Allie Lost 80 Pounds With Keto and Completely Changed Her Relationship With Food

In December 2017, Allie decided to make a change by starting a routine of running and working out. She lost weight but didn't make any changes to her diet. "I was still eating whatever I wanted," she said. "I was feeling better but knew I needed to make a change to my diet that would be sustainable for my long-term health."

It was a fitness habit, though, that led to a game-changing decision. Allie loved watching documentaries during her workouts ("It kept me from thinking about actually working out!"), and one day she stumbled upon The Magic Pill, a 2017 documentary about the keto diet. For Allie, the film brought up ideas about nutrition and her relationship with food that she'd never considered before. "The documentary presented information about food being able to heal our bodies," she said. "I started researching the ketogenic diet and was hooked."

After a few months of research, Allie decided on a start date for her new way of eating. She hit the keto diet running on May 7, 2018, "and I haven't looked back since." In all, Allie has lost 80 pounds, dropping from 245 pounds to 165. Of that, 60 pounds have come from her dietary changes.

Allie's food mindset completely changed when she started keto. "I no longer saw food as a reward or consequence," she said, "but as fuel and a healing mechanism." As a newcomer to keto, she focused on keeping her diet "super simple and basic," eating real, whole foods, fresh produce, and grass-fed meats. She still keeps that focus now but says she's incorporated more keto snacks on the side.

"When planning my meals, it is crucial for me to keep them simple and consistent," Allie said. She eats food that's very low in carbs but will still keep her satiated and give her energy. Convenience is key, too: "I'm a teacher, so quick and easy meals for lunch are very necessary." She's also incorporated intermittent fasting into her weekday routine, so she usually skips breakfast, but on weekends, she said, "I love a good breakfast omelet."

Here's what a typical day of eating looks like for Allie:

Allie always grabs a Keto Bar before heading to a party or social outing, just in case there are no keto-friendly dishes available. If she's planning on going out to eat, she checks the menu to make sure she'll have options. (Experts agree that this is a great way to find a healthy option.) "There are almost always salad or protein options that are low-carb and will work," she said. She also watches out for hidden ingredients, like sugar-loaded sauces.

The sacrifices have all been worth it. "Losing weight has improved all aspects of my life," she said. "It has really helped me want and be able to balance my real life with my lifestyle change." Support from her family and especially her husband has been crucial, she added.

Dietary changes have been the biggest part of Allie's health journey, but calorie tracking hasn't been one of them. It's not sustainable for her long-term goals, she said. "I wanted to develop a different mindset for myself about food. I knew I had to make choices on my own that would help me reach my goals, and I didn't want a number to determine if I made a good choice or not."

She does track calories occasionally, she said, "when I'm stalling in my weight loss and need to reset my brain about my portions." During those times, she'll stick to around 1,200 calories a day.

Instead of constant calorie counting, Allie tracks her weight by weighing herself every day. That allows her to see the effect of different foods and times of the month on her body, she said. She uses the app Happy Scale to stay on top of things but said the numbers aren't everything. Allie also goes by body measurements, side-by-side comparisons, and the fit of her clothes to keep herself on track. "There are multiple weeks where I've lost inches, but the scale doesn't move or will even go up," she said.

Allie is honest about her struggles with working out during her journey. She worked out at the beginning and "here and there," she said, but admitted that it's difficult because exercise often leads to overeating for her. "I have to really train my mind and body not to eat everything in sight after I work out," she said. "This has been a learning experience for me."

Allie has started exercising again recently, at least three times a week, and said she loves the boost of energy that comes with it. Her typical gym routine starts with 30 minutes of cardio, either on the elliptical or StairMaster, followed by a leg workout. "Leg workouts have always been the most enjoyable for me," Allie said, "so I stick to those." She's also started toning her upper body with the Madonna Arms workout from POPSUGAR Fitness.

When it comes to progress off the scale, Allie said her biggest victory has been regaining her confidence. "I used to be so ashamed of myself and so embarrassed at the way I looked that I would avoid doing a lot of things, like going to the pool or taking pictures," she shared. Now, looking at her transformation photos is her biggest motivation. They remind her of how far she's come — emotionally, physically, and mentally — and how proud she is of herself now.

Allie's boost in energy has also been a huge victory. "I feel like a completely new person," she said. "I can run without having any issues, and I feel strong."

To people on their own health and fitness journeys, Allie said, "My biggest advice is to stay consistent and find what works for you." Both elements have been crucial to her own success. She gave up tracking calories because it was too restrictive, but she found the flexibility and mental changes she was looking for in keto. "There is so much information out there about which diet will work or won't work," she said. "You have to find something that will be a sustainable lifestyle change for you."

Allie knows how hard the journey can feel. "I want to remind everyone that you can do it," she said. "You are worth it, and you are not alone on this journey."