, and inflammation. 

I didn’t rely on motivation because motivation does not last. However, I made a promise to myself that I would stay disciplined so that I could reach my goals.

How did you change your eating habits?

I changed my eating habits after having excessive gut health issues. I went to a naturopathic doctor, and she suggested a food allergy test. The test revealed that I was gluten intolerant, dairy intolerant, and cane sugar intolerant. 

I cut those things from my diet, and immediately, my depression and anxiety lifted. I eventually lost 50 pounds because I felt well enough to go to the gym consistently. These days, I am entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and cane sugar-free.

What is your workout routine?

When I started this journey, I worked out only one day a week as I had been inactive for over two years. I wanted to take things slowly. Eventually, I reached the five-day workout week. 

Now that I am maintaining, I go to the gym at least three days a week, exercising for 30 to 60 minutes. I warm up with cardio, whether that’s on the treadmill, elliptical, or bike. I spend the rest of my time on weights. I also hike every weekend.

How often did you work out?

I work out 3 to 5 days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?

My starting weight was 196 pounds. My current weight is 148 pounds.

What is your height?

I am 5’2″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?

I started my journey in January 2023. I got food allergies testing in March 2023. That’s when I started to see the weight melt off because my body was no longer inflamed, and my cortisol levels were balanced. 

The journey took about 10 months for me to lose all 50 pounds slowly but in the most healthy way. It’s been over a year and I’m still maintaining my 50 pound weight loss.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

Shortcuts will never sustain you on this journey. This is about a lifestyle change, not a fad diet. It’s about honoring your body and giving it what it needs to stay healthy for the long haul.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? 

• No, I didn’t have weight loss surgery.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?

Avoid shortcuts at all costs. The quicker you lose weight, the quicker it will come back. Focus on making a lifestyle change. If you use a fad diet, you’ll see the weight come back the minute you get off of it.