Necia lost 80 pounds

Necia lost 80 pounds. Her weight gain was due to fertility treatments in her quest to give birth. She developed several ailments, including high blood pressure, sciatica, insulin-dependent diabetes. As a proud mom of two children with autism, she wants to be as healthy as possible for her family. Keto and intermittent fasting are two of the tools she used.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My children are the #1 motivating factor for me! I’ve never been overweight. The 70 lb weight gain I experienced (caused by my desire to start a family via In vitro fertilization) was extreme for me.

I knew the weight gain was not caused by excessive food intake. It was due to everything I had put my body through to get pregnant and have my children. (13 months of failed IUIs, two successful IVFs, 16 months of daily hormone injections, & 2 complicated, high-risk C-sections) I became extremely depressed when it came to my weight gain. 

I had high blood pressure and sciatica/hip/knee pains. I developed high cholesterol, and I was put on thyroid medication and developed gestational diabetes (insulin-dependent) because of the weight gain.

I had to make a change and fast to ensure I would live to help my children, who have special needs/disabilities, get through life (both of my children are autistic). I did not want the reason I left this earth sooner than expected to be my weight. So, I started my weight loss journey. 

Today, I am no longer insulin-dependent, and no longer on thyroid medications. My cholesterol is low, and my blood pressure is controlled with a low dosage of medication.

How did you change your eating habits?
10/7/2019 – 05/17/2020 = I stayed consistent on the Keto diet plan.
05/18/2020 – present = I started intermittent fasting for 17hrs per day with: 

• 1/2 scoop premier protein powder in water for breakfast and 1/2 scoop for dinner
• A pescatarian meal for lunch (salmon or tilapia & veggie salad only)

I’ve been doing this same routine every day from 5/18 to the present. I completely stopped eating bread, flour, pasta, sugar, red meat, chicken, etc. (No cheat days). I also started using Total Life Changes products for detox purposes.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out? 
I worked out seven days a week (no rest days). For the first 25 pounds, I did cardio only for 45-60 minutes a day on the elliptical or hiking. Then, I started including strength training 15 minutes per day for toning purposes.

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

• 10/7/2019 – 261.16 pounds (keto) (32.2 lbs lost in 7 months)
• 5/18/2020 – 228.8 (fasting, pescatarian diet & Total Life Changes products) 
• 7/23/2020 – 181.4 lbs (47.4 lbs in 65 days)

What is your height?
5’4″

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I have not had any surgical assistance with my weight loss. However, I would consider a mommy makeover after I have lost my desired weight on my own.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? 
I have learned to put myself first because I am no good to my spouse and my children if I am not happy within; spiritually, mentally, and physically healthy.

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

Make the time for yourself and your health. Know that we women are the true definition of strength. We can have a career, care for our children and spouse, run our households, and still make time to care for and love ourselves and our bodies. 

It’s ok to be selfish at times and put ourselves first, without feeling guilty for doing so. We have to hold ourselves accountable for our decisions and actions. We have to maintain consistency and keep a “NO EXCUSES” mentality to succeed on this journey. 

Also, ask for help and support when you need it. I wouldn’t be here without my sistas/accountability partners.

Instagram: @iamneciamartinez