Shelly lost 68 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Shelly lost 68 pounds. This RN struggled with her weight for years. She realized that no act of service to others was more important than prioritizing her own health. The Ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting are two methods that have helped her find success. Check out her story.

My Nonsurgical, Natural, Weight Loss Journey: I’ve been struggling with being overweight for most of my life. Since the age of 10, my weight steadily increased. Into my teens and throughout my adult life, I was obese.

I became a Registered Nurse and dedicated my career to improving other people’s health while struggling to improve my own. Before I knew it, I was turning 49. I promised myself that my next 50 years would be better than the past. I knew I had to make a healthy change.

My motivations were a heart to heart conversation with my daughter and the memory of my Mother.

The conversation with my daughter made me think deeply about the impact that my unhealthy lifestyle and potential early demise would have on her as an only child.

In retrospect, I realize that my mom, who was also a nurse, sacrificed her own health to make others whole. She dedicated her all to family, friends, and service. In her selfless giving, my Mother did not take the time to pause and adequately restore and heal herself.

In Early 2018, just before my 49th birthday, my leg developed a blood clot. Until then, the only physical health issues I struggled with was obesity and many failed diet attempts. This forced me to accept that no act of service to others was more important than caring for my body, mind, and spirit. I decided it was time to take laser-focused action NOW.

My daughter introduced me to the Ketogenic lifestyle. I reduced my carb intake and increased my intake of healthy fats. My daily goal for carbs is 20g or less. My fat goal is 60-80g.

I incorporated intermittent fasting into my lifestyle. That includes shorter fasting periods (hours during the day) and extended fasting periods (48 hours+). My 24-hour fasting eating ratio is 20/4 during the week. On the weekends, I allow more flexibility with an 18/6 ratio.

I meditated and wrote out my thoughts to encourage myself and others along the way. I learned to put food in its rightful place as fuel and not a reward or coping mechanism.

Now, I exercise 5-7 days a week, and my workouts include meditative-walking, hiking, biking, Pilates, and yoga.

My highest recorded weight is 228 pounds. By the time I made a real working effort, my starting weight was 210 pounds in May 2018. My current weight is 160 pounds, and my height is 5’1″.

Some of the biggest lessons that I have learned: Do Not Give Up!
With God, all things are possible. I also learned to trust myself more as I stuck to my plan and accomplished each goal I set.

My advice: Dear Friends, you are worthy of the healthy changes you are seeking. Keep going towards your goals, and when you fall, get back up.

Instagram: @wiseshellyspeaks