Melissa Lost 52 Pounds and Has a 6-Pack "For the First Time Ever"

Melissa Leto
Melissa Leto

Melissa Leto (known as @dermpafitmom on Instagram) hit her highest weight of 184 pounds in 2014, and she told POPSUGAR, "I felt completely hopeless." She decided she had to commit to herself to change. She shared, "I had been going down a downward spiral, and I felt nothing was in my control. My health was suffering. I was letting life go by and not enjoying my children aside from a few minutes a day." Melissa was also thinking about the future, wanting to make sure she'd be able to enjoy her grandkids someday. That's when her weight-loss journey began, and in two and a half years, she lost 52 pounds. Here's her inspiring story.

Melissa's Journey Begins

Melissa's Journey Begins

"I work as a physician assistant in dermatology, and my long days at work had to end. I cut back to a part-time schedule so I could take my kids to school, focus on my health, and enjoy the small things in life."

For the first six months, she started working out and eating better, and she saw inches going away but the scale never budged. "Initially, I was so fixated on the scale," Melissa admitted. "Over time, I learned I needed to give my body time."

Melissa Discovers Beachbody

Melissa Discovers Beachbody

"Then I had a full year of weight gain: 10 pounds up and still regularly working out. I was starting to feel a bit hopeless again and out of control. My nutrition was not great, and that was what was holding me back. That's when Beachbody came into my life and, more specifically, my coach!"

Melissa was skeptical about the nutrition program that includes containers to measure portions and Shakeology drinks, but after committing to a one-month challenge, things began to shift. "To my surprise, I lost 10 pounds in 30 days! The best part was I ate so much food. I never felt deprived." The first 25 pounds took two years to lose; then, once she found Beachbody, she lost the last 27 pounds in six months.

A Day of Eating

A Day of Eating

Melissa has followed a few of Beachbody's nutrition programs, including 21 Day Fix, 80 Day Obsession, and, most recently, 2B Mindset, which are all very similar.

Here's a typical day of eating — all six meals — for Melissa:

1. Breakfast (first thing in the morning): Shakeology Cafe Latte with extra coffee; consumed before my workout or if I am taking a rest day.

2. Breakfast (a couple of hours later): A protein, carb, and fruit combo, such as an egg-white omelet, whole-wheat, fiber-rich toast with ghee, and a cup of fruit.

3. Lunch: A veggie and lean protein combo, such as a salad with chicken, with a side of carbs.

4. Snack: Rice cake with peanut butter, carrots, and hummus.

5. Dinner: Lean meat and veggies.

6. Dessert: Fruit and yogurt.

Melissa's Workouts

Melissa's Workouts

"I have done Shift Shop, 80 Day Obsession, and LIIFT4. I have seen amazing results and love the convenience of being able to do the workouts from anywhere. I love how quick the workouts are and how inspiring the super trainers are." Melissa added that "the meal plans are excellent and help you get the most out of the workouts you are doing."

Motivation

Motivation

Melissa proudly shared that she has "six-pack abs for the first time ever." She also has the strength and energy to play with her kids, and now, as a Beachbody coach herself, she loves inspiring others to start creating change.

"I stay motivated because I feel amazing when I am active and eating healthy. I feel great in my clothes and love seeing the amazing results I get from the hard work I am putting in. I feel younger than I did four years ago, and I have decided to never give up on myself again."

Melissa's Tips and Advice

Melissa's Tips and Advice

Admitting you need help isn't easy to do, but if you stay consistent and committed, you can achieve anything. "You have one body to live in, so take care of yourself like the prized possession that it is. Never take your body for granted. If you put junk in, you will get junky results. If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail."

For other women trying to lose weight, keep in mind that there are sacrifices you'll need to make, like getting up early to exercise or spending hours meal prepping on Sunday. If you're working out, you need to eat right to see those results — you can't exercise to make up for an unhealthy diet. "Never be on a diet; just eat healthy," Melissa said, and she recommends ditching sugar.

Find a workout you love and stick with it. Take baby steps at first, and continue to challenge yourself day after day. "Investing in your health is never a bad idea! Never doubt yourself! This is all a process, and learning is the first step." Don't wait! Now is the time to look and feel your best.