Hello everyone!
I decided to write this review for those who, like me, are still trying to shed those extra pounds. I've always found it easy to gain weight, but the harder part is losing it.
My story:
I've tried various methods in the past - interval fasting, Tatiana Malakhova's approach, working with a nutritionist, and even the FMD diet. I stuck to a healthy diet, avoiding carbs and sugar, except for those occasional weekend treats.
However, at some point, my body just got used to it, and the old methods stopped working. I still wanted to look slimmer, so I needed a new approach.
A little about me:
I'm almost 49, 174 cm tall, and my original weight was 76 kg. I have a desk job, which means I try to get as much physical activity as possible - 2 hours of cardio per week and short strength training sessions, 5-10 minutes each day.
In the past, I used to work out in the gym for 3-4 hours a week and looked great at 75 kg, thanks to my muscles. But now, the intensity just isn't the same.
I'd heard about dietician Lisa for a long time from friends who'd 'transformed' themselves. I'd been following her profile with results for a while, but my previous experience held me back. There was a period when I consulted a similar specialist and was on 1100-1200 calories: I was always hungry, angry, and my weight just wouldn't budge. So, I decided to try again, and spoiler alert - it was worth it.
The cost:
At the time, a month of working with Lisa cost me just 1000 rubles. This included a personalized diet and support in the chat. Plus, the dietician provided a link to the recipe base, the main program rules, and recommendations for reducing cellulite.
Getting started:
To calculate my menu, I sent over all my parameters: weight, height, age, measurements, and a 'before' photo in a swimsuit (I won't share it here, sorry - it's personal).
They calculated a program for 1550-1600 calories per day, taking into account my goal weight of 71 kg.
What I was particularly happy about was the protein norm - 80-90 grams. This is crucial to prevent our skin from sagging and losing its tone during weight loss at our age.
Program rules:
• Eat three meals a day;
• Have two snacks in between main meals;
• Drink enough water, 1.5–2 liters a day (I didn't follow this rule);
• Weigh all portions;
• Have one cheat day a week (you can have desserts and flavors you're missing during the week in moderation);
• Weigh in only once a week on report day (I didn't follow this rule either).
How it went:
I received the menu for the week before it started and went shopping. I did this every week, uploaded my report with measurements, and got the next menu.
Week 1 was the toughest, my body was adjusting. Plus, I got sick (moved around little) and didn't weigh my food, just eyeballed it because I was waiting for my kitchen scale to arrive.
In the end, I lost around 300 grams. But it was a win that I lost weight at all, as that's a victory for me. Also, my snacks were usually rye or kefir, which wasn't super enjoyable with a sore throat – in the evening, I really craved something sweet and tasty.
Week 2 went smoother. I got my scales, and my body started adapting slowly. I also asked to remove foods I didn't want to eat that week (chicken and kefir).
This week, I had a minor slip-up: didn't eat the right amount of turkey for dinner, it seemed like too much. I later 'made up for it' with whole grain bread and cottage cheese. Oh, what a mess!
For this week, I lost around 1 kg. I also noticed that my morning puffiness was gone. I wake up hungry now (last meal around 19:00). The results and how I felt were a delight.
Weeks 3 and 4 went pretty easily. It got to the point where I thought eating that much food would be hard. Before I knew it, it was time to eat again according to the schedule. During this time, I lost another 2.5 kg.
Examples of dishes and diet:
The food was very satisfying and varied, portions weren't small, and my taste buds were happy. I wouldn't have bought dates or cooked oatmeal with milk myself. Cooking was simple and quick.
Now, I know what you're thinking - is this diet going to break the bank? Not necessarily, but it's not the cheapest option either. I mean, I had to get creative with my meals. I asked them to hold the chicken and milk, so I stuck to eggs, seafood, turkey, and beef.
I've also started drinking tea or black coffee with non-fat milk - a few cups a day. It's funny, at first, you think you're eating a lot, but trust me, you'll get used to it. The key is to finish every meal, or you'll be craving something else by dinner time.
Here's an example of what my daily menu looked like:
Turkey and squash soup with seeds
Caesar salad with shrimp and croutons
Chicken and egg sandwich with cottage cheese
Caesar salad with tofu cheese
Cottage cheese pancakes with blueberries
Caesar salad with whole grain bread and cheese
Buckwheat with turkey and veggies
Results:
I was thrilled to find this photo on my phone, taken from a different angle, but it's clear that I've lost weight. I'm really happy with the results.
Over the course of a month, I lost 4 kg.
The puffiness on my face in the mornings is gone, and I have so much more energy.
I'm sleeping better and waking up earlier too.
I continued to follow these principles, creating meal plans with the help of GPT. While it's great at math, what I value more is its support and the way it presents information to me.
After achieving this result, it's easy to get complacent and let old habits creep back in. To maintain the results, you need to stick to some rules.
Before and after photos
Anti-cellulite program:
I also followed an anti-cellulite program recommended by my dietician - all sorts of self-massages, wraps, and baths. I did baths with 1 kg of salt every other day, and I loved the results - my skin quality improved, and the bumpy texture on my skin is gone. My thighs are smoother, and it feels like I've been swimming in the ocean regularly.
My verdict:
I highly recommend building your diet with calorie counting.
The food is delicious and variedIt's affordableMy eating and sleeping schedule got back on trackI have so much more energyNo puffiness on my face in the morningsI'm getting the right amount of protein, and my skin stays suppleIt's effective, and the weight is coming offCons:
I have to cook for each mealIt's harder to stick to when I'm working outside the homeI need a scaleThanks for reading. Share your successful weight loss stories in the comments.
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