Dropped 72 kilos by abandoning dieting and implementing these two alternatives instead.
Maria Kirkeland, a 37-year-old from near Oslo, Norway, embarked on a remarkable journey to lose weight sustainably over the past two years. Kirkeland struggled with her weight for over a decade, feeling trapped in a binge-restrict cycle. This struggle was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to depression and isolation.
In July 2022, Kirkeland decided to try losing weight again. She found counting calories to be eye-opening. Counting calories took the guesswork out of weight loss for Kirkeland, and she began to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into her diet, such as vegetables, fish, and lean meat. Kirkeland did not eliminate any foods entirely from her diet but made a conscious effort to eat more healthily.
Kirkeland started strength training to build muscle mass and consume more protein. She found learning about the nutritional content of various foods enjoyable. Counting calories always left her feeling satisfied, even as she lost more weight. Kirkeland drinks more water and cooks at home more often.
Sustainable weight loss through calorie counting and strength training typically involves tracking daily calorie intake to ensure a moderate calorie deficit that promotes fat loss while preserving muscle. It also involves a balanced diet focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods to support health and satiety. Incorporating strength training exercises to increase or maintain muscle mass is crucial, as it boosts metabolism and improves body composition. Emphasising a long-term lifestyle approach rather than short-term dieting is essential to maintain weight loss.
Kirkeland's weight issues started in her teenage years when she was bullied due to her weight. This led her to eat as little as possible, which stopped her menstrual cycle. However, Kirkeland is no longer afraid to try new things since losing weight. She feels happier and more confident and has seen a change in how she is treated.
It is essential to note that counting calories can be a useful tool for some people, but it can also become an unhealthy obsession for others. Kirkeland's success story serves as an inspiration for those looking to lose weight sustainably. If you seek Maria Kirkeland's specific story, you might need to look for interviews, articles, or social media possibly dedicated to her experience with these methods. Otherwise, the combination of calorie counting and strength training is a well-established, sustainable approach to long-term weight loss.
Other individuals seeking sustainable weight loss may benefit from a similar approach, combining 'education-and-self-development' by understanding calorie intake with 'health-and-wellness' practices like exercise and nutrition. Maria Kirkeland's journey exemplifies 'personal-growth' as she overcame her fear of trying new things, leading to improved self-confidence and a healthier lifestyle. To follow a path like Kirkeland's in 'fitness-and-exercise' and 'weight-management', one could explore resources such as nutritional guides, weight loss books, and personal trainers.
