Nilza lost 65 pounds

Nilza lost 65 pounds. She gained a significant amount of weight during her pregnancy. After giving birth, she struggled to release the weight, hitting a plateau. In October 2019, she joined a fitness challenge that provided the guidance she needed to transform her body and her mindset.

I am 26 year old mother of a five-year-old boy. Before I had my son, I was really heavily into fitness. I weighed 130 pounds and worked out religiously. Once I got pregnant, I gave up my fitness journey and gained 100 pounds. I went from 130 to 230 pounds. 

After giving birth, I weighed 208 pounds, which is the biggest I have ever been. I struggled to stay on track. I would lose weight and then gain it right back. I went from 198 pounds to 164 pounds, but I could not find my way out of the 160s. I would lose and gain the same 20 pounds over and over again, setting myself behind.

In October 2019, I came across the Heat Challenge, which included a personalized meal plan (I used their carb cycling meal plan) and all kinds of workouts. Via the challenge, I became more disciplined about my eating habits and learned more about nutrition. I weighed 173 pounds at the start of the challenge, and now I weigh 143 pounds. My transformation took a total of two years. 

What was your motivation?
I was not comfortable in the skin I was in. I did not want to go out. I did not want to be seen. I hated getting dressed because nothing seemed to fit me right. Now I have the blueprint for my nutrition, and I am consistent with my work. I am in a very happy and comfortable place. I had to learn that it is a mind game. If your mind believes it, your body will follow. You have to take it one step at a time. Take it day by day and week by week. Eventually, you will see results.

Tell us more about how you changed your eating habits.
I dropped red meat, pork, potatoes, fried foods, white rice, cookies, cakes chips, and basically all sweets and snacks. 

How often did you work out?
I worked out six days a week, 2 to 3 times a day. I did fasted cardio in the morning and strength training (glutes and abs) in the evening. 

What is your height?
I am 5’5″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
What I learned is how to eat correctly and how to portion my meals. I was already eating healthy before the Heat Challenge, but I was just overeating. Now I’m eating the right portion sizes. 

I also learned that strength training is a big part of weight loss. It keeps everything tight as you are losing your weight. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice to my fellow ladies on this weight loss journey is that it’s mind over matter. When your mind says that you can do it, your body will follow. Our bodies are our temples. Take time to invest in yourself. Health is wealth.

Instagram: @turnup_theheat_nillie15