Brittany McCrystal Loses 20kg in Nine Months While Enjoying Favorite Foods
Brittany McCrystal, a 29-year-old from New Zealand, has shared her success story of losing a significant 20kg over nine months without sacrificing her favorite indulgences like tacos and burgers. Her journey is a testament to lasting lifestyle changes over quick fixes.
The Start of a New Chapter
Initially leading a sedentary life as a travel agent, McCrystal found herself constantly feeling out of breath and unhappy with her appearance. At 23, she was 74kg and wore size L and 16 clothing, relying heavily on takeaway meals and alcohol.
Brittany McCrystal has revealed how she went from a size 16 to a size 6 in just nine months
Struggling with Traditional Methods
McCrystal tried various fad diets, including keto, weight loss shakes, and juice cleanses, all of which led to short-term results but failed to provide long-term benefits. They also negatively impacted her well-being, causing muscle loss, insomnia, and even losing her period and hair.
She learned her lesson about focusing solely on the scale rather than the journey to a healthier lifestyle. Her experience taught her that there are no shortcuts or magic pills.
The Magic of Balance: The 80/20 Rule
Brittany’s downfall with traditional diets sparked a search for a more sustainable solution. This led her to adopt the 80/20 rule, where she eats 80% whole, nutrient-dense foods and allocates 20% for indulgences, striking a balance that maintains her enjoyment of meals.
She credits the 80/20 rule for her svelte physique, where she eats 80 per cent whole, nutrient-dense foods and leaves 20 per cent room for indulgences, within reason
Focusing on Quality Over Quantity
Instead of counting calories or eliminating whole food groups, Brittany started making smarter choices. She began incorporating high-protein volume foods into her diet, which help her feel full and energized without exceeding her weight loss goals.
For breakfast, she might enjoy a healthier version of eggs Benedict or crispy Mexican egg tacos, while her lunch options include a homemade poke bowl or a chicken Caesar wrap.
Healthy Eating with Unhealthy Pleasures
Her approach to healthy eating is not restrictive; she embraces her food cravings. Dinner is often a home-cooked meal with a touch of indulgence, such as high-protein nachos or a ‘fakeaway’ version of a McDonald’s McChicken burger.
Building Muscle and Trusting the Journey
McCrystal’s transformation is not just about losing weight but also about building muscle and improving her overall lifestyle. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the journey rather than just the physical outcome.
She encourages readers to trust their bodies and enjoy the journey to better health, highlighting how happy she was with her life at a size 6 to 8 rather than her previous size 16 at the lowest weight.
Her homecooked meals are constantly changing because she doesn’t enjoy eating the same foods, but she always makes sure they are delicious and never boring
Setting Realistic Goals and Staying Motivated
Brittany started her workouts with simple daily walks adding up to 10,000 steps. This gradual approach helped her integrate exercise seamlessly into her routine without feeling overwhelmed. As she shed the initial weight, she incorporated strength training and Muay Thai into her regimen.
She avoids strict workout routines to keep exercise enjoyable. Her workouts now include various forms of strength training, running, and Muay Thai.
From Crisis to Transformation
By focusing on her journey rather than quick fixes, Brittany discovered that true happiness and health come from within. Now, she feels more optimistic about her future and has developed a sustainable, enjoyable lifestyle.
Her transformation is evident not just in her physical appearance but also in her healthier relationship with food and physical activity.
Now, more than six years on, Brittany said she feels happier and healthier than ever before
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
Brittany McCrystal’s success story is a powerful reminder that real weight loss and lasting health require sustainable habits. Her approach encourages balance, enjoying delicious meals while making mindful choices, and maintaining physical activity.
She advises those struggling with weight loss not to give up but to trust the process. True success lies in finding a healthy balance that makes you feel great from the inside out.
Brittany’s homemade ‘fakeaway’ of McDonald’s McChicken burger
295 cals per burger | 43g protein | Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
400g lean ground chicken
1 tbsp mustard
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne (optional)
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup corn flakes – blended
Low-calorie high protein burger buns (better buns)
1 tbsp light mayo per burger
Lettuce for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a bowl, mix the lean ground chicken with half of all the spices (mustard, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper).
2. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
3. Mix the remaining spices with the cornflake mixture.
4. Coat each patty in the cornflake mixture.
5. Place the patties in an air fryer and spray lightly with cooking spray.
6. Cook at 180 degrees for 10 minutes.
7. Assemble the burgers with the low-calorie buns, light mayo, chicken, and lettuce.
“The real message I want to convey is that happiness and health are not about a number on the scale,” Brittany says. “It’s about enjoying the journey and making positive changes that you can maintain long-term.”
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