, a single mother, spent years helping others eat better but neglected her own health as life became too hectic. Juggling motherhood and a Ph.D., she gained 100 pounds and experienced a health crisis.
After making a significant lifestyle change, she is now healthier, stronger, and feeling more like herself.

When she started a Ph.D. program in dietetics and nutrition in 2020, the single mother's weight gain in graduate school accelerated.Briceno gained 100 pounds due to the strain of raising two kids while balancing work and school, as she was unable to prioritize her health and maintain a balanced diet. At her heaviest, she weighed 257 pounds and stood 5 feet tall, as per a report by Today.She felt a great deal of shame and disappointment as a result of this. Her A1C, a test used to diagnose Type 2 diabetes, "was through the roof," her fasting blood sugar was "horrible," and she had high cholesterol, according to a physical examination.After she started exercising and making dietary changes, Briceno has since shed 100 pounds and her health is back on track.

The 36-year-old nutrition expert lost weight, reversed her prediabetes, and achieved balance through mindful eating, regular exercise, and a compassionate approach to self-care and nourishment.

She placed among the top winners of the 2025 "Submit Your Fit" competition for the most motivational fitness stories among EoS Fitness members, a chain of fitness centers, thanks to the transformation, as quoted in a report by Today.

Briceno, who was always active and concerned about her weight and health, saw a change in her way of life as a result of her academic work and family obligations.

She began munching on her children's leftovers and stopped putting herself first. She consumed enormous quantities of food at night because her body needed to be nourished.

Briceno's consumption of rows of crackers, which amounted to more than 3,000 calories per day, was the primary cause of the lack of balanced meals.

On days when she didn't touch any fruits or vegetables, she also ate bread, crackers, processed foods, and snacks instead. Briceno attributed her poor diet and sense of dragging through life to her inability to think clearly. It felt like a cloud over her head that was constantly raining, and after climbing stairs, her knees would hurt.

After her daughter urged her to join the gym, Briceno, a single mother, started a weight loss journey. These days, she works out at least four times a week, combining cardio, weightlifting, and group exercise classes like yoga and Zumba. Briceno thinks it's crucial to decide to work out and that it's worth the effort.

Briceno began keeping a food journal and taking pictures of her meals in order to combat her overeating tendencies. This made it easier for her to spot areas where she wasn't eating enough, like junk food for breakfast or leftovers she refused to give her kids. Through the images, she began to practice mindfulness and developed self-compassion.

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With half the plate made up of fruits and vegetables and the other half made up of protein and carbohydrates, Briceno makes sure her body is fed a balanced diet these days. She doesn't restrict her diet; instead, she eats in moderation so that she can savor the moment without feeling deprived.

Briceno is no longer pre-diabetic, has put on muscle, and now weighs 151 pounds. She no longer has brain fog and is less likely to suffer from a number of illnesses. She is now comfortable climbing stairs and putting on clothes because she feels emotionally, mentally, and physically confident.

She began photographing her meals to better understand her habits, which helped her eat more mindfully and consistently.

Alexandra emphasized balance over restriction, eating nutritious meals during the day and indulging in small treats in moderation.