Mother-of-two loses 82LBS on the keto diet

A woman lost a whopping 82lbs after her husband challenged her to cut carbs and sugar, and while he only lasted two weeks on the plan, she ended up following a low-carb, high fat keto diet for an entire year and completely transformed her body.  

Keli Ricci, 33, from Sacramento, California, was seven months postpartum and weighed 207lbs in June 2017 when her husband Tyler, 32, suggested they place a bet on which one of them could last the longest without eating carbs or added sugars.

The mother-of-two told Today that instead of following any specific diet, they simply cut carbohydrates and sugar from their meals. Two weeks in and 10lbs later, Tyler ended up caving, but Keli decided to keep going to continue her weight loss. 

Then and wow: Keli Ricci, 33, from Sacramento, California, went from 207lbs to 125lbs (pictured) after following a low-carb, high-fat keto diet for a year

Then and wow: Keli Ricci, 33, from Sacramento, California, went from 207lbs (left) to 125lbs (right) after following a low-carb, high-fat keto diet for a year

Start of it all: In June 2017, her husband Tyler, 32, suggested they place a bet on which one of them could last the longest without eating carbs or added sugars

Start of it all: In June 2017, her husband Tyler, 32, suggested they place a bet on which one of them could last the longest without eating carbs or added sugars

‘It was so helpful to have my husband’s support especially in the beginning when we were changing a lot of our eating habits,’ she said. ‘I continued eating low-carb, which evolved into a ketogenic diet.’  

Following the low-carb, high-fat eating plan forces the body into a metabolic state, known as ketosis, which starves the body of carbohydrates but not calories.

Carbs are shunned in the keto diet as they cause the body to produce glucose, which is used as energy over fat. Keto diets, therefore, lead to weight loss because they make the body burn fat as its primary energy source.

In addition to following a keto diet, she realized she was often consuming meals that were too large and started tracking what she eats using the Lose It! app.

Won't stop: Although he only lasted two weeks, she kept going and eventually started following the popular ketogenic diet

Won’t stop: Although he only lasted two weeks, she kept going and eventually started following the popular ketogenic diet

Losing weight: In addition to following a keto diet, she realized she was often consuming meals that were too large and started tracking what she eats using the Lose It! app

Losing weight: In addition to following a keto diet, she realized she was often consuming meals that were too large and started tracking what she eats using the Lose It! app

Losing weight: In addition to following a keto diet, she realized she was often consuming meals that were too large and started tracking what she eats using the Lose It! app

Keli said she now eats low-carb foods such as nuts, cheese, chicken, steak, vegetables, and even sugar-free ice cream. 

By May 2018, she had shed 82lbs, going from 207lbs to a slim 125lbs in just one year. 

Not only did Keli lose the weight, but she has kept it off. 

‘When I started to lose weight I figured I’d maybe lose a little, but I thought for sure I’d just gain it back,’ she said. ‘I found out that I have much more strength and willpower than I thought.’

Transformation: By May 2018, Keli had shed 82lbs and completely transformed her body

Transformation: By May 2018, Keli had shed 82lbs and completely transformed her body

Transformation: By May 2018, Keli had shed 82lbs and completely transformed her body 

How it works: The eating plan forces the body into a metabolic state, known as ketosis, which makes the body burn fat as its primary energy source

How it works: The eating plan forces the body into a metabolic state, known as ketosis, which makes the body burn fat as its primary energy source

How it works: The eating plan forces the body into a metabolic state, known as ketosis, which makes the body burn fat as its primary energy source

Success: 'I’m satisfied between meals and rarely snack or even feel the need to being in ketosis,' Keli said

Success: 'I’m satisfied between meals and rarely snack or even feel the need to being in ketosis,' Keli said

Success: ‘I’m satisfied between meals and rarely snack or even feel the need to being in ketosis,’ Keli said 

Keli credits the diet with making a better mom, saying that she now has more energy to play with her daughter, Olivia, six, and a son, Harrison, two.

She is also no longer insecure about her body and is able to really ‘live more in the moment’ because she no longer has anxiety about how she looks.    

‘I’ve never been at a point in my life where I felt comfortable with my weight, and I’d tried losing it so many times and given up,’ she told Health. ‘I can’t really say why it was easier this time, but I guess I just felt ready.’ 

‘Being in ketosis helps calm the big swings in hunger and blood sugar spikes that come with a diet full of sugar,’ she added. ‘I’m satisfied between meals and rarely snack or even feel the need to being in ketosis.’ 

Before and after: Two weeks ago, Keli shared a series of before-and-after photos of herself to show off her weight loss while celebrating two years following the keto diet

Before and after: Two weeks ago, Keli shared a series of before-and-after photos of herself to show off her weight loss while celebrating two years following the keto diet

Before and after: Two weeks ago, Keli shared a series of before-and-after photos of herself to show off her weight loss while celebrating two years following the keto diet

Feeling it: Keli credits the diet with making a better mom, saying that she now has more energy to play with her daughter, Olivia, six, and a son, Harrison, two

Feeling it: Keli credits the diet with making a better mom, saying that she now has more energy to play with her daughter, Olivia, six, and a son, Harrison, two

Two weeks ago, Keli shared a series of before-and-after photos of herself to show off her weight loss while celebrating two years following the keto diet.  

‘How has it already been 2 years?!?! Today marks my 2 year #ketoversary,’ she captioned the images. ‘Year one on keto was all about losing weight, but this past year was all about maintaining it, which was a whole new challenge. 

‘My weight has gone up and down (but mostly up) as long as I can remember, but I have maintained all year and I’m pretty proud of myself,’ she added. ‘If you are thinking of trying it out, remember it’s a total lifestyle change and not a quick fix. 

‘There are so many amazing keto before and after stories out there, but the truth is they’re all from real people who put in hard work.’ 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk