Maria Kirkeland before and after her weight loss journey.Maria KirkelandMaria Kirkeland lost 159 pounds in two years by calorie-counting.Kirkeland avoided hunger and maintained muscle by eating more protein and strength training.She made sustainable changes, like swapping freezer fries for potatoes.When Maria Kirkeland began the weight loss journey that would see her lose 159 pounds over two years, she initially didn't change the foods she ate.