Triumph Over Adversity: A 105 lbs Weight Loss Journey of a Mother Overcoming Challenges
Name: AJ
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Race: white
Height: 5’9
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
Location:
State: Illinois
Country: US
How much weight have you lost, and over what period of time?
105 lbs. in a year and a half.
Total weight loss?: 105 lbs
Over what time period? 1 ½ year
Which year? 2022-April 2023
How much waist change have you had over time?
Total waist circumference change: unsure, I did not measure during my weight loss journey
Do you have any medical conditions that may have contributed to your weight gain or affected your weight loss journey?
At the age of 19, I was in the ER with a blood clot in my left leg and both of my lungs. This was a huge wake-up call for me and I needed to put my health first.
What was your primary motivation for losing weight?
My 2 kids, and husband and simply to feel beautiful in my own skin again.
What was your starting weight, and what is your current weight?
Starting weight: 266 lbs
Current weight: 161lbs
Highest weight: 266lbs
Lowest weight:161lbs
What was your diet plan like? What were some foods you avoided and included?
I did the Carnivore diet my whole weight loss journey. I avoided carbs and sugar. I do have to take magnesium and potassium due to not having fruits and veggies etc.
Tell us the total number of caloric intake you had, and how did you discover what amount of calories you consumed would help with your weight loss?
1500 calories
Tell us about the average number of hours of sleep you had?
About 7 hours, on good days.
Tell us about your exercise habits before and after, and if you would like to share some of the exercise routines you used?
Walking helped so much; I average 15,000 steps a day. To help tone my body I did growwithjo workouts on YouTube.
Did you use any apps or technology to help you with your weight loss? If so, which ones?
I use my Apple watch to track my steps, MyFitnessPal to track my macros, and WeFast to track my fasting hours.
Did you join any weight loss programs or work with a coach? If so, which ones?
No
Were you placed on medications for weight loss and did it aid your weight loss journey?
I did take Phentermine in the beginning of my weight loss journey.
What tricks and techniques helped you stay on track during your weight loss journey?
Fasting helped with most of my weight loss journey, walking, and making sure I drink a gallon of water a day.
Did you face any challenges, and how did you overcome them?
Plateaus, I knew I would have them on a weight loss journey. They are discouraging but when I would prolong my fasts or have even a cheat day after 6 weeks of strict dieting it helped me get past them.
Can you tell us if you were diagnosed with medical problems before the weight loss and if they have improved, or resolved and which ones?
Blood clotting, I have to take blood thinners for the rest of my life because of it.
How has your life changed since losing weight?
I can run after my son who is 2 and feel good doing it.
What advice do you have for others who are looking to lose weight?
Start today, don't wait till Monday just go full force. You can also be someone else's inspiration and that has been a huge reward throughout this journey.
Is there anything else you want to share about your weight loss journey?
I feel so good and am proud of myself!
Can you recommend any resources or programs you found helpful during your weight loss journey?
Peyton Dunlap Carnivore group on Facebook. I got meal ideas from the group, and they pushed me to keep going every day.
