“I lost 17 kg without starving or exercising”

Reader Gessica Barradas told Dicas de Mulher about the 5 months in which she adopted new eating habits in search of weight loss. She recorded everything from the beginning of the diet, with photos and notes, created a blog and is followed by many women who are inspired by this success story. See the testimony of the woman who lost 17 kg in 5 months without having to resort to restrictive diets or starving.

“I lost weight without suffering”

The 28-year-old Bahian, resident in Salvador, who works as a secretary and has a degree in business administration, revealed to the portal how she managed to go from 83kg to 65kg (current weight, measured on 02/07/2013) without having to risk restricting her food and starving. See the full interview with the reader below.

What motivated you to adopt new eating habits?

Gessica: I didn’t have stable health. My legs swelled up a lot. Also, I didn’t feel good in front of the mirror. I started wearing long clothes to hide from myself. Which was already making me sad. She was stressed, moody and impatient and sometimes cried for no apparent reason.

Did you seek advice from a nutritionist before starting the new diet?

Jessica: No. I looked up some success stories on the internet, videos on Youtube, that’s when I felt motivated to do the three hour diet. It was all I needed. I always thought that the diets that nutritionists give are unrealistic for people with low incomes. And that’s why I didn’t think it would be ideal for me.

How often did you eat meals?

Gessica: Every 3 hours. And by appointment with mobile reminder. My cell phone was ringing at these times, reminding me that I needed to eat: 6am – 9am – 12pm – 3pm – 6pm – 9pm.

What foods were allowed in your diet?

Gessica: I didn’t make restrictions, I just started to make better choices. It includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, flaxseeds and oats in fruit smoothies. I gave preference to cooked and not fried and less greasy foods. I include teas (green, mate, fennel, chamomile, etc.) between meals, as it is not only great for health, but also alleviates hunger until the next time. And water must always be present. At least 2L day. The only thing I got out of my life was soda. I don’t drink at all.

Did you do physical exercises?

Gessica: In the first weeks I danced in front of the mirror, at home, or jumped rope. But because of time I stopped. I continued with the diet. But lack of exercise didn’t hinder weight loss. I continued to lose weight with food reeducation. Today I practice pilates 2 times a week and weight training 1 time a week – to define.

How many kg did you lose each week?

Gessica: In the first week 2,700kg (even because of the swelling) – but during the diet on average 500g to 1kg.

Do you consider that you suffered while doing this diet? Did you feel very hungry?

Jessica: No. In the first week it was difficult to sleep. I woke up wanting to attack the fridge. But after the first week I got used to it. I wasn’t so hungry anymore. My organism was already getting on the axis. I didn’t suffer because I saw that it was working and the desire to lose weight and feel good about myself was greater.

How do you feel today, in relation to your body, your food and your health? Is it accomplished?

Gessica: I feel accomplished. That’s the right word. I thank God for the strength He gave me to finish what I started. I have no doubt that my prayers have helped me a lot. Well, I wouldn’t be able to do it alone. Today I wear what I want, without being ashamed of the fat that comes out everywhere, I look in the mirror and I think I’m beautiful, I’m another. My weight loss didn’t just change my appearance. I changed my life. I’m someone else.

Do you continue to maintain that eating routine that led you to lose weight? Or changed the diet?

Gessica: I continue to eat every 3 hours. Even if I wanted to stop, it wouldn’t be possible. My body got used to it and at the right times I feel hungry.

What is your advice for women who want to lose weight?

Gessica: Don’t be afraid to face reality. It exists, but it only remains the same if you allow it. You weren’t born obese and you don’t have to be that way for the rest of your life. Do not submit to food, you must not be its slave. The body is yours, the life is yours. So take the reins and start eating healthy today. I’m sure, like me, you won’t regret it. And do not forget. God can strengthen you in this endeavor, just ask for His help.

Any other information or advice you would like to share with the readers of Dicas de Mulher?

Gessica: The fidelity to the schedule is what I always call attention to my followers on the blog. The discipline. It is also important that the person controls the daily diet, taking notes or taking pictures. So you can make an assessment at the end of the day and organize the next day.

Gessica Barradas: before and after the diet

diet menu

Breakfast

• Banana smoothie with oat and flaxseed (200ml of skimmed milk or soy milk with a chopped banana, blended in a blender. And mix with a tablespoon of flaxseed and another of oats)
• 1 bread without the core with butter and 1 cup of coffee

Morning snack

• 1 apple with oatmeal (the apple can be exchanged for a portion of strawberry, a slice of melon or watermelon, or even two kiwis)

Lunch

• 1 tablespoon of chickpeas with the same amount of brown rice
• 2 hard-boiled eggs (you can swap the eggs for a grilled steak of beef or chicken, both fat-free).
• A plate of salads with leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, arugula and Swiss chard. In addition to carrots and beets.

Afternoon snack

• Fat-free popcorn (can be exchanged for a serving of fruit with plain yogurt or a whole-grain toast with a slice of white cheese)

Dinner

• Coffee with corn couscous (substitute a spoonful of brown rice and a chicken or fish steak)
• A plate of green leafy salads with tomato and hearts of palm. Season with olive oil.

Supper

• Papaya smoothie with banana and flaxseed or a glass of hot skim milk with a tablespoon of cinnamon.

Check out Gessica’s weight loss progress

Nutritionist Sabrina Lopes warns: “despite the diet performed by her having shown good results and also having presented basic principles of a good food reeducation such as eating every 3 hours and consuming, without many restrictions, healthy foods, it is not recommended to carry out diets on its own”.

She also suggests that seeking the advice of a professional is always indicated, even if the diet chosen by you seems harmless, only the professional can indicate an appropriate diet that is free from risks to your health. So take care. Don’t risk a non-guided diet.

If you also have a success story like that of the reader Gessica and would like to share it with us, send an email to