Monifa lost 24 pounds

Monifa lost 24 pounds over the course of less than three months. Our Jamaican sista started with the 21 day Daniel Fast. After that, she gradually changed her eating habits and started working out regularly. Check out the details of her journey.

I am from the beautiful island of Jamaica and I would like to share how I released 24 pounds in less than three months.

What was your motivation?
I came across Black Women Losing Weight on Facebook one day and liked the page. That’s where my real motivation came from. Following and seeing the amazing results of women from all across the world, let me know that I could transform too. I struggled with weight issues for most of my life. One day, out of the blues, I decided that enough is enough. I could not fit into my clothes and I started to lose all of my self confidence. I was also suffering from “tired all the time” syndrome.

How did you change your eating habits?

I had to trick myself into doing it. Lol. If you can believe it, you can do it. I knew that I had a love of food and the fear of God, so I started my journey by doing the Daniel Fast for 21 days. On this diet, I had only fruits, vegetables, nuts and water. No processed food, no juice. I was creative with what was included in the original version of the diet. I also tired not to become emotional because my solution for problems was emotional eating at the time. This trend has changed of course. I did lots of research to get to know my body and understand the types of food that I should and should not eat. While conducting my research, I also discovered that the large amount of food we consume on a daily basis is not really necessary and that the excess that our bodies don’t use is stored as fat. I ate in small portions every three hours. I ate peanuts, sunflower seeds, steamed or raw vegetables and water. Nothing outside that.

After the Daniel Fast, I continued to watch carefully what I eat. I eat rice and meat once or twice per week, in very small portions. I’ve started eating lots more vegetables than I use to, more vegetables than fruits. My diet is mostly plant-based. I gave up soda and juice on a whole, although I wasn’t a fan previously. I also gave up on my regular habit of having salty foods, which I craved so much. This was difficult for me. I gave up ice cream and my other binging habits.

What did your exercise routine look like?
For exercise, I would go to Spin class once per week for one hour. I also worked out up to 5 times per week at home. There is no fixed time for working out for me, but I enjoy bodyweight training and use YouTube as a guide. Sometimes, I would workout twice per day (morning and evening) and take one rest day. For workout inspiration, I follow @training4mylife and @fitdastruggle on Instagram.

Starting weight/Current weight
I am 5’4″ tall. My starting weight was 200 pounds and I currently weigh 176 pounds. My aim is to reach 135 for pounds. The ideal weight for my height is between 108 lbs and 145 lbs. My intention is to get there by my birthday, which is January of next year. I am striving for a healthy lifestyle and I am very determined to not only reach my goal weight, but to also be a role model for others.

What is your advice for others?
If you are trying to release the weight, know that it doesn’t happen overnight. Its a journey, a process. It requires a total transformation that starts in the mind. The journey for some might be quicker, but remember its not a race. Take your time. Take baby steps. The end result will be all worth it.

I hope my story will inspire someone as I have been inspired by many others who’ve shared their stories.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/monishay27