Miranda Dropped Her Body Fat by 12.5% — and She Didn't Count Calories Once
Weight-loss is a long journey that is just as mental as it is physical. Sometimes all it takes is some self-reflection to make major changes in our lives. Miranda Gutierrez is a testament to that. In October of 2015, Miranda joined an online accountability group that helped her lose 46 pounds in a 10-month span. It was at that point fitness had officially become a lifestyle for her. "When I first started my journey, I thought that the only way to lose weight was by doing cardio, which I absolutely hate." Starting out at over 250 pounds — a combination of weightlifting, cardio, and clean eating helped her drop 58 pounds to date. This is her story.
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POPSUGAR: What made you start your journey?
Miranda Gutierrez: I started my journey because I didn't like who I was becoming. I was being really negative and comparing myself to everyone in-person and online. I became really insecure about who I was, and I didn't like it. So, I decided to change the things I had control over."
PS: What was your starting weight?
MG: I don't have the exact weight I was when I started, but it was around or above 250 pounds.
PS: How much weight have you lost to date? How long did it take you to lose it?
MG: The most weight I've lost was 58 pounds. Since August 2016, I have put on 21 pounds [of muscle] and dropped my body fat percentage by 12.5 percent. It has taken me four years to lose the weight.
PS: Did you follow a specific diet?
MG: I followed a "clean eating" and portion-control diet. I cut out empty calories like soda and alcohol. I also cut out processed foods and started eating more whole foods. I ate six small meals a day.
PS: What does a typical day of eating look like for you now?
MG:
- Meal one: two eggs, a waffle with peanut butter, and half of a banana. Or, if I work out in the morning, a protein shake and a waffle with peanut butter and [a] banana.
- Meal two: two hard-boiled eggs with two rice cakes and carrots or some kind of veggie.
- Meals three and four: two cups of lettuce, chicken breast or tuna, and fruit of some kind or ground turkey with veggies and brown rice.
- Meal five: if I don't work out in the morning, I have the protein shake after my workout or a salad for dinner.
PS: Do you count calories?
MG: I don't count calories because it overwhelms me. I do look at calories on the foods I eat, and before going out to eat, I look at the menu and calories just to get an idea about what I should and shouldn't eat.
PS: What was the first big difference that isn't weight related that made you feel proud?
MG: The first big difference that made me feel proud was the way I felt. I felt more confident and the best version of me I had been in a long time. I started to love myself. I found myself uplifting other women rather than tearing them down.
PS: Do you have a specific training schedule?
MG: I work out six days a week and have one rest day. I train legs Mondays and Wednesdays, Upper body Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fridays I do cardio and abs, and Saturdays full body.
PS: How do you keep your workout routine fresh and exciting?
MG: I try new things all the time! I get workout ideas from Instagram or Pinterest and work them into my workouts. HIIT workouts also make cardio fun. Good music is key to me having a good workout!
PS: What are some nonscale victories you've had?
MG: Being able to fit into jeans and clothes from high school. Fitting in to a size 10 pair of jeans. Having to buy a new belt. Trying on clothes in the fitting room and having to go get a smaller size because what I grabbed the first time was too big. Wearing a crop top in public. Wearing a bikini for the first time ever on a beach and feeling confident.
PS: What advice/tips do you have for others on their journeys?
MG: Don't give up! It is hard, but nothing worth having comes easy!