Letesha lost 48 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Letesha lost 48 pounds. She transformed her lifestyle and her body by tracking macronutrients instead of calories and working out regularly. After a year of training, reached her goal of competing in a bodybuilding competition in November. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

What was my motivation?
I needed to lose about 30 pounds. In a Facebook group I was in, I saw people congratulating a lady for placing in a bodybuilding competition and I thought, “I can do that.”

How did I change my eating habits?
I did a lot of research on nutrition and decided to track my protein, carbs, and fat instead of calories (counting macros). I decided to only eat chicken, turkey, fish and only green vegetables. My fats were peanut butter, nuts, olive oil and avocado. I ate a cheat meal every other week. However, I gave up sugar and desserts completely and drank a gallon of water everyday.

What did my workout routine look like?
I began lifting weights (45- 60 minutes) and cardio (20-30 minutes) five times a week. I was targeting a different muscle group during each workout. As I got closer to the competition, I worked out seven days a week.

What was my starting weight?
I stopped getting on the scale at 165 pounds, but was probably 170 pounds when I started. My current weight is 122 pounds. My height is 5’2″.

How long did it take for my transformation?
Exactly 11 months. I started Dec 21, 2014 and was on stage Nov 21, 2015.

What advice do I have for others that want to lose weight?
Set realistic goals and be patient. I lost one pound a week and it was very frustrating, but I refused to quit. Take plenty of pictures on your journey. Looking back at pictures helped me see my progress and kept me motivated. Celebrate every pound even if it’s just saying an encouraging word to yourself. Switch up your routine every 3-4 weeks and always strive to do better than the week before.