I lost 100lbs in a year by making low-carb versions of junk foods

Question

A woman who struggled with her weight for most of her life has opened up about how she lost 100lbs in just one year by making low-carb versions of her favorite foods. 

Mayra Wendolyne, 39, from Laguna Beach, California, weighed 315lbs at her heaviest when she started her weight loss journey in the early 2000s. Now, she proudly stands at a healthier and happier 185lbs. 

'I battled with my weight throughout my childhood, but my turning point was the day after my 16th birthday party,' explained the content creator, who is known as 'Low Carb Love' online.

Mayra recalled how shocked she was when she developed the photos she had taken on her Kodak camera that day.  




Mayra Wendolyne, 39, from Laguna Beach, California, lost 130lbs by making low-carb versions of her favorite foods











The influencer weighed 315lbs at her heaviest when she started her weight loss journey in the early 2000s. Now, she proudly stands at a healthier and happier 185lbs 





The self-taught cook and baker has more than four million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, where she is known as 'Low Carb Love' 

'I felt so disappointed. I didn't realize I had gained so much weight,' she said. 'I couldn't even recognize myself. After that, I knew I wanted to make a change and signed up for a gym membership.'

Mayra's journey towards a healthier life began with an approach that blended her love for certain foods with dedication to exercise.

'I loved cereal, so I found a low-carb version,' she said. 'I loved fettuccine and would make a healthier version without the noodles. I made huge salads full of protein that would keep me full.' 

She admitted that she 'used to hate exercising' because she 'put so much pressure' on herself that 'it felt like this big stressful thing.'  

'I turned it around and made it a regular part of my daily routine,' she explained. 

'Now, I make sure to get in some movement at least four times a week, and the best part is, it's not a stress-fest anymore. I actually enjoy it, and it feels awesome after a good workout.'

Mayra said it was sometimes difficult to stay focused because of the sacrifices she had to make to reach her goals. 

'I had to miss out on many family parties, and I couldn't enjoy the familiar comfort foods I grew up eating,' she recalled. 




Mayra said she struggled with her weight for most of her life, recalling how shocked she was when she saw pictures of herself at her 16th birthday party 











'I felt so disappointed. I didn't realize I had gained so much weight,' she said. 'I couldn't even recognize myself





Mayra's journey towards a healthier life began with an approach that blended her love for certain foods with dedication to exercise











Mayra lost 100lbs in just one year by overhauling her lifestyle. She said it was sometimes difficult to stay focused because of the sacrifices she had to make to reach her goals

'Something that has helped me handle setbacks or temptations is meal prepping and keeping only healthy things on hand. 

'It's super easy to cave and indulge in something I know I'm not supposed to, so I just don't keep those "off-limits" foods around. If it's not in my pantry, I can't eat it, simple as that!'

Switching to a low-carb diet also necessitated changing family meals within the Wendolyne household.

'Since I have a daughter and a huge family, I love making foods that I can turn into casseroles and bakes, but always ensure they are very low-carb and keto-friendly. I try to focus on protein-rich options,' she noted.

'Substituting broccoli and cauliflower for pasta has been a huge game-changer. That way, I can still enjoy "pasta recipes" without the actual pasta!'

The self-taught cook and baker has more than four million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, where she shares her favorite recipes. 

Mayra's chicken alfredo bake recipe has garnered popularity on TikTok, where she has 1.4 million followers alone. 

Her zero-carb crust pizza and other pizza variations are also beloved options for those craving a low-carb yet filling meal. 

Another viral post was a recipe for microwavable gluten-free cinnamon rolls made with butter, egg, vanilla extract, C+ Pillen Waardering almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, a sugar alternative, and cream cheese frosting. Unlike conventional cinnamon rolls, Mayra's recipe is ready in just 90 seconds.











Mayra explained that she makes high-protein meals that are keto-friendly. 'I love making foods that I can turn into casseroles and bakes,' she said 





The content creator said she likes to swap broccoli and cauliflower when making pasta recipes











Mayra shared that she is grateful for the 'Low Carb Love' community she created. 'I've leaned on them for support,' she said





Mayra added that she is excited about launching new plans and products related to her weight loss journey

'When I started my TikTok page, I got my content inspiration from keto influencers like Maria Emmerich and Dr. Ken Berry,' she said. 'I was also hooked on reading online books and articles about weight loss. 

'Dr Fung's book on fasting was a game-changer for me. Plus, I joined online conferences to learn more about the science behind keto and really dive deep into it.

'I feel very fortunate to be able to share not just the knowledge I've gained around weight loss but my low-carb tried-and-tested recipes.'

Mayra added that she loves talking to members of her 'Low Carb Love family' both in person and online.   

'Something I wasn't expecting was how many people could relate to the unexpected changes I experienced due to weight loss. I felt like there were times when I still felt insecure about my body,' she explained. 

I still saw myself as a 'big girl', and it was tough to process. I've leaned on them for support, and, in turn, I'm always willing to help them with their own post-weight loss challenges.'

Looking ahead, Mayra is excited about launching new plans and products related to her journey. 

Her overarching goal is to empower women worldwide to lead their best lives, whether through weight loss, enhanced confidence, or strengthening family bonds.

'Lose weight for yourself and yourself only. If you do it for other people, it will be difficult to maintain the weight loss,' she said. 


Weight LossUS Femail Weekend Features Project