Britteny lost 111 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Britteny lost 111 pounds. She had a unique wake up call that put the spot light on the struggle with weight that she’d been having since childhood. Commitment, faith, fitness and healthy eating habits were key to her success. Check out her journey.

What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I got a phone call one day from a friend of a friend who was selling insurance. I wanted to help a friend so I listened to what he had to offer. He was selling long-term disability insurance, something of which, I didn’t need but I went through the evaluation to help my friend’s friend.

I was driving down the highway when he called and delivered the news. He said, “Brittney, your application was denied due to a high BMI.” I’m like, “Excuse me?” I couldn’t believe they were denying me! How could someone tell me they wouldn’t allow me to PAY THEM? Were they calling me FAT? He went on to try to ease the news by relating to me saying he has this problem as well with finding approval.

I didn’t care. They weren’t calling me fat, they were shining light on the facts. I was 24 years old at 281 pounds with a BMI of 48%. I realized that I was fighting a bigger fight than getting some insurance that I didn’t need anyway. I was fighting what I had always fought since I was a kid and that was OBESITY. I knew after this experience that it was time for a change.

Simply put, I am a Christian. When I wanted to give up, I found motivation through my connection with Christ and my belief that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I also thought about all those who were rooting for me, encouraging me and counting on me. I took my goals in small steps.

How did you change your eating habits?
After that life changing experience, I searched for a personal trainer. I knew it would be an investment, but I wanted someone who would push me because I tried many different programs before. My trainer, James Allen Jr., used functional fitness and strength training mixed with a meal plan that catered to my needs to accelerate my weight loss.

Changes to my eating habits included eliminating fast food, meal prepping and substituting unhealthy snack foods with healthy snack foods. I didn’t know much about nutrition at all, so I began learning from my trainer. I had to stop eating Chick-Fil-A all the time. I had to cut out potato chips and fried foods. I began drinking protein shakes, baked or grilled chicken, shrimp, egg whites and many other high protein foods.

What did your workout routines look like?
My workouts were ever changing, but mainly it was weight lifting, cardio and core exercises. I did squats, leg lifts, walked on the treadmill, did sprints, deadlifts, bench press and a lot more. I started with 3-4 one hour sessions per week. Now, I love working out and I work out every day!

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 281 pounds and my current is weight 170 pounds. My height is 5’4″. No surgery. Just diet and exercise and a whole lot of prayer.

How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in January of 2015 and to be honest, I am still on a journey. I hit 170 in the middle of June 2016, I have maintained that weight since and I feel great.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
JUST KEEP GOING! There were times I wanted to quit and I tell you that quitting is truly is the easiest thing to do. BUT, who wants easy? I am so thankful to God for this journey because I have a great story to tell! If you really want to change your life, then just keep going. Galatians 6:9 was my motivational scripture. Whatever it is… whether it’s an outfit you want to wear, a thing you want to do or just the life you know you want to live… be motivated and go CONQUER the fight!