Introduction to Weight Loss

Amanda York was only 11-years-old when she found out she had a brain tumor the size of a golf ball.
While going into immediate surgery saved her life, it also came with significant downsides — like extremely early menopause and a surge of weight gain.
“I went into menopause when I was 11-years-old,” York told Today.com.
Amanda York has struggled with weight ever since her brain tumor surgery at only 11. Family Photo
“They told me I would have hormonal complications, but my family and I had no idea what that would mean. I went into the hospital at 98 pounds, and went home at 160 pounds. A year after surgery, I was 250 pounds,” she said.
Despite exercising with a personal trainer and trying to maintain a healthy diet, York’s weight remained between 200 and 250 pounds for much of her adult life.
Now at 38, York’s ongoing battle with her weight is finally over — and the secret to her success hasn’t been intense cardio or a trendy diet.

Turning Point

York’s turning point came in 2016, when she decided to join the health and fitness club Life Time — a move that led to a complete shift in mindset.
Previously, she had leaned heavily on high-intensity workouts — now she realized that while it was beneficial for her to have something that got her heart rate up, she also needed something that brought her stress levels down.
“I started taking yoga and seeing incredible mental health and wellness benefits positively impacting my life,” she told Today.
Despite exercising with a personal trainer and trying to maintain a healthy diet, York’s weight remained between 200 and 250 pounds. Family Photo
“Now, I’m focused on my strength. I’m focused on my overall mental health and mind/body awareness. Yoga keeps me grounded so I can better deal with stress in daily life,” York added.

The Science Behind Yoga

Research has shown that yoga can improve balance and flexibility, reduce anxiety, enhance heart and lung function and improve sleep quality.
Some studies have even linked practicing yoga to weight loss, largely thanks to the way the practice encourages more mindful eating.

Dietary Changes

By 2018, York was taking the correct hormonal drugs and working with a doctor who put her on a year-long diet that cut out processed food and focused on protein and leafy greens.
York’s doctor put her on a protein-heavy diet that cut carbs to only 30 grams a day. Family Photo
It also limited her carb intake to only 30 grams per day — which translates to a small baked potato, a cup of mashed potatoes or one sandwich on whole grain bread.
Studies have shown that an extremely low-carb diet like this one can lead to significant weight loss by prompting your body into a state of ketosis in which it burns fat for energy.

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Maintaining Weight Loss

However, keto diets are not for everyone, as they can lead to changes in gut bacteria and make it harder to get all of your nutrients in.
That’s probably why York told Today that this was a meal plan she “would never do long term” and emphasized that “it was done under [her] doctor’s supervision.”
But it worked. She lost 130 pounds and has maintained her new weight since 2020 — even with cheat meals.
“If I want to have an ice cream sundae, I’m not going to worry about it,” she said.

Conclusion

Amanda York’s journey to weight loss is a testament to the importance of finding a balance between physical activity and mental well-being. By incorporating yoga into her routine and making significant changes to her diet, she was able to lose 130 pounds and maintain her weight loss.

FAQs

Q: What was the turning point in Amanda York’s weight loss journey?
A: The turning point in Amanda York’s weight loss journey was when she joined the health and fitness club Life Time and started taking yoga classes.
Q: What type of diet did Amanda York follow to lose weight?
A: Amanda York followed a protein-heavy diet that cut carbs to only 30 grams a day, under the supervision of her doctor.
Q: How much weight did Amanda York lose?
A: Amanda York lost 130 pounds and has maintained her weight loss since 2020.