What I Ate to Lose 115 Pounds

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Eating healthy isn’t about overly strict diets or unrealistic restrictions. Rather, healthy eating is about feeling great about yourself and having the energy you need to live your life to the fullest. After taking you on my weight loss journey, I wanted to show you some basic ways you can incorporate healthy choices into your everyday meals. Starting with breakfast, all the way to dinner (and even some snacks in between!), I’ll share some of my own personal daily choices that has brought me to where I am today.

If you are taking this journey with me, don’t be afraid to take small and manageable steps of your own to make this commitment to better health. These simple meal options can be modified to your own taste preferences, but its important to remember that every little step towards health can make a significant difference in the long run. Nobody ever said you have to be perfect, and you certainly don’t need to eliminate all foods you love. The long term goal is to feel great, reduce your risks of disease, and effectively keep yourself as healthy as possible!

I’d love to hear your feedback on what you eat to lose weight as I love sharing recipes!
Stay happy and healthy, beautiful makeup geeks! :)

Breakfast: Sandwich

Lunch: Taco Salad

  • See Full Video & Recipe 
  • Ground turkey
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Bell pepper
  • Tomatoes
  • Kidney beans
  • Carrots
  • Salsa (Optional)
  • Avocado  (Optional)
  • Mrs. Dash (for extra flavor)  (Optional)
  • Light dressing  (Optional)

Dinner: Grilled Tilapia and Lemon Garlic Green Beans

Snack Options

  • http://mustlovesnark.com/ Addie VanDreumel

    Thank you so much for this! Looks super doable and tasty. :)

  • http://shwinlewin.blogspot.com/ shwinlewin

    WOW! 115?! Congratulations! You just shed a weight of a skinny person! And even more to go?! Such an inspiration! Thank you for posting this!!!

  • http://crashbeauty.com/ Chrissy

    Congrats girl! Keep up the good work!

  • Cintia

    Thank you so much for the tips..yeahh ..we want Vlogs o/
    You are so inspiring!!
    Love you..
    And please…give us bras tips for curve girls…

  • http://twitter.com/SerendipityMuse Miss Kristine

    You look amazing Marlena!! :D Thanks for posting! 

  • Krizsa19

    That’s amazing ! Congrats to you and all the hard work.
    Do you work out?
    I needed some new food ideas, thanks.

  • Sheri3388

    Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

  • danalee48

    Thank you so much for being such an inspiration. My 10-year struggle with weight is seeing me 30 pounds lighter and you helped me feel encouraged in my goals =)

  • Sweet_anabel_21

    Such an inspiration!..congrats! :D

  • Fernanda

    Amazing, Marlena!
    Congratulations for your hardwork, it’s so worth it, you’re so beautyfull!
    I think you could tell us about your beggining, how you made the decision to be healthier, when you started the gym…to give some direction for those who are starting now!
    Thank you SO MUCH, you’re a DIVA!

  • Shannon

    You look absolutely amazing! I was a MUG from long ago and lost touch with you after having 2 kids in 2 yrs. I am about to start my journey to lose 60 lbs. I haven’t set a goal of when per say but would like to do it by our 5 yr anniversary (next December) that seems doable and realistic to me. You have really inspired me and I am so grateful. I have neglected myself for so long to be a mama, which was all I ever wanted, now it’s time to become this new improved woman God has made me. I want to be healthy for my boys and husband but most of all for me. I want to feel beautiful on the inside and out. I really see that in you, that you feel genuinely beautiful all around, which you are! I want to be comfortable in my body like you are. Keep it up and keep the good tips coming. Thank you!

    • http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena

      What a sweet comment- thank you Shannon!  You CAN lose weight, but take it one day at a time or one change at a time.  It’s going to take awhile to lose the weight, so it’s a process :)  

  • Estephany Esobar

    Well marlena I hope it works for me I will try to do it I tiered of being fat need to loose a lot of weight just like u did and I it’s my goal..

  • JJ

    I started my Journey 3 months ago!!! I cut out carbs, sugar, soda (pop), I eat smaller portions, I do Zumba everyday, I walk three miles every other day. I haven’t stop indulging but all in moderation. You inspired me that it can be done so far I have lost
    23 lbs. I have almost reached my goal!!!! Thank you for being that inspiration.

    • Desi

      How Is Zumba Like What Stuff Do You Do And How Much Weight Overall Did You Lose With Zumba And How Much Weeks or Months or Years Did It Take You Because I’m Going To Try It Soon And I Want To Know How It Is? Please And Thank You.

    • http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena

      That’s so amazing to hear!  congratulations on your goal :)

  • Violet

    I don’t mean to be a grammar/spelling nazi Marlena, but I believe it’s “lose” not “loose”. Nonetheless, your weight loss journey has inspired me to continue on my weight loss [hit a plateau recently]! So thank you.

  • Kathy

    This looks good. I think ima try this :D thanks for the tip

  • Jenni

    Totally not trying to be critical, because obviously if you already lost 115lbs you know what you are doing. Also, what works for one person does not necessarily work for everyone. I’m also doing a low carb/slow carb type eating plan and I just wanted to point out that there are carbs in fruit, all fruit not just bananas and that people should just be careful and eat it in moderation. Yes, fruit is good for you, but your body turns it into sugar because of the fructose in it and it processes it just like any other sugar which can result in an insulin spike and can throw your metabolism off. That being said I too have fruit on occasion and it hasn’t prevented me from losing, I just wanted to make people aware that filling up on a ton of fruit could have a counter effect. Also, fruit and other sugars can cause bloating/inflammation.

    Dairy also has sugar in it (lactose is a sugar) and should be monitored as well, if you are limiting carb intake. I still have a bit of cheese, but I always read the packages to make sure it doesn’t have any added sugars or anything. Sometimes those “low calorie” substitutes or low fat items are actually worse because they add sugar alcohols, etc. which actually can contribute to gaining weight.

    Also, you probably used 3 or 4 slices of deli meat in your first video because that is a typical serving on many of the packages, especially if it is thinly sliced. I think people forget about serving sizes. I don’t eat deli meat at all anymore though because of the nitrates, but I’m sure in moderation it is fine for most people.

  • marivel

    hello marlene congrats u really look good!!! now i just have a question can u put monre receipts see i’ve been loosing weight since the beginning of this year n up to now i’ve lost 50lbs but sometimes its hard because see im mexican n yes there alot of fat foods that my family eats n i would really like it if you put more receipts of different healthy foods i can do n snacks as well please ill appreciated. thank u soo much. 

  • Nicci

    Marlena, is there any chance that you could do a video/blog post about what you eat is you are out? It is easier to find things around the house or when you have time but what do you eat when you go out to eat with friends or when you have a really busy day and don’t have time to cook?

    • http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena

      Yep!  I’m already planning on taping it in the next few weeks :)

  • Mirna Umbenhower

    I just saw this and it is exactly what I needed to read. I personally need to loose 60-70 pounds and my mom needs to just get healthy and someday loose some weight. So seeing your journey really gives me hope, and I appreciate the way you talk about things. Cause YOU KNOW. You know how some things just don’t work, and you found a way to get it to work for you. I am bookmarking this and in the morning printing this out and putting the recipes on the fridge with your top ten tips so that I can have some useful guidance. 

  • Kathy

    First of all, Congrats on losing 115 pounds! That is quite an accomplishment and you should be super happy with the work you have done to get to this point. I must tell you that I have been inspired by your weight loss success. I wanted to take control of my weight too and so I started to exercise every day and joined Weight Watchers. I started in January and I am very proud to say that I have lost 43 pounds so far. I plan to lose between 100-110 pounds total so I know if you can do it, so can I! Thank you SO MUCH for posting your progress because I can look at them whenever I am having one of those “hard days” and it will give me the motivation I need to keep going. Thanks again and you look absolutely AMAZING!!!

    • http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena

      That’s AMAZING on your progress so far!!  Dang, you’re losing it faster than me :)   Good luck with your journey- I’ve got 25 or more to lose, so I’ll keep chugging away :)  

  • Inna

    post some photos of yourself! I would love to see your results!

  • JoannaP

    Dear Marlena,
    One and a half year ago I started eating normal…I was 150kg and today I am 120kg (1.63 cm height) …I have to lose more but for me these 30 kilos have already changed my life…I m not gonna tell you that I eat perfect now cause there are times that I give up  but then I m trying to motivate myself by watching your videos… When I started eating healthy I was watching your videos back then and I was telling myself look she did it… I can do it!

    Thank you so much for your videos and your ideas… thank you for being there in my darkest hours  and inspiring me. 

    xoxo
    joanna

    sorry for my english… im from greece :)

    • http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena

      That’s amazing with your weight loss! Congratulations :)  Give Greece a big kiss for me! I can’t wait to go there some day

  • Desi

    Marlena Thank You For What You Do Because Not That Many People Share Tips Or Anything Of Personal Weight Lose So Thank You. Also How Many Pounds Do You Think A Person Could Lose Before August 27 2012? I Heard If You Put Your Weight Into A Calculater And Divide It By 8 You Get How Many 8 oz. Cups You Need To Drink Total Mine Is 33 8 oz. Cups So Yes I’m Big For A Teen But Do You Think It Will Work? I Drink About Over 8 Cups Of 8 oz. Is That Good Or Bad I Hear That If You Drink To Much Water It Is Like Drowning Yourself Is That True? You Rock Keep It Up. : )

    • http://twitter.com/MakeupGeek Marlena

      It’s healthy to lose 2 pounds per week if you’re dedicated.  I think for water, it is good to drink 8 glasses worth a day.  I wouldn’t stress so much about the water intake- just drink water whenever you can :)  

  • Raphaela Cozzini

    I need to loose weight and I want to try your way. If you did it why can’t i do it !!
     Need some support 

  • Sanne

    Great! But personally I think you could use some more protein and actually some more carbs..it doesn’t have to be much. If you work out, your muscles need the protein to gain energy, grow and in the long run – speed up your metabolism. And the carbs are for energy of course. Do you have quark in the U.S? It’s a really healthy and good way to get more protein in your body, perfect after working out! Cottage cheese is another healthy option, you can mix it with your fruit!

  • Sophie

    You are awesome !Thanks so much for sharing this. I am a PCOS patient and losing weight is my cure and the most difficult thing.. I am suppose to be on low carb diet… It is very difficult coz the symptoms and side effects of PCOS are awful but I am not giving up.. Trying my best to deal with it. You are such an inspiration.. Xx

    Also, it will be great if you can do some more outfits videos.. may be outfits for summers or night outs..etc… 

    Thanks again…:)

  • http://www.facebook.com/hanna.nyrud Hanna Elisabeth Nyrud

    Hi! These videos are soo helpful! Whenever I see them I get like a burst of will to loose weight =D Buut what’s keeping me back is exercise… I hate it so much and I’m in terrible shape and I just wonder how you got through those first weeks or months? To where you were in a tolerable shape and could run continuously etc?
    I’ve been following you ever since you started youtube, and you are so amazing and you give me hope that anyone can loose weight as long as they try hard enough ! =D 

  • Evelien

    Hi Marlena,

    Thank you for posting al of your weightloss videos! Congrats on the 115 loss! That is so amazing!

    I started last year eating just like you, due to healthreasons, and lost 30 pounds. Thanks to that weightloss I finally got pregnant and since april 22 I have my beautiful little girl :)

    Now that i’m not pregnant anymore I intend to loose more weight and I’m going to continue with the lifestylechange.

    Thanks again and keep up the good work!!! We can do it!

  • Pooky381

    Thank you Marlena! I really want to lose some weight, but it’s hard to be motivated.. I have tried weight watchers, bodystyling and other programs but nothing seems to work for me in the long run.. But when I say how much you have lost and how ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS you look, it motivates me :)

  • sonie35

    great, tips. Thank you for sharing

  • Kelly Shaw

    You are a wonderful inspiration! Thank you! X

  • Twinkle_Toes28

    Didn’t you have a tummy tuck? Wouldn’t that be a huge contributor to your weight loss?

    • http://twitter.com/starlit_dream Elena

      Marlena did have a tummy tuck to take care of excess skin from the dramatic amount of weight she lost prior to surgery. Out of 115 pounds lost so far though, I would assume the surgery impacted the shape of her body more so than actual pounds being lost from it.  You go, Marlena!

      • Twinkle_Toes28

        Thank you for the clarification! I was curious because 115lbs seems like a lot and she didn’t look that big before! I am looking to lose weight and diet and exercise seems to work but not sure if it will give me dramatic results.

  • achu

    wow thats it m gonna follow the way u did it!!!

  • Elizabeth

    Love your ideas!  I have followed the same thing basically, just eating healthy and I work out.  I’ve lost 136 pounds in a little over 2 years.  I still have about 45 pounds I want to lose.  I used a website called sparkpeople where I track my food and calories each day.  I’ve lost weight by just eating better, and yes, I still have treats, just in moderation and I count the calories for them.  If anyone wants to add me as a friend on sparkpeople, my name on there is Moonbird.  

    • Raphaela Cozzini

      WOW you did a good job!  Do you have to pay to be on sparkpeople?

  • http://twitter.com/starlit_dream Elena

    Thanks for the recipes and ideas. I, along with many other people, love seeing the updates from you and you continue to inspire me along my journey as well! A bread I like to use is Trader Joe’s Sprouted Wheat. It’s 60 calories and 7 carbs per slice. However, it does have gluten and wheat flour. Just another suggestion for people out there!

  • Jaidynne

    If I recall correctly, you originally said you went on this diet because of a Candida overgrowth? If I am correct, is this the diet you immediately switched to to fix the problem? Or did you do some sort of cleanse first or what? I currently am positive I have a severe problem because I just had a transplant in November, and then my large intestine was removed in December. I was in the hospital and on antibiotics for about 4 months straight. I’m also curious as to whether or not you drink soda? Or if you just drink water, or basically what you drink? Any tips you have would be SO SO appreciated. I’ve admired you for years, and am so proud of you and so inspired by you to change my life. Way to go!

  • Andyblayr07

    I usually top 1/2 cup (4 oz) of sugar free or low fat vanilla yogurt with fruit. The creaminess of the yogurt makes it feel more decadent.

  • Ciruelilla

    Has perdido 52 kgs en cuanto tiempo? estas genial :)

  • Char

    Marlena, you are such an inspiration!  Thanks for the great tips :)

  • Nastravia

    Do you try to keep under a certain amount of calories per day? How many? Thanks for sharing this I think its great and you look amazing! Way to go!!!

  • Tasic26

    You are the bomb!!! Thank you so much for you personality!!! You inspire me!!!!

  • Debbie

    Congratulations Marlena!  It’s obvious that you have worked VERY hard to achieve this success.  If I may ask, what was it that prompted you to start this weight loss journey?  Personally, I have tried a lot of different things to lose weight, without lasting success.  The idea of failing, AGAIN, keeps me stuck.  I guess my question is what changed in your brain to keep you motivated to succeed?  I find your story SO inspiring.  Thanks for your response.

  • Debbie

    Congratulations Marlena!  It’s obvious that you have worked VERY hard to achieve this success.  If I may ask, what was it that prompted you to start this weight loss journey?  Personally, I have tried a lot of different things to lose weight, without lasting success.  The idea of failing, AGAIN, keeps me stuck.  I guess my question is what changed in your brain to keep you motivated to succeed?  I find your story SO inspiring.  Thanks for your response.

  • Estephany Esobar

    Omg the sandwich for breakfast was sooooooo good and got me really full thanks for all those helpful tips u give us marlena…

  • Amimaus89

    First of all: You look stunning – absolutely amazing!!! This is exactly what helps me with my weight loss. I know what I shouldn’t eat, but it’s so hard to mix things up and have different meals. To me dieting always gets bored when I start to eat the same everyday because I just don’t know what else I can do with the ingredients. 

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/IVSZZIMJN5NAAMU3RHZFBOFOPA s

    You are my inspiration! Came across this site about a week and a half ago. I have lost 4 pounds so far because of your tips and encouraging videos. Keep it up! 

  • Bella Capri

    115 pounds!!  What an accomplishment.  You look amazing.  Thank you for sharing this video and these meals – I’m always looking for new menu ideas.

  • Sadsadia123

    will try it out..i gained 35kgs for no reason..need to lose it fast

  • http://www.tomyhappyplace.com/ Bobbi Dust

    Loved this video and the recipes! I have a renewed faith that I can take the weight off and keep it off. Thank you for inspiring me to keep going!

  • marivivl

    What´s tilapia

  • marivivl

    What´s tilapia? Is meat or is fish

  • marivivl

    Spain does´nt know this name

  • marivivl

    but is all very good looking and I am encouraged because I have to lose weight 15 kilos, not much can be in pounds, but I was doing a bit expensive because I find recipes that encourage me to continue trying, so that proves that these are very presencia.Ya good I’ll tell you, ah! and the tilapia is not.

    • Shannon Long

      Tilapia is fish….it’s a very mild fish…

  • Papa600

    Hi marlena I am a big fan love all your videos and try to find new ones all the time congrats on losing the weight you look great how can I know when you post a new video?and would like advise on losing weight I am currently taking depression and anxiety med so I feel it hard to lose weight I need to lose at least 30pounds plz help me and hope you answer me soon From Nuvia. :)

  • http://profiles.google.com/bsantlal Bindu Santlal

    Thanks for this video. I am trying to get out of a plateau. I really need to eat healthier. I love your choices. I know you won’t give up your iced coffee. I feel the same way about tea (with lil milk and tiny bit of sugar). If I can’t enjoy my tea I just won’t be satisfied. I have been on plateau for about 5 months but i feel  like I finally am getting over it with your help. I feel like I coulda done it sooner but I just needed some extra push.

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/DNRN43NLVZD5J3MX5D2KGBOMIA AZ

    How can i make fat free dinners with two teenagers in my house?

  • Amilagros

    Thank you so much for the tips!  Please keep posting recipes!  I get tired of not having a lot of variety and these recipes will help spice it up!  

  • Chelsie

    I’m not sure about the calorie count for this, but I absolutely LOVE this vegetable soup recipe! ^^ 
    http://www.momswhothink.com/soup-recipes/vegetable-soup-recipe.html 

    • Chelsie

      I should add that it makes several servings, I live with 5 other girls and one batch of this is enough to make dinner for 2-3 days depending on the serving size. 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_STRDCMLBO5JP7QYIZNFM35G3SI kalli

    Marlena, you really look divine! Lol, I need to lose about 25 pounds & not motivated. Do you happen to have an exercise routine? I am a super carb junkie, maybe that’s my problem. And there just happens to be like at least I’d say 15 fast food places in my neighborhood! Within like 2 blocks. Lol. I will try to incorporate more egg whites & proteins. In the past, were you eating a lot of carbs? Been on so many diets and I always gain the weight back:(. I gotta get back on that train. I do love me that iced coffee too! Expensive habit, lol…but gotta have it! Great job, you look fab.

  • singingsiren

    wow Marlena! i’m 105. I really notice how much happier you are lately, you smile more and laugh more :D keep it up!! 

  • Celenagrant1

    You are such an inspiration in so many ways :) thanks marlena!!

  • Carord

    Congrats on your weightloss!! You are an inspiration. I am a little concerned because that’s way too little for a daily intake =/ you should be eating more, I think..

  • Prbrat_1

    Marlina, Thank you so very much for all your inspiration and recipes on what helped you to lose weight. I’ve been trying everything for over a year and I gained weight. (not sure what I’m doing wrong) but you keep doing what your doing cause its working for you. My next step is trying to work out with a personal trainer. Thank you Marlina for all your inspiration.

  • karina

    Hi Marlena. I always watch your videos about makeup weight loss and all that but never made a comment to you. I love all your videos they are amazing! today when i watched this video i decided to write to you to give you an advice. Its your choice to use it or not but i thought maybe you could use it. I am always losing weight i am always reading about how to lose weight what to eat what not to eat and always thought that fruits and vegies ONLY would do the thing i mean make me lose weight. I am not fat but i want to be more fit. So i always thought fruits and vegies will make me lose weight, it did but i always gained them back. Until i went to a school where they taughtt how to eat correctly and what foods to choose. You know when i lost weight i didnt lose fat, i lost muscle. They taught me to eat more protein and ofcourse fruits and vegies. I started losing fat not muscle. Your diet is great but i think it lacks protein, if you add protein to your diet you will start losing fat and weight faster because you will be feeding your muscle not your fat, and if you have more muscle you lose more fat because muscle burns fat. For lunch you have to add fish or chicken or anything that has protein in it. You can count your daily protein intake like this but change the pounds into kilograms and multiply your weight by 1,2 (if you go to the gym then mulltiply by 1,5) and you will get how much grams of protein you need to take for one day. It is important to keep your muscle and lose fat.
    Other than that keep it up love your snacks, and dinner ;)  

  • Anna

    Hi Marlena! Thanks so much for this! Question: did you have major red stretch marks on your waist side where the love handles are or anywhere else on your body? I have on my waist and even if I have to lose fat, I feel like they will be too visible for me to wear a two piece bikini :(

  • Aliciagar07

    hola!, u look amazing, I’ve been watching your channel since last year, you have a Mexican Fan!!!, I’m from Mexico city and the only thing I can say is that I love your channels, and you inspired me to get on a diet too. I’ve lost 5 pounds already and I have to loose another 25, it’s been a little hard. Anyway, I just wanted you to know that you have fans here in Mexico and that I admire you very much.

    Bye

  • RobinW

    You look realllllyyyy great! And all those foods that you listed actually look good and tasty, so I’m super excited to start my weightloss journey. Thank you so much!

  • Nimue2

    Ezekiel bread is DELICIOUS and it’s GREAT for you!  Way to go on your weightloss – I don’t think anyone can say anything negative about your food choices!  You have definitely gotten it down to a (successful) science :)

  • Lucy

    Congratulations on your progress, keep it up!  You help lots of people by keeping us up to date on your progress!

  • zigzag

     Thank you so much for sharing.  That is so yummy and healthy!  I am using a portion control supplement called Roca Labs and I think it’s okay to get tempted with these low calorie treats.  I can still keep my average weight loss goal of 1 – 2 lbs a week. Congrats! 

  • Lindsey

    I’d also like to know how it started.

    Was there just one single day where you said, “Enough.” ??
    I’m fairly over weight and the hard part for me is finding the inspiration to do something finally about it. :)

  • Michaela

    I love your videos! and you are so beautiful! thankyou so much!!

  • Kicia_uk

    Hello Marlena. Can i ask You how much was Your weight before diet and how much is now? I have big problem becouse i have 121 kilos :( and i need to lost it becouse its horrible….i would like to know how long You waiting for your actual appearance…and how much calories per day you eated? Could You answer me? I wanna start Your diet becouse You for me perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Hb22k

    how long did it take u to loose all that weight?? 

  • Jakl826

    Did you see a gain in weight after you started working out and if so, how long did it take for it to go down to normal? Also when you were in the plateau did you ever try to up your calories or just eat less carbs? I have been losing weight since last January and have lost 57 lbs with 29 more to go. I keep plateauing so I recently started working out and now I have gained 4 lbs. I am thinking about cutting my carbs but I’m worried about not eating enough calories…

    PS I love all of your weight loss tips and makeup looks of course! And you are always so sweet. :)

  • Justine

    I am gunna try the sandwich.  But what seemed to work for me when I was very sick all I was able to eat was Ramen, toast (Cinna& Sugar), Sandwhiches with two slices of American cheese, water(Flavored with Cristal Lite) and Apple Juice. And I was  eatting that for two weeks. And when I went back to school every one thought I lost a lot of weight. But it is hard to stay to that if you are not sick. lol

  • Rosiet

    Thank  you, but I find it hard eating out, how do you approach eating out? What do you eat?

  • Kay Kay voodoo doll

    Amazing!!!!!! Ur simply gorgeous doll :)

  • Linh

    I am so proud of you. You have great determination and dedication. I hope i can be like you. I have been trying to lose weight most of my life. Now I m about to turn 30, i am trying to lose weight for my birthday. Your inspiration to me. Keep working hard 

  • Niki

    I love your jacket in this video!! Congrats on losing 115lbs. You look awesome!!

  • Claudiahrrra

    You look beautiful Marlena!!! keep it up! :)

  • Sam Coburn

    How are pineapples as a snack? Is that too much sugar??

  • Lisav552

    Everything looks delicious!  Thank you for sharing this!

  • Barbie101386

    Marlene I love you soooo much, you are my inspiration. I rediscover my passion for make-up thanks to you and my passion for life. thanks for sharing your life with you and making out day brighter with your beautiful smile :)

  • Ri

    You look amazing! So what kind of work outs do you do, and how often do you do you’re work out? 

  • Preeti

    Fantastic. Thank you for sharing :)

  • Amanda

    Marlena, You NEED to try these Coconut Lime Chick peas. They are really genius and such a good snack!

    http://happyhealthymama.com/2012/07/coconut-lime-roasted-chickpeas.html

  • guest

    thank you marlena!

  • http://www.facebook.com/mail4mary Мария Загрядская

    Please … more recipes

  • http://www.facebook.com/anna.gartland Anna Gartland

    Marlena, I just wanted to ask that you keep posting your weight loss tips. I find them so helpful. You are doing an amazing job for yourself. I am trying to do the same for myself. I love that you are so honest tht this is a journey and is not going to happen over night. Thank you for the inspiration. You look amazing!

  • tracy

    wow marlena, u are such an inspiration. I want to embark on the weight loss journey that u have done. Is there an email that I can write to you. I have some questions. much love from Canada .

  • Ronnie

    Good Morning Marlene, I would like you to know. You inspired me to loose weight. I started with a weightloss program in my area. So far I lost 7lbs within the last 4weeks. This is very hard and I know you mention many times it’s not easy. In your old photos you posted, I’d say thats my weight right now. I’m young still, & just had a little baby girl. (I want to be able to keep up with her) Thank you for the inspiration. Your videos on how to diet & exercise is a big help. I really would love for you to do more. Will I guess more of the exercise part, I really can’t afford the gym so I’m using stairs & a local hospital & just walking 2miles a day. Do you have anything in mind? Once again, Thanks Marlene for just being you. Love ya Girl!

  • Ashley

    hello, i just want to say thankyou for blogging about this, your an insperation. I have struggled with my weight since i was a little girl, and its people like you who push me to be healthy and feel great about about myself. I am currently busting my butt in the gym, and eatting right..my current goal is to be healthy, i am still young(college student), rather than having a role model like, miley cyrus, or brittany spears. i look for normal beautiful people, some like you to look up to. so thanks :)

  • Lindsey

    Amazing work! I have been following and lost some weight but now I’m stuck at a plateau! I eat healthy and minimal calories, i just can’t seem to lose my last 20 pounds,any advice?

  • mamasana

    You need to check your labels the “sugar free” pudding is going to have the same ingredients as splenda (aspartame, sucralose, etc.) sooooo not good for you. Same goes for the “diet” cokes it actually had chemicals in it that are worse than regular coke. you might ought to try to cut out the pudding and anything else diet or sugar free and it might break through another plateau issue you might encounter. I know it’s hard when you get down to the last of your weight, but to get past it, might mean taking things a bit further. Congrats on your weightloss thus far and good luck in your future goals. You are gorgeous!
    Keep in mind: anything with chemicals & anything you can’t pronounce on an ingredients list means it’s probably not good for your body, most packaged items contain all kinds of bad chemicals and are loaded with MSG (monosodium glutimate) there’s a ton of other names for it, so make sure and check your labels thoroughly. I’m just now seeing your videos for the first time but i hope this might help you some with reaching your final goal.

    • Amanda

      I agree completely. That’s the thing about a plateau. If you want to get over it, you have to be willing to cut down on the bad stuff even more, and be willing to recognize what the bad stuff is. A lot of people don’t realize that low-fat products are also full of weird fillers to accommodate for the fat, which adds flavor. When you remove the fat, you often remove the flavor, so they have to add things back in to make up for that.

      I am also a very hippy, leg-heavy girl and the best thing for me, hands down, has been weight exercises that incorporate lunges, side lunges, dips, and squats. If you stick to doing that, your buns and legs will start shaping up in no time. I promise!

      I’m rooting for you Marlena!

  • Maria

    omggg your amazing!!! im so proud of you really well done. I have always been big and really want to lose 50 pounds and you have really inspired me i promise. my heathy life starts noww ahhhhh i feel so motivated!! :D thank you so muchh.

  • Ruth

    wow…115lbs… did u work out with this diet? and also how long did it take you to loose that much?

    • ruth

      because im also struggling to loose weight. Biotine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Folic Acid, B12, Chromium, and cut down on starch, but my weight seems to be teeter tottering. I’ve stopped breast feeding my son, in hopes i can concentrate on loosing the weight and didnt want the vitamins to affect him.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=529307338 Cynthia M. Garcia

    Marlena, I stumbled across one of your makeup videos and started watching (loved them). Then I heard you say “us curvy girls” and thought..psht…she is NOT curvy! She has no idea what curvy is! Then I saw this article and I’m blown away and hooked! You give people like me hope! I need to lose about 150 pounds and have been overweight all my life! And like you have done every diet out there. I’ve considered lap band surgery, but my insurance doesn’t cover it, so I’m stuck being fat. Seeing you gives me hope that I can do it. I’m bookmarking your page and following every diet advice you have put out and will put out! You are my inspiration that I can do it too. You’re beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story, you have no idea what this means to me. I can’t wait for the store to open to go buy greens, fruits, egg whites! Thanks again and keep up the good work!

  • enedina

    I saw your video and you have inspired me to lose weight.and so far I’ve lost nine lbs thank you

  • kate

    Wow could you keep up with the workouts what were I am it is getting colder so I.can’t walk a whole lot outside what should I switch in my workout for winter

  • faeza zahid

    You look awesome, Marlena you are truly an inspiration. Whenever I watch your tutorials it makes me feel guilty about me, you started, it took time but you successfully lost a lot of weight and i haven’t even started yet. Last year I worked out seriously and lost 42 pounds but i stopped working out after losing that much weight. But this year 2013 I am going to lose weight and be fit for sure just like you did. It’s really hard to lose weight when you are depressed.
    I envy you, you are beautiful and you look even more beautiful after losing weight. No matter what I am gonna do this and look as good as you look. You look absolutely amazing. love you Marlena.

  • Amanda

    You look amazing! I have to lose about 85lbs to hit my goal weight of 120lbs. I’m concerned with how my body will look once I get there. Sagy skin/boobs. Did you end up having to get a tummy tuck or any breast work done?
    Thank you so much for being open to sharing your story!!

  • babycdlr

    Wow congratsss marlene… U look awsome
    I know how hard it can be to be in the indresty of cosmotologiist and not have the boddy of a perfect thin model size…
    My self is a plus size and also have the loveee for make up and clothes i have a cosmo license. ..
    But i dont feel the energy to doll up! ! I been trying to eat better for the last two weeks. .. But other than changibg the eating habbits did u exercise pleaseee send me alll theeee info i cannn use and help pleaseeee….
    Im in the journey with u pleaseeee i will love to some day look aass fave ass u!!!

  • Kym

    would this help a person even if they want to eat other foods? How long would it get use to eating this like every week? I want to try it along with my mom but I don’t know how long I would last without going to the other good snacks and fast food dinners?

  • Roshni

    hey Marlena..You have become an inspiration to me ..Aam an Indian and could not get blueberries and some more stuffs that you added to your salad very easily.. i wanna lose around 60lbs.. can you plz help me with the alternatives..

  • K

    I was just wondering about saggy skin. I also have to lose 115 and I am terrified of getting saggy skin. Sorry if this is intrusive.

  • smiles

    You are such an ispiration i am currently 190 and startedmy quest at 220, my goal is 150 and i just feel like im at a stnd still someone to communicate with about this would be lovely thankyou

  • Reesey

    I love you Marlena, and you’re an inspiration in so many ways, but FYI: fruits and veggies are carbs :) So those string beans you eat for dinner? Carbs. They just happen to be good carbs!

  • Leanne

    your stunning! and your videos are awesome.
    Im 17 but ive always struggled with my weight and am at my heaviest right now in the 200`s ive tried the south beach and nothing works,any advice for a good start up too losing weight and how too keep motivation up? thanks a bunch :)

  • Beatrice

    Hi Marlena,

    firstly congrats for losing so much weight , you are truely an inspiration to us all!! I live in Australia and I came across your blogs the other day and I have not stopped since, had to learn about every thing you are doing, I am also Italian mother of 2 and have struggled with my weight for so many year, its hard to give up the Pasta and bread, carbs are the killers for us , I have around 25 kilos to lose so I have a lots to go and will be follwing your plan cause I do love everything you eat, can you tell me do you follow a calorie controlled diet ? also how many snacks are you allowed in the day , morning tea and afternoon tea.?

    how much weight have you lost now to this date. just an amazing person you are .

  • http://www.facebook.com/destenyy.lemuss Desteny Lemus

    I eat the similarly just a little more bland but definitely going to try this :) )

Marlena

Marlena is the founder and CEO of Makeup Geek - a cosmetic education website and upstart makeup brand.
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