Patricia lost 111 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Patricia lost 111 pounds. After being told that due to heart problems being overweight could shorten her life, this mom of 2 transformed her health and lost weight with the help of a great trainer.  Here is what she shared with us…

My name is Patricia Hawkins and I have lost 111 pounds. I am 5’4” and my transformation took about a year. I wanted to take control of my life and health, after being told by my doctors that I would need a Pacemaker by the time I was 50 years old and would probably not live to see my grandchildren grow up, if I did not lose weight. My heart was weak and having weight on did not help make things any better for me. I was on heart medication to regulate my heart beat and blood pressure medicine as well, but I’m happy to say today I am medication free. Praise God!

My inspiration was my two loving sons, who are 21 years old and 17 years old, and who constantly showed me lots of love. My family, friends, and extended Fit4Life family who stood right by my side and encouraged me to give it my all. Even when I felt like I could not do it anymore they were right there for me. I wanted to quit because the results were not happening fast enough, but I thought about my two sons and how life would be for them if something happened to me. I thought who would love them the way I do.  All these crazy things going thru my mind. I prayed and asked God to give me strength to take it one day at a time.

I was Vegetarian when my journey started. However, Tiffany Bush (Fit4Life owner) posted a 21 day Challenge, which consisted of 2 protein shakes and one meal (lunch) for 21 days.  It was designed to bring your eating habits under control and replace bad meals with good ones.  Also you had to consume at least 64 ounces of water a day.  You have full support from not only Tiffany Bush but other people when participating in this challenge online.  I went thru 4 rounds of the 21 day Challenge allowing me to lose about 40 pounds.  This was great for me because it pushed me over to being Vegan. Now I am completely Vegan and I eat lots of fresh organic vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and celery just to name a few. I also eat lots of fresh organic fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. I eat only raw tree nuts such as cashews and almonds. I love coconut, almond milk, roasted red pepper humus and salsa. Due to me being Vegan, it is important to get my protein so I take in about 3 plant based protein shakes a day. My protein for my shakes is ordered thru Fit4Life.

My workouts originally consisted of Zumba three times a week and walking/running. When Tiffany Bush announced that she would be offering more cardio classes, I quickly signed up. Now I do Zumba twice a week, kickboxing, “Butts and Guts”, and yoga. I have been in Bootcamp with Fit4life for the last 8 months, which allows me to lift weights.

My starting weight was 262 pounds and my current weight is 151 pounds. My advice to others that want to lose weight: First know and believe that you have the discipline and determination to overcome any obstacle.  Love yourself enough to take control of your health. Find a strong support group like the Fit4Life family, friends, and immediate family members that will be there to encourage you. Make a lifestyle change, don’t just do it to lose weight but make the change forever, so that you won’t go back to where you use to be.  Make your health a top priority in your life. Be patient there is light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t cheat yourself out of true happiness because when we are healthy it shows on the inside and out.

In conclusion, I want to just say I cannot thank Tiffany and Justin Bush enough for all their support and love. They are truly an amazing team. God knows who you need in your life and he will place them strategically where they need to be.

Instagram: @go_gochick