She’s a Survivor: Mikey lost 81 pounds. She is a mom and domestic abuse survivor who didn’t let an abusive relationship, plantar fasciitis or fibroids stop her. “Health by Choice” was the mindset she adopted. Check out her journey.
I’ve always been thick, but at almost 300 pounds I was more than just thick. I also wasn’t in a good place at this time in my life. I was struggling in an abusive relationship, not being appreciated and my self worth was low. Due the relationship, I was under high levels of stress and anxiety.
One day, I told myself that I have to do better and take care of myself. I was on the road to ending up in the hospital. After being diagnosed with Plantar Fascitis, my doctor told me (as honest and nice as he could) that losing weight would be the best treatment. I made up in my mind that my relationship and conditions were not going to control me or send me to an early grave. It was at that point that my “Healthy by Choice” mindset was birthed.
My starting weight was 280 pounds and I got down to 199 pounds. Due to medical issues, I gained 20 lbs and I’m fighting to get that off, but have been able to keep most of the weight off for the past 10 years. My height is 5’4″.
Now, I’m a domestic violence survivor. Being healthy is my goal and I’m focused on changing my life for me and my kids. I thank God daily for deliverance and for knowing that I have a mission to stay on track for. I now know my worth. Thank you God.
I started my process with a lemonade detox and walking. I did this detox for 12 days, which is a bit longer than you should. I think a week is the max that anyone should do that detox. After losing 34 pounds, I started using the 6 Week Body Makeover Program, and lost another 40 pounds. I considered weight loss surgery, but when consulted doctors, I was always told that I could accomplish my goal without it. Surgery is always in the back of my mind as a last resort, but to date I haven’t had it done.
Eating Habits: I also had to change my eating habits. Since changing my lifestyle, I have become sensitive to sugar and salt. I replaced a lot of unhealthy snacks with fruit and vegetable snacks. I replaced soda with carbonated water. When I get cravings, I don’t over do it. I also share meals with others when I’m eating out or I eat half of my meal and pack the other half to take home.
I was so focused and dedicated to losing weight that I was able to make meals for my family and not eat them. I stuck to the meal plan set for me at the time. I actually went cold turkey off sugar and carbs for the first 2 weeks. Then once I was on the 6 Week Body Makeover Program, I only had a 1/2 cup of brown rice at lunch. Those were my only starchy carbs of the day. I lost 1 lb a day by doing that and was on that program till I lost 40 lbs.
Exercise: I started my journey by walking 30 minutes per session, 5 days a week. I gradually worked up to using light weights, I purchased a WII fit and would workout with that at night and walk for 30 minutes during my lunch break at work. Eventually I joined the gym, but I prefer walking outdoors and using the WII fit.
Medical Issues: After a year, I found out that I had fibroids and had to undergo a hysterectomy. After undergoing treatment and surgery, I had regained some of the weight I lost, but I have not gone back to where I use to be. I’m very mindful and I struggle daily with my weight… emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. I would still like to lose about 50 lbs. However, I’ve learned to love the skin I’m in and the body that God gave me. I never want to return to that negative time and place in my past.
Advice: My advice would be to have a good support system. Get a partner who will help you stay accountable, and who will work with you. Find someone who will encourage you when you don’t feel like working out or when you want to eat something you shouldn’t be having. Find other hobbies that will replace the desire to overeat. Most of the time, overeating comes from stress management issues. If you are able to better manage your stress, then it is easier to eliminate unhealthy eating habits.
Stay away from people who aren’t on track with you. I’m talking about people who always want to go out to eat, or those who know that you are on a plan but always try to get you to do something outside of that plan. I found that people like that were unhealthy for me to be around. If they aren’t on track to support my weight loss goals and me being healthy, they really don’t care about me at all. Sometimes just changing your inner circle and surrounding yourself with like minded folks will boost your success.
Instagram: @strandzofjazzmin
Missy says
Awesome job. Congratulations on your success