Transformation of the Day: Eboni lost 63 pounds. On this 4 year journey, she has experienced ups and downs, but accountably and reflecting on her progress has kept her motivated. This Alpha Kappa Alpha soror even got some help from another young lady we featured who was her trainer for a while. Check out her story.
What was your motivation on this journey? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
When I saw the scale tip to 200 pounds, that was my motivation! Seeing actual progress helped me to not give up! Holidays, events, trips would always throw a wrench in my weight loss. However, I would look at pictures of the “old” me and know that I didn’t want to go backwards… so I didn’t. Knowing that I had come so far helped me to get back on track and kept me working!
How did you change your eating habits?
I started counting calories and cut back on complex carbs. I also tried to limit my high calorie/sugar coffee drinks. I increased my protein (meat and low sugar ready-to-drink protein shakes/bars). For the most part, I enjoy a low carb, high protein diet. I also began trying to drink at least 64 oz of water daily. I completed the free GNC online protein calculator to find out how many grams of protein I needed daily to achieve my weight loss goals. I also use Lose It! app to track my calories and Water Drink Reminder app to track my water intake.
What did your workout routines look like?
In the fall of 2010, I worked out with a trainer for a few months. Afterwards, my workouts stopped and I gained some weight back. In 2013, I started taking dance fitness classes.
In 2014, I saw a weight loss story on a local trainer in my area and worked with her for a few months! Her name is DeAnna Taylor and she was awesome. I’m grateful for Black Women Losing Weight because without you all I wouldn’t have found her! After working with her, I was much more disciplined in the gym and actually began to enjoy working out in the gym!
Currently, I workout 4 to 5 times a week. I run at least twice a week and on my non-run days I do strength training on my abs and legs. I also attend my dance fitness class once a week.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 200 pounds and my current weight is 137 pounds. I’m 5’4″ tall.
How long did your transformation take?
About 4 years with some setbacks, plateaus, weight gain, etc.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Get some accountability! Having to track every single thing I ate really helped me become aware of my eating habits.
IG: @natural_java
Norma Crenshaw says
Good day…. I don’t really have a comment, just a question. Are there any suggestions for someone who does not have access to a gym but does walk 4 miles a day?
Thank you in advance
Ava Callender says
Great job! You’re inspiring…skee wee!