A fashion lover who was left feeling ’embarrassed’ because none of her favorite shops stocked her size has revealed how she shed 75 pounds in just a year by ditching sugar.
Brie Simeoni, 28, had been overweight for the majority of her life but three years ago her ‘weight spiraled out of control’ due to inactivity, alcohol consumption, and poor food choices.
The construction coordinator, from Sudbury, Ontario, reached her heaviest weight of 240 pounds and a size 16 to 18.
Before and after: Brie Simeoni, 28, used to weigh 240 pounds (left). She ditched sugar and switched to the keto diet in January 2017 and has now reached a weight of 165 pounds (right)
A fashion lover, being overweight started to affect Brie mentally and emotionally when she could no longer find clothes to fit her in her favorite shops.
She began to dread going shopping because it left her feeling embarrassed and ashamed.
Brie thus resolved to lose weight to feel happier in her own skin and so that she could enjoy more life experiences such as cycling and socializing.
After doing her research in January 2017, she decided to ditch sugar and try the keto diet, a very low-carb diet that focuses on whole foods.
She has since lost 75 pounds, reaching her current weight of 165 pounds and a size 6-8.
‘Being overweight, put an immense strain on me not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well,’ Brie said.
Process: The construction coordinator, from Sudbury, Ontario, had been overweight for the majority of her life but three years ago her ‘weight spiraled out of control’
Struggle: A fashion lover, being overweight started to affect Brie mentally and emotionally when she could no longer find clothes to fit her in her favorite shops
Homework: After doing her research in January 2017, Brie decided to ditch sugar and try the keto diet, a very low-carb diet that focuses on whole foods
‘I love shopping and clothes, and for the first time in my life I had dreaded going shopping because I wasn’t able to go into any of my favorite stores anymore, as the clothes didn’t accommodate my size.
‘This made me feel ashamed and embarrassed and ultimately was one of the experiences that made me to choosing a healthier lifestyle.
‘There were many factors that lead me to make the decision to lose weight. One factor that led me to want to change my lifestyle was from a physical standpoint. I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin and I knew I couldn’t live like that.
‘I wanted to be able to go out and enjoy time with friends and family and not worry about bulging out my clothes, or if we wanted to do something active, that I would be able to keep up.’
Another factor that motivated Brie’s decision to lose weight was an event her boyfriend partakes in every year, which involves a 37-mile bike ride.
He wanted Brie to be included, but she didn’t feel like like that was possible.
‘I knew in the physical state I was in, that there was no way I would be able to keep up with the group,’ Brie said. ‘My first goal I set in my mind, was to be able to become healthier and stronger for that event.
‘First, I researched and educated myself. That was something I had never done before starting a new diet. I realized I needed to try something different because strictly cutting calories and excessive cardio never worked for me in the past.
Project: Another factor that motivated Brie’s decision to lose weight was an event her boyfriend partakes in every year, which involves a 37-mile bike ride
Participating: Brie’s boyfriend wanted her to be included in the event, but she didn’t feel like like that was possible at the time
Changes: Brie lost 75 pounds in approximately a year, reaching that weight earlier this year. She is still sticking to the keto diet and shared this transformation picture in May
Feeling great: Since losing weight, Brie is finally confident in her own skin and says that some people no longer recognize her
‘I came across the keto diet in January of 2017. I learned what I could and could not eat and how the science behind ketosis changes your body. By incorporating a keto lifestyle, I generally eat 70 per cent fat, 25 to 30 per cent protein, and 5 to 10 per cent carbohydrates on a daily basis.
‘Within the first three months of doing keto, I lost 25 pounds. Once I lost some of the initial weight, I became more confident and started hitting the gym. Rather than strict cardio-only gym sessions, I incorporated weight lifting as well.
‘Keto has not only allowed me to lose weight, but keep it off. I genuinely enjoy the foods I eat and never feel deprived. There are so many low-carb options for things like breads, pasta, sweets, etc. that there is no reason for me to ever feel like I’m missing out.
‘I have limited and nearly eliminated sugar from my diet. My meals before used to consist of mostly all heavy and starchy carbs, soda, chocolate, etc. My meals now mainly consist of whole (non- processed) foods that help to keep my body in ketosis.’
A ketogenic, or keto diet is about minimizing carb intake and upping fats for the body to use as energy. After two to seven days of following this diet, the body goes into ketosis and starts to burn fat for energy.
Brie lost 75 pounds in approximately a year, reaching that weight earlier this year. She is still sticking to the keto diet.
Since losing weight, Brie is finally confident in her own skin and says that some people no longer recognize her.
Hard: For Brie, the hardest thing about her weight loss was ‘keto flu’, when her body adjusted to her new regime. She sometimes got light-headed, and experienced headaches and nausea
Social media: Brie now shares her transformation on Instagram under the handle @sugarfreebrie, and posts recipes and tips for others looking to try the keto diet
Proud: ‘The biggest compliment I receive from people is that I’ve somehow been an “inspiration” to them. That makes every struggle in this journey worth it,’ Brie said
For Brie, the hardest thing about her weight loss was ‘keto flu’, when her body adjusted to her new regime. She sometimes got light-headed, and experienced headaches and nausea.
‘It lasted on-and-off for about two weeks, but after that, my body adapted,’ she said.
‘I hit a few plateaus in my weight loss, however I kept pushing through knowing that my body still had changes to make. I re-adjusted my macro-nutrients and would track my food more consistently to see where my problems could be arising from.’
Brie now shares her transformation on Instagram under the handle @sugarfreebrie, and posts recipes and tips for others looking to try the keto diet.
‘A lot of people don’t recognize me, which is shocking to me. However, the more I thought about it, it’s not just the physical appearance they’re not used to, it’s the confidence I exude now,’ Brie said.
‘Many people often reach out to me regarding my experience about how to get started, what I eat, activities, etc. when they see the progress I’ve made over the past year and a half.
‘I’m always extremely flattered that people want to hear about my experience and am honored that they reach out to me to express their admiration.
‘The biggest compliment I receive from people is that I’ve somehow been an “inspiration” to them. That makes every struggle in this journey worth it.
‘Start by educating and researching about the journey you’re about to embark on. Being prepared and understanding the changes that you’re working towards is key.
‘Also, don’t give up. It is challenging, but the highs far exceed the lows.’