How Strength Training and Healthy Eating Helped a Reddit User Lose over 45 Pounds

Introduction

Mashed_potatoes_fan, a 28-year-old female from Reddit, has recently shared her one-year-long weight loss journey with the online community. From shedding over 45 pounds to gaining strength and confidence, the user revealed her secrets to achieving her goals through strength training and healthy eating.

Strength Training: Key to Building Muscle

Mashed_potatoes_fan started her journey with little to no experience in weightlifting but quickly found it to be an excellent way to build muscle and tone up. Performing a PPL split (push, pull, and leg days), she initially used dumbbells until she gained enough strength to transition to using the bar. In just one year, she can now deadlift 80kg, squat 60kg, and bench 37.5kg - major achievements that give her a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

Healthy Eating: Tracking Calories and Macros

Mashed_potatoes_fan attributed most of her weight loss success to the food she ate. She logged all of her calories and macros using MyFitnessPal and ate a balanced yet low-calorie diet of around 1200 calories per day, with 40% protein, 45% fats, and 15% carbs during the week. Over weekends, she increased her carb intake while still aiming to stick to her daily calorie goal. She also practiced OMAD (one meal a day) on special occasions or going out for meals to ensure she didn't overindulge.

The Power of Consistency

Although Mashed_potatoes_fan had her share of challenges, from self-doubt to facing judgment in the gym, she persisted in her fitness journey. She allowed herself mashed potatoes on the weekends as a treat to help her stay motivated. Consistency was key, especially during the initial stages. Within a year, she was able to achieve a remarkable transformation, losing over 45 pounds and gaining enormous self-confidence.

Conclusion

Mashed_potatoes_fan's inspiring journey shows that perseverance, paired with well-planned workouts and healthy eating habits, can lead to impressive results. While everyone's journey is unique and should be tailored to their needs and goals, incorporating strength training and healthy eating principles may be an effective way to achieve sustained weight loss and gain muscle mass. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or a newbie to fitness, Mashed_potatoes_fan's story is sure to inspire you to focus on what works for you and start taking steps towards your goals.