If you’ve tuned into Mo on Netflix, you’ve likely noticed the striking transformation of actress Teresa Ruiz. Known for her portrayal of the fiery Isabella Bautista in Narcos: Mexico, Ruiz has always captivated audiences with her powerful performances. However, it’s her personal transformation that has recently caught the attention of many. In just eight months, Ruiz lost an astonishing 50 pounds, going from 170 lbs to 120 lbs. But this journey wasn’t just about the numbers on a scale—this was a deeply emotional and physical process that shaped her body and mind.

From Struggles to Strength: Teresa’s Early Struggles with Weight

Let’s rewind a bit. Before the drastic weight loss, Teresa Ruiz was dealing with issues many of us face: emotional eating, lack of energy, and self-doubt. In an interview with us, she shared the emotional toll that her weight had taken on her. “It wasn’t just about what I saw in the mirror. It was how I felt about myself inside,” Ruiz confessed. “I knew I needed a change, but I didn’t know where to start.”

For years, Teresa struggled to find the balance between her demanding career and her personal well-being. As a working actress, there’s often pressure to look a certain way, but for Teresa, it wasn’t just the external pressure that weighed on her. “The emotional weight was the hardest part,” she revealed. “I wasn’t just carrying extra pounds—I was carrying years of doubt, of feeling like I wasn’t enough.”

Teresa’s story is a reminder that weight loss is rarely just about aesthetics; it’s often tied to deeper emotions, insecurities, and the need for personal healing.

The Turning Point: A Wake-Up Call

Everything changed when Teresa received a wake-up call. It wasn’t a harsh comment from someone else or an unrealistic magazine cover—no, it was her own reflection that forced her to face reality. “I looked at myself one day and just thought: This is not the person I want to be,” Teresa recalled. It was at that moment that she decided to take control—not just of her weight, but of her life.

What followed was not an overnight transformation, but a decision to embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. “It wasn’t about a fad diet or quick fixes. I needed something sustainable,” Teresa said, her voice filled with determination.

Embracing Holistic Changes: Teresa’s Approach to Weight Loss

While many people turn to extreme measures for rapid weight loss, Teresa took a different route—one that focused on holistic health. Instead of opting for diet pills or drastic fad diets, she committed to a combination of proper nutrition, exercise, and mindset changes.

“I started by changing what I put into my body. I knew I had to feed myself better if I wanted to feel better,” Teresa explained. This meant swapping out processed foods for fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. “I didn’t cut out all the foods I loved, but I learned how to eat in moderation,” she shared, adding that “the balance of enjoying food without overindulging” was a game-changer.

But nutrition alone wasn’t enough. “The physical activity aspect was just as important. It wasn’t about becoming a gym rat; it was about incorporating movement into my life in a way that felt natural,” Teresa said. For her, that meant finding fun, engaging exercises like dance and hiking that kept her motivated without the feeling of a traditional workout.

As her weight dropped, so did the mental fog. “When I started exercising regularly, I could feel my mind clearing. I wasn’t just losing weight; I was gaining clarity and confidence,” Teresa remarked.

The Mindset Shift: Overcoming Emotional Eating

Perhaps the most significant part of Teresa’s journey was her mindset shift. Like so many people, emotional eating had been a crutch for her. During tough times, she had turned to food for comfort. “It was easier to eat than face my emotions,” Teresa confessed. “But once I began working on my emotional health, it all started to click.”

Therapy and mindfulness practices played a significant role in Teresa’s weight loss. “It wasn’t enough to just change my eating habits—I had to address the emotions I’d been numbing with food,” she explained. Teresa worked with a therapist to unpack her emotional triggers and developed healthier coping mechanisms, like journaling and deep breathing exercises.

“Food can’t fix emotions. Once I realized that, everything changed,” Teresa said, her voice filled with a newfound sense of clarity.

Visible Results: The 50-Pound Transformation

The most obvious sign of Teresa’s transformation was the physical change. Over eight months, she went from 170 lbs to 120 lbs, a loss of 50 pounds. “It felt like a weight had literally been lifted off me,” Teresa said, laughing. “But the biggest change wasn’t just in how I looked—it was how I felt.”

Fans noticed the transformation in the second season of Mo, where Teresa plays Mo’s ex-girlfriend Maria. Her performance was sharper, her energy more vibrant. “I was finally able to look at myself in a way that felt true to who I was,” Teresa reflected.

The 50-pound weight loss was a result of hard work, dedication, and commitment to her health. It wasn’t just about fitting into a specific size—it was about reclaiming her confidence and well-being.

The Role of Support: Encouragement from Friends and Family

While Teresa took the reins in her weight loss journey, she also leaned heavily on her support system. “My family and friends were crucial in keeping me motivated. They cheered me on every step of the way,” she said. “I had days when I wanted to give up, but they reminded me why I started in the first place.”

Teresa’s experience underscores the importance of a support network when embarking on any life-changing journey. Whether it’s friends, family, or even a therapist, having people who genuinely care can make all the difference.

Moving Forward: A Lifestyle, Not a Diet

Looking ahead, Teresa’s focus remains on maintaining the changes she’s made. She’s not focused on maintaining a certain weight or size—she’s focused on sustaining a healthy lifestyle that allows her to live her best life.

“My journey isn’t over, and I don’t expect it to be,” she said. “This is a lifestyle now, not a temporary fix. I want to stay strong, mentally and physically.”

For Teresa, health isn’t just about the scale; it’s about how she feels in her body and how she can show up for herself and others. “It’s about being the best version of me—not just for the world, but for me,” she said.

Teresa Ruiz’s Weight Loss Tips: Practical Advice

If you’re wondering how to embark on a similar journey, Teresa has a few tips for you:

1. Find Sustainable Habits: Avoid extreme diets. Instead, focus on making long-term changes to your eating habits and lifestyle.

2. Move Your Body: Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Find activities that you enjoy—whether it’s dancing, hiking, or even walking.

3. Work on Your Mindset: Emotional health is just as important as physical health. Address any emotional triggers that may lead to unhealthy eating habits.

4. Be Kind to Yourself: Weight loss isn’t a linear journey. There will be setbacks, but don’t let them define you. Celebrate small victories along the way.

5. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who encourage and motivate you. Their support can be the push you need during tough times.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did Teresa Ruiz lose weight? Teresa lost 50 pounds through a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and emotional healing.

2. What was Teresa’s weight loss journey like? It took Teresa eight months to go from 170 lbs to 120 lbs, focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.

3. Did Teresa use any weight loss pills? No, Teresa’s transformation was based on holistic methods—healthy eating, exercise, and mindset changes.

4. What advice does Teresa Ruiz have for people trying to lose weight? Teresa emphasizes focusing on sustainable habits, finding activities you enjoy, and addressing the emotional aspects of eating.

5. What was Teresa’s biggest challenge during her weight loss journey? Teresa’s biggest challenge was overcoming emotional eating and learning how to deal with her emotions without turning to food.