A woman who has struggled with her weight for most of her life has shared how she lost 100 pounds in just one year by making low-carb versions of her favorite foods.
Mayra Wendolyne, 39, of Laguna Beach, California, weighed 315 pounds at her heaviest when she began her weight loss journey in the early 2000s. Now she proudly stands at a healthier and happier 185 pounds.
“I battled with my weight throughout my childhood, but my turning point was the day after my 16th birthday party,” explains the content creator, who goes by “Low-carb loveonline.
Mayra remembered how shocked she was when she developed the photos she took that day with her Kodak camera.
Mayra Wendolyne, 39, from Laguna Beach, California, lost 130 pounds by making low-carb versions of her favorite foods
The influencer weighed 315 pounds at her heaviest when she started her weight loss journey in the early 2000s. Now she proudly stands at a healthier and happier 185 pounds
The self-taught chef and baker has more than four million followers on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, where she is known as ‘Low Carb Love’.
‘I felt so disappointed. “I didn’t know I had gained so much weight,” she said. ‘I couldn’t even recognize myself. After that I knew I wanted to change something and I took out a gym membership.’
Mayra’s journey to a healthier life started with an approach that combined her love of certain foods with a commitment to exercise.
“I loved cereal, so I found a low-carb version,” she said. ‘I loved fettuccine and would make a healthier version without the noodles. I made huge salads full of protein that made me feel full.’
She admitted that she “used to hate working out” because she “put so much pressure on herself” that “it felt like something very stressful.”
“I turned it around and made it a regular part of my daily routine,” she explained.
‘Now I make sure I get some exercise at least four times a week, and the best part is that it’s no longer a stress fest. I really enjoy it and it feels great after a good workout.’
Mayra said it was sometimes difficult to stay focused because of the sacrifices she had to make to achieve her goals.
“I had to miss many family gatherings and couldn’t enjoy the familiar comfort foods I ate as a child,” she recalls.
Mayra said she had struggled with her weight most of her life, and recalled how shocked she was when she saw photos of herself at her 16th birthday party.
‘I felt so disappointed. “I didn’t know I had gained so much weight,” she said. ‘I couldn’t even recognize myself
Mayra’s journey to a healthier life began with an approach that combined her love of certain foods with a commitment to exercise
Mayra lost 100 pounds in just one year by overhauling her lifestyle. She said it was sometimes difficult to stay focused because of the sacrifices she had to make to achieve her goals
‘Something that has helped me deal with setbacks or temptations is preparing meals and keeping only healthy things on hand.
“It’s super easy to give in to something I know I’m not supposed to do, so I just don’t keep those ‘forbidden’ foods.” If it’s not in my pantry, I can’t eat it, it’s that simple!’
The move to a low-carb diet also necessitated changing family meals within the Wendolyne household.
‘Having a daughter and a large family, I love making foods that I can turn into casseroles and bakes, but always make sure they are very low-carb and keto-friendly. I try to focus on high-protein options,” she noted.
‘Replacing broccoli and cauliflower with pasta has been a huge game changer. This way I can still enjoy ‘pasta recipes’ without the real pasta!’
The self-taught chef and baker has more than four million followers on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, where she shares her favorite recipes.
Mayra’s recipe for baking chicken Alfredo has become popular on TikTok, where she has 1.4 million followers alone.
Her no-carb pizza and other pizza variations are also popular options for those craving a low-carb yet filling meal.
Another viral post was a recipe for microwaveable gluten-free cinnamon rolls made with butter, egg, vanilla extract, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, a sugar alternative and cream cheese frosting. Unlike conventional cinnamon rolls, Mayra’s recipe is ready in just 90 seconds.
Mayra explained that she makes high-protein meals that are keto-friendly. “I love making food that I can make into casseroles and casseroles,” she said
The content creator said she likes to alternate broccoli and cauliflower when making pasta recipes
Mayra shared that she is grateful for the “Low Carb Love” community she has created. “I’ve leaned on them for support,” she said
Mayra added that she is excited about launching new plans and products related to her weight loss journey
“When I started my TikTok page, I got my content inspiration from keto influencers like Maria Emmerich and Dr. Ken Berry,” she said. ‘I was also addicted to reading weight loss books and articles online.
‘Dr. Fung’s book on fasting was a breakthrough for me. Additionally, I’ve been participating in online conferences to learn more about the science behind keto and really dive deep into it.
‘I feel very fortunate to be able to share not only the knowledge I have gained about weight loss, but also my tried and tested low-carb recipes.’
Mayra added that she enjoys talking to members of her “Low Carb Love family” in person and online.
“One thing I didn’t expect was how many people could relate to the unexpected changes I experienced as a result of weight loss. I felt like there were times when I still felt insecure about my body,” she explained.
I still saw myself as a ‘big girl’ and it was difficult to process this. I have relied on them for support, and in turn, I am always willing to help them with their own post-weight loss challenges.”
Looking ahead, Mayra is excited about launching new plans and products related to her journey.
Her overarching goal is to empower women around the world to live their best lives, whether it’s weight loss, increased self-confidence or strengthening family bonds.
‘Losing weight for yourself and only for yourself. If you do it for other people, it will be difficult to maintain the weight loss,” she said.
