My name is Julia Terranova (@juliagetslean), and I’m 25 years old. I live in Newberg, Oregon, and I’m a receptionist. After I reached a point of overeating and getting diagnosed with multiple health problems, I committed myself to keto and calorie tracking and regained my health.
Before I discovered the keto diet, I was struggling with binge eating, especially when it came to fast food. My days revolved around traveling to the drive-in by ordering large parts. I stop by McDonald’s and Taco Bell twice a day, at least. I hid this habit from everyone, and the weight slowly picked up.
I blame my weight gain on the fact that I had two babies 14 months apart. I would eat meals at home with my family, and then find ways to have a reason to get fast food or coffee drinks at a local coffee shop. I drink half of my calories in one day, on top of my multiple fast food trips.
I never realized I had a problem until I started finding ways to make extra money to fund my fast food habits. I would look for change and sell old clothes as household items just to feed my addiction.
In addition, my physical health was struggling. I was newly diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and I also had high blood pressure and prediabetes. I was 100 percent seated, besides helping my toddlers with daily tasks.
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I hit my rock bottom when my husband and I were on a road trip along the Oregon coast.
We were on our way to California, which is a long trip we made in just one day. I was 23 years old and 300 pounds. The car was driving torture. The swelling, soreness, and constant need to eat just had to be too much. I was barely sitting in the seat of my car, and the belt was digging into my skin.
The other day, when we were trying to walk through an amusement park, I could not do it. I was having trouble. Struggle to catch my breath and have the energy to keep going. I saw photos of myself that my husband had taken that day and was just in fear that the person in the photos was really me.
I had heard of the keto diet, and I researched it throughout the drive home.
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When we got home from our road trip, I immediately went to the grocery store and delivered keto food.
I chose the ketogenic diet because it allowed me to include things that worked for my lifestyle, such as bunless burgers. I love food, fatty meals versus things like salads, so it was sustainable for me. I love that the diet allows me to easily find something to eat wherever I go. Everywhere and everywhere keto can satisfy you, if you just ask.
I also never knew what a carbohydrate really was or even meant until I started following my calories and macros. I love the Carb Manager app to keep track of everything from my meals to my water intake to my weight. When I am really on my tracking game, I lose the most weight.
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Here’s what I’m eating in a day:
- Breakfast: Two eggs and bacon like sausage with coffee and heavy cream
- Lunch: A bunless burger, chicken and vegetables, salad-wrapped sandwiches, as well as food left over
- Snacks: Pickles, olives, built-in bars, cheese, deli meats, cheese whisps, or two good yogurts
- Food: I love finding new ideas on Pinterest. A favorite is low carb tortilla enchiladas, keto zuppa toscana, and homemade alfredo sauce with chicken and broccoli
- Dessert: Lightened ice cream like Lily’s chocolate
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I started exercising after hitting the 50-pound weight loss mark.
I joined Planet Fitness and started by running on the treadmill for about 30 to 40 minutes a day. Eventually I started trying out machines and seeing others do lifting exercises and gave it a shot. I also follow fitness accounts on Instagram that offer free routines.
I slowly started using free weights and running. Both of these types of exercises really gave me the confidence I have now when it comes to working out. I completed my first 5K last November, and that prompted me to go ahead and finally hit a marathon.
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These three changes have had the biggest impact on my overall weight loss.
- One change: I started drinking water. Water helps in so many ways! For me, it helps me stay hydrated, feel fuller for longer and have clear skin. It promotes stable, healthy weight loss because I do not keep inflammation and it keeps the scale in motion.
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- Change two: I follow what I eat. It was easy to assume I was doing everything right, but adding little bits here and there! Tracking also helps me realize what I am eating, and when I’m eating. It helps me to notice unusual habits that I can form when it comes to eating out, snacking or sharing.
- Change three: I trusted the process. I just could not give up when the scale stopped moving. You may have a perfect month of eating and training, but the scale may not reflect that. The scale does not define you. Your body changes in so many ways before the scale moves. I would like to take a look at my energy level, my training intensity, how my clothes fit, and my mood. The victories without scale mean so much more.
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I have lost 114 pounds in two years. My weight loss has changed my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined.
The part that stands out to me the most is trust. I really had no idea how much my weight was holding me back. When I thought about it when I first started my journey, I walked down the aisle, embarrassed and worried. I always felt judged, and that just allowed me to have more food. The feeling of freedom that comes from earning yourself is more valuable than words can describe.
I have grown mentally (not to mention financially!) And physically changed for the better just by deciding to change my eating habits. Putting myself first and taking control of my health has opened so many new doors in my life, and given me a real purpose for not only myself but also my daughters. I hope I can be the best example for her. I am proud to say that I have regained my health.
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