Brazilian Paulinha Quintanilha Reveals Her Diet & Training For Losing 97 Pounds!

Paulinha Quintanilha tragically lost her partner of over 17 years, and fell into a state of depression and low self confidence, fearing she would never find her happiness again.

After talking with her doctor, Paulinha realised she had to make some big lifestyle changes and could no longer wallow at rock bottom.

She turned things around, completely transformed her body and lost an amazing 97 pounds. She was kind enough to answer all the things we wanted to know, below!

Be Sure To Follow Paulinha On Her Facebook: Paulinhaqm8 & Instagram: @Paulinhaqm8.

A Typical Eating Day:

Breakfast: Low carb pancake or scrambled eggs with sugarless fruit juice.
Morning Snack: Yogurt without sugar.
Lunch: Vegetables + chicken or lean meat + Brown rice or sweet potatoes + Beans.
Afternoon Snack 1: Nuts + yogurt without sugar.
Afternoon Snack 2: Wholegrain toast or Low carb pancake with minas cheese + sugarless fruit juice.
Dinner: Vegetable salad + egg or chicken.

Weekly Training Routine:

All my workouts are made and supervised by my personal trainer and boyfriend Felipe Matarazzo (@felipematarazzooficial), who has helped me in so many ways. For cardio, I do Zumba 3 times a week.

I train lower body 3 to 4 times a week and upper body and abs 2 to 3 times a week. I train in a bodybuilding style, alternating exercises for each specific part of the body.

How Did You Get Started In Fitness?

Four years ago, I was obese and had many health problems because of my weight. I was in a state of depression and had no self-esteem. I consulted with a doctor and he suggested that it would be good for me to get bariatric surgery, as a tool to help me start losing weight. As I started losing weight, I realise I needed to totally change my habits. It was from this point, that my life started to change. I began exercising and eating right and now live a totally different lifestyle. I now love to workout and the effects it has on my body and mindset.

How Was Your Diet Like Originally?

I ate very badly. I went long periods without eating anything and when I did eat something, it was something full of sugar and fat.

How Was Your Training Originally?

I did not do any kind of training. I was totally sedentary.

What Is Your Best Advice For Someone Looking To Start Losing Weight?

Do not give up! There will be a daily struggle to stick to your diet and find the motivation to exercise, but you have to stay focused as the results are worth it in the end!

Did You Make Any Mistakes When You First Started?

There were a few times I got discouraged and found it was really hard to stick to my healthy eating plan.

How Do You Deal With Set Backs And Bad Days?

I had two years of the worst possible situation. I lost my husband who died of cancer after 17 years of being together. In some moments, I thought it would be impossible for me to continue to be a good mother and continue living in a healthy and happy way. Through this time, I was able to learn that when we are alive, we have to live as much as we can. We can’t see the future, all we can do is live in the present and be happy as much as possible. We will all have sad days and difficult moments, but we have to make sure nothing can make us give up on ourselves.

Were The People Around You Supportive?

Unfortunately, when people see someone who is obese, usually they are not very supportive. There is a lot of prejudice when someone is overweight, as people see it as them being lazy and having a lack of willpower, rather than it being a form of illness.

What Are Your Favourite Healthy Meals?

I love having a low carb pancake. It’s made with egg, tapioca paste and stuffed with minas cheese, very simple, easy to make and delicious!

Give Your Best 3 Health Tips That People Can Implement Right Now:

1: Exercise everyday. Do some form of physical activity.
2: Start to eat healthy, with a large amount of vegetables.
3: To be happy and not let any situation bring you down.

How Does It Feel To Know You Inspire so Many People Online?

It’s been extremely surprising for me honestly. When I first posted a photo, I had no idea how much it would take off. I am very happy to even be able to share my story and inspire people to help make changes in their own life. I would like to add, I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity to speak more about myself and my journey. Thank you!