Source: 7news.com.au
A 163kg nurse, who looks unrecognisable after dropping half her body weight, has revealed exactly how she did it.
Former cake addict Vanessa Brennan, 36, from Las Vegas, shed 82kg in 18 months by cutting out processed food.
She decided to change her ways for good after realising that she’d end up bedbound like her patients if she carried on eating and is now sharing her story to show others they can lose weight naturally too.
“I was addicted to food, I would eat when I was happy and eat when I was sad for comfort, it was a vicious cycle,” Vanessa said.
“I was self-sabotaging; I would eat a cake or two and feel terrible for eating them so then have another two.
“As I got into my twenties, my friends recommended surgery, but I knew it wasn’t the right fix for me, it was the mental aspect that I needed help with.
“Some people are addicted to drugs or alcohol, my addiction was food, but my problem is I need my addiction to live on.
“No tool or surgery will ever fix my mind but myself which is why one day I decided to change my lifestyle.
“I didn’t need a gastric sleeve, I needed myself and a good support system.”
Vanessa started working out and got down to 139kg but when she met her fiancé the weight piled back on.
“I stepped on the scales and promised myself I will never get to size 32 again as I was doing so well and from that day forward my journey truly began.”
Vanessa lost more than 63kg in 18 months by exercising six days a week and eating healthy meals without snacks.
She has since undergone a tummy tuck and an arm reduction in 2014. “I knew the gym would be hard and changing my diet, but I never knew how hard it would be to mentally deal with the trauma my weight had caused me over the years.
“Even after losing all the weight, my mind wasn’t able to adjust to my new body as I was so used to being the ‘fat funny girl with such a pretty face’.
“Previously If I had a bad meal, I would start again on Monday but now if I have one, I jump straight back on it with a healthy meal for the next.
“There is no more putting myself down or saying I ‘can’t do it’ because I know I can so I will continue to maintain a healthy weight.
“I am now off anti-depressants for the first time since I was 16, working out is my new medication.
“My whole entire life has changed, I can now tie my shoes with no problems and walk up a flight of stairs with no problems.
“I have toned down since losing weight, I can be more relaxed and I don’t feel like I have to make everyone aware that I am in the room anymore.”
Vanessa’s food diary
Before
BREAKFAST – Two eggs with two toast and bacon or pancakes.
LUNCH – Large burger and fries with diet coke
DINNER – Pasta with meatballs and Italian sausage with three slices buttered bread.
LATE NIGHT SNACK – Pasta or four slices of bread with butter and desserts such as ice cream, cakes and chocolate.
SNACKS – Crisps, cookies, cupcakes and sweets.
After
BREAKFAST – Egg whites with vegetables and sprinkle of cheese.
LUNCH – Chicken and avocado salad with Greek yogurt.
DINNER – Lean beef or chicken with zucchini noodles and a side vegetable.
SNACKS – Greek yogurt with fruit – lots of lemon water