An influencer shares how she lost 59 kgs even after having Starbucks and tacos during her drastic weight loss journey.
Weight loss journeys are often synonymous with strict diets and the elimination of fast food. However, Natalia Aranda, a US-based social media influencer, has turned this notion on its head. In her inspiring story, Natalia shares how she lost nearly 60 kilograms (130 pounds) without completely giving up her favorite fast food meals from popular chains like Starbucks and Taco Bell. Her journey has captivated her Instagram followers, encouraging them to rethink their approach to fitness and cheat meals.
Natalia often posts about her dramatic transformation on Instagram, where she showcases her before-and-after photos alongside the fast food choices she enjoyed during her weight loss journey. She emphasizes that indulging in occasional cheat meals doesn’t have to derail your progress. “When someone tells you that you can’t eat fast food while losing weight, say ‘Whooo!’ and try one of these out,” she wrote in one of her posts, encouraging her audience to explore lower-calorie options available at popular food chains.
Favourite Fast Food Picks
In her viral post titled “Fast Food I Ate While Losing 130 Pounds”, Natalia detailed her go-to meals from various fast food outlets, along with their calorie and protein content. Here are her top choices:
Starbucks:
•Egg White and Pepper Egg Bites: 170 calories, 12 grams of protein.
•Grande Iced Coffee with Nonfat Milk, Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup, and Splenda: 25 calories, 2 grams of protein.
Popeyes:
•Three-Piece Blackened Chicken Tenders: 170 calories, 26 grams of protein.
•Small Mashed Potatoes: 110 calories, 3 grams of protein.
In-N-Out:
•Double Double Protein Style (Burger with lettuce instead of a bun): 520 calories, 33 grams of protein.
•Diet Coke: 0 calories.
Taco Bell:
•Chicken Cantina Bowl: 540 calories, 25 grams of protein.
•Diet Baja Blast: 0 calories.
A Balanced Approach to Weight Loss
Through her posts, Natalia highlights the importance of balance in achieving fitness goals. She believes that no one should feel guilty about enjoying a cheat meal, as long as they are mindful of portion sizes and calorie intake. Her strategy involved opting for healthier versions of fast food staples that are high in protein and low in unnecessary fats or sugars.
Healthy Food Swaps
Natalia’s journey also included simple yet effective food swaps. For instance, she replaced sugary beverages with healthier options like beetroot juice, which helped her shed an additional 25 kilograms in six months. These small adjustments, combined with her active lifestyle, played a crucial role in her transformation.
Redefining Cheat Meals
Natalia’s story is a testament to the idea that cheat meals, when chosen wisely, can be part of a successful weight loss plan. She has inspired many to view fast food differently and not let guilt cloud their journey toward fitness. By sharing her experience, Natalia has shown that with the right mindset and smart choices, you can indulge in your favorite meals while still achieving your goals.