Mom Shares Tip That Helped Her Drop 160 Pounds Healthily—Without Fad Diets

As a mom of two boys, Brandi describes her love language as "feeding others," regularly whipping up feasts for her family.

But over the years, the 57-year-old saw her weight creep up, and she tipped the scales at more than 300 pounds at her heaviest.

In 2020, after years of yo-yo dieting, Brandi, from Atlanta, Georgia, decided to adopt a new mindset after numerous failed attempts. To her surprise, her new way of thinking about food changed her lifestyle for the better, and she managed to not only drop 160 pounds naturally but maintain it, too.

"I didn't want to live in a deprived state, so I never told myself no when it came to eating, but instead, I thought about how the food is going to make me feel," she told Newsweek.

She was initially motivated to shed a few pounds before a family vacation, but as she saw the results, she became more inspired to lose more.

The customer service specialist explained that she has "always been big" and had a serious addiction to sugar and carbohydrates. She would often drink six cans of soda a day and eat convenience food.

Brandi told Newsweek she spent most of her life trying various fad diets, whereby she would drop a few pounds and then gain double the amount.

"I used to eat the wrong things and too much of it," she explained. "I am a good cook and baker so I had to learn how to use different ingredients and create a healthier option.

"I started a low-carb diet and, for the first time, I was excited about my diet choice rather than treating it as a chore—that was the difference this time," Brandi said.

"I changed my relationship with food, and that is why it has been so successful.

"It has been a slow process because I haven't been too strict as I think it is important to look forward to the food you are eating. I have learned what foods make me feel good and bad."

Previously, Brandi felt too restricted and would always revert to her unhealthy habits. Now, she allows herself to eat something she enjoys in moderation and then immediately returns to a ketogenic diet. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a U.S. trade association, the high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet means even some fruits and vegetables are limited because they, too, contain carbs.

Without carbs for energy, the body breaks down fat into ketones which become the primary source of fuel for the body. Ketones provide energy for vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and other muscles.

For Brandi, a normal day's meal consists of meats like chicken, turkey bacon, or red meat combined with vegetables like asparagus or green beans.

She told Newsweek: "I knew if I couldn't do it forever, then it wasn't worth it. It was important for me to still have the things I like, but this time I have found healthier ways such as sugar-free soda.

"I still make cakes but with healthier ingredients like coconut or almond flour rather than wheat. I now tend to eat a whole-food kind of diet."

Professionals frequently advise giving up ultra-processed and sugary treats as the first step for weight loss, and Brandi's transformation photos certainly speak for themselves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises eating a range of healthful foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, and, whenever feasible, choosing low-calorie or fat-free substitutes.

Previously speaking to Newsweek, Dr. Tricia Psota, a registered dietitian nutritionist and member of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), reflected on the pros and cons of the diet.

She said: "A keto diet elicits weight loss in most people, and some people report being less hungry while they are in ketosis."

But she noted it also "eliminates nutrient-dense foods essential to your overall health and well-being," such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.

That was echoed by Roxana Ehsani, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

She said: "Most people have a very hard time following such a rigid diet that cuts out major food groups."

"If you're looking for a healthy way to lose weight, instead work with a registered dietitian nutritionist," Ehsani added.

Brandi, who goes by @ketobandit on Instagram, now beams with pride as she flaunts her new size 4 to 6 frame. She accomplished this with only daily walks as her form of exercise.

She explained: "I have always been a confident person but I've really enjoyed living in this smaller body, it's easier to maneuver around.

"I feel amazing," she added, "I don't have to worry about fitting into chairs anymore.

"I can go anywhere and do anything. I have so much energy, and I am super happy."

Brandi now showcases her svelte frame on Instagram as she encourages others to kickstart their weight loss journey by regularly posting meal ideas and showing her progression.

She told Newsweek: "I was addicted to sugar and had a terrible way of eating so if I can do it, then anyone can.

"The first thing you have to do is get excited about the new foods that you are going to learn to love. Then look online for help, there's a big weight loss community on social media and I found it beneficial to have encouragement.

"It's also important to look at the bigger picture and never be discouraged by a bad day.

"If you don't start now then when will you? Only you can control your mindset and effort."

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Update, 1/30/24 413:08 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include comments from Psota and Ehsani.