My name is Susana Rodriguez (@myhealth.iswealth), and Im 29 years old. I live in Los Angeles and I'm a full-time mom. After being diagnosed with heart issues, I decided to start eating a flexible low-carb diet, practicing portion control with the Lose It! app, and walking for weight loss to lose 110 pounds.
Before I started my weight-loss journey, I struggled a lot with having the energy to do simple things. Putting on my shoes or playing with my daughters took so much effort. I also struggled with self confidence. Being overweight made me so insecure. Though being overweight didnt stop me from having happy moments in my life, I was unhappy with myself. At my heaviest I weighed 273 pounds.
I started suffering from heart palpitations and an irregular rhythm. I also experienced chest pain and pressure, faintness, and fatigue. I couldnt even walk for seven minutes to pick my daughter up from school without feeling like I was going to black out. I was in and out of the ER all year, and I kept getting misdiagnosed with anxiety. But I knew something was wrong with my heart.
After finally being referred to a cardiologist in December 2019, I had an echocardiogram and other tests done. My cardiologist told me that I had moderate left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which basically means I have an enlarged heart and, if left untreated, it could lead to sudden cardiac arrest or heart failure.
I had spent all of 2019 depressed, and imagining dying and leaving my girls. I was desperate to feel well. So in January 2020, I knew the time was now to turn my lifestyle around and take control of my health.
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
When I looked at the guidelines for a low-carb diet and what that meant, they said I needed to limit certain healthy things like fruit, oatmeal, and dairy that I didnt want to cut out. So I decided to do a low-carb diet my own way.
For my heart health, I avoid greasy and fried foods, and I pay attention to sodium, sugar, and cholesterol on nutrition labels. I also try to avoid foods high in trans and saturated fats. I track my food in the Lose It! app and practice portion control. If there is anything I want but it isnt heart-healthy, I make my own healthy alternative. I dont feel deprived or restricted, and I feel in control of how I eat.
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
I would walk three to five times a week for at least 30 minutes. It was really challenging at first because I wasn't used to getting any movement in, and I would get dizzy and feel faint. But it quickly became my favorite way to de-stress and move my body. Eventually, I was cleared to exercise.
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Now, a typical week of exercise includes walking two miles, five days a week. I also enjoy doing Zumba Toning twice a week and HIIT with dumbbells or bodyweight three times a week. I got into HIIT by playing games on the WayBetter app, and I fell in love with how strong it made me feel.
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
These three changes made the biggest difference in my weight-loss results.
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The 110 pounds I have lost doesnt compare to the weight lifted off my shoulders. I am now truly happy. It's not about the weight you lose itself, but the life you gain. I have never felt stronger. I feel unstoppable. Everyday isnt easy, but its worth it. Id rather struggle every day with trying to better my health than struggle with the consequences of neglecting it.
This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
Read more from the original source:
I Ate A Modified Low-Carb Diet To Lose 110 Pounds After Being Diagnosed With A Heart Condition - Women's Health
