---

Introduction: A Girl Who Was Tired of Hiding

Hi. My name is Rylee Aurora, I’m 28 years old, 5’6″, and I lost 87.2 pounds in 11 months.

And let me be real with you right off the bat: this isn’t one of those “I drank a tea and everything melted away” stories. This is a story of raw emotions, uncomfortable truths, quiet breakdowns, and small, quiet wins that built up to something life-changing.

It’s about the girl who used to avoid mirrors. Who was exhausted by 2 PM. Who made excuses not to go out because she felt like she didn’t belong in her own skin.

This is my story, and if even one part of it resonates with you, then it was worth writing.

---

The Wake-Up Call: It Wasn’t Just About Weight

I didn’t start this journey with a clean green smoothie and a smile.

I started it on the bathroom floor, crying.

It was one of those moments where you suddenly see yourself — not just in the mirror, but in the reality of your life. I had just weighed myself: 220.4 lbs. My joints ached. My face was constantly puffy. I hated getting dressed. Every photo was a nightmare.

But more than that… I felt invisible and exposed all at the same time.

My confidence wasn’t just low. It was nonexistent.

I didn’t want to lose weight to be some Instagram model. I wanted to live. To wear jeans without my stomach folding over. To go up the stairs without feeling like I ran a marathon. To walk past a mirror without looking away.

I didn’t just want to lose weight. I wanted to find myself again.

---

The First Step Was the Hardest: Showing Up For Me

You know what’s harder than a 65-hour fast?

Admitting you’re not okay.

For months, I had told myself I was “curvy,” “thick,” or “not that big.” But deep down, I knew I was avoiding the truth. I was hiding behind humor, baggy clothes, and “I’m just not a gym person” lines.

When I made the decision to try fasting, it wasn’t trendy. It wasn’t cool. It was just… the only thing I hadn’t failed at yet.

So I tried it.

That first 24-hour fast? I thought I was going to die. I was cranky. I was tired. I was convinced my stomach was going to eat itself. But I made it.

Then I did another one.

And another.

And somewhere between the pain and discipline… I found peace. I found me.

---

The Numbers: From 220.4 lbs to 133.2 lbs

Let’s talk numbers for a sec, because I know some of you care.

• Starting Weight: 220.4 lbs
• Current Weight (11 months later): 133.2 lbs
• Total Lost: 87.2 lbs
• Fasting Protocol: Started with 24-hour fasts → eventually 65-hour fasts
• Refeeds: Controlled, honest, and tracked
• Exercise: Walking, light strength training (3x/week)

I didn’t use fancy apps or personal trainers. I used my phone, a cheap kitchen scale, and a ton of willpower.

---

The Struggles They Don’t Talk About

Here’s what most weight loss stories don’t tell you:

• You will grieve your old life.
  The comfort foods. The mindless snacking. The cozy but toxic routines.
• People will treat you differently.
  Strangers are nicer. Friends start asking, “What’s your secret?” Some relationships fade away because they were built on shared insecurity.
• The mirror becomes a battleground.
  Even at 133 lbs, I sometimes still see the 220 lb girl staring back.
• You will fail.
  I had nights where I ate an entire bag of chips and cried. Days where I didn’t want to fast. Mornings where I didn’t want to move. But the next day… I showed up again.

---

What I Ate (and Didn’t Eat)

One of the most common questions I get is: “What did you eat?”

So let’s break it down:

During Refeeds:

• Always started with a big salad (greens, cheese, croutons, dressing — yes, real dressing)
• Protein: Chicken thighs or breasts, eggs, occasional burgers (bunless)
• Sides: Mozzarella-tomato salad, roasted veggies
• Guilty pleasures (yup, I had those too): Chips and guac, protein bars, cashews, and… half a pumpkin pie more times than I’d like to admit

I Avoided:

• Sugary drinks
• Binge eating (though it happened… and I forgave myself)
• Emotion-driven snacking

My total calories during refeeds often hit 6,000+, but because of the long fasts, my average weekly intake remained in check.

---

What Fasting Taught Me About Control and Freedom

Fasting wasn’t about starving myself.

It was about reclaiming control over something that had ruled my life for years — food.

It showed me that hunger doesn’t own me. That I am stronger than a craving. That boredom is not a reason to eat.

But it also taught me when to give myself grace. Because there’s freedom in saying: “I messed up, but I’m not giving up.”

---

Shifting My Goal: From Skinny to Strong

I used to have one goal: Be skinny.

Now? My goals look different.

• Build muscle.
• Balance hormones.
• Nourish my body.
• Feel powerful in my skin.

I’m not chasing a number anymore — though, yes, I still want to hit 125 lbs before my birthday in December.

But now I want sustainability, strength, and self-respect more than skinny.

---

The Emotional Rollercoaster: The Ugly and the Beautiful

This journey was not always pretty.

I cried in dressing rooms. I avoided pool parties. I whispered “I hate my body” in the dark.

But I also…

• Fit into jeans I hadn’t worn in 7 years.
• Felt proud when the scale didn’t define my worth.
• Learned to love myself as I was, not just as I was becoming.

---

If You’re Just Starting Out, Read This

Please. From one woman to another — listen to me:

You do not need to be perfect. You need to be persistent.

You will have days you want to quit.
You will question your “why.”
You will hate the process.
And that’s okay.

But promise me something: Keep. Showing. Up.

Fast or don’t fast.
Lift weights or just walk.
Track your food or listen to your hunger.
There is no perfect method — just a promise you make to yourself:

I will not give up this time.

---

Closing Thoughts: Who I Am Now

Today, I’m 133.2 pounds. I’m not done. I still want to hit 125 by my birthday, but that’s not the point anymore.

I’ve already won.

I’ve won back my energy.
I’ve won back my self-worth.
I’ve won back my joy.

If you’re in the beginning, in the middle, or deep in the messy trenches of your journey — I see you. I was you.

And I’m telling you now… you are capable of changing your life.

Not overnight. But one decision at a time.

With love, discipline, and a whole lot of water —
Rylee Aurora 💪💖

---

P.S.
If this resonated with you, I’m right here. Message me. Share your journey. Let’s walk this together. You’re not alone anymore.