ShayLa lost 19 pounds

Fighting PCOS: ShayLa lost 19 pounds and gained lean muscle. However, Weight loss wasn’t the primary motivation for her. She is fighting Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and winning. Check out her inspirational story.

My name is ShayLa. I’m 29 and I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which was my motivation for my transformation. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that effects pregnancy, and also carries other serious risks, such as diabetes and heart disease. I started really focusing on my journey in 2014, at my highest weight of 230 pounds. I now weigh 211 pounds at 5’3″ and I’ve gained a boat load of lean muscle.

In the PCOS world, carbs are the enemy, so as I changed my habits I reduced carb intake while still including an occasional good carb, such as brown rice or sweet potatoes. I eat mainly lean meats paired with green veggies (spinach and broccoli mostly). You’ll also see me drinking a gallon or more of water daily.

My weight loss was done naturally, with hard work and dedication, I am now off all the medication I was taking for PCOS. I’ve been cleared to only be seen once a year by my doctor. Along with that, I very seldomly need my asthma pump! Now, It’s all about maintaining and improving. I will soon be ready to enter motherhood safely!

PCOS has no cure, so I will be fighting this rest of my life. It plays a major role in conceiving a child as well. Since I have not had a child yet, that has been my biggest motivation to keep pushing. Once you start seeing results, it also makes you want to stay motivated. Pictures don’t lie and I never want to go back to that original weight.

The main thing I try to instill in people, as far as weight-loss, is to try to do in the healthiest way  possible. Supplements only work for a moment, but if you make a  lifestyle change, it will last a lot longer.

Don’t deprive yourself of any foods, because when you get the chance to eat them, you may over indulge. Eat everything in moderation! I am not a big fast food person at all. When I am being conscious of my diet, I actually avoid fast foods as much as possible. When I do buy it, I’d go for wraps or salads. (I absolutely love the BBQ Ranch Chicken salad from Wendy’s.)

I worked with a personal trainer and did weight lifting and cardio. I love the gym. I am not one to workout at home. I am in the gym 4-5 days a week for a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour. I’d rather lift weights than do cardio, but they are both overly important is this journey.

It took 2 years to get where I am and I am not done yet! PCOS makes weight loss hard to do, but I am a fighter and overcame the obstacles.

Instagram: @Mzthick_n_caramel