Rotessa lost 55 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Rotessa lost 55 pounds. She didn’t recognize herself in an Easter photo and that was her wakeup call. Prayer, determination and other people’s success stories have inspired her to keep going. She figured out what eating and exercise habits work well for her. Check out her story.

I started my weight loss journey in May 2016. I took a picture on Easter Sunday 2016 and I didn’t realized how much weight I had gained over the pass few years. I cried after seeing the photo and said to myself, “This is not me.” I made up in my mind that I was going to lose weight, because I wasn’t happy with how I looked and how I was feeling.

The first thing I did was pray and make up in my mind that I would not give up. When I want to give up, I get on YouTube, Black Women Losing Weight, or other websites that talk about women losing weight. I also check out other people’s weight loss journeys, because they encourage me and let me know that I can do this. All of this helps keep me focused on my goal.

I also remind myself that nobody can do this for ME but ME. Then I ask myself, “What are you going to do?” Self motivation is also one of the most important tools in accomplishing your goals. If you don’t believe in you who else will.

The second thing I did was educate myself about healthy food in general and the foods that could help you lose weight. YouTube became my best friend. I began eating more vegetables, salads, lean meat, fish (grilled or baked) and green smoothies. I searched recipes so I wouldn’t get bored with eating the same foods. I did meal prepping in the beginning, until I was more disciplined.

I got rid of unhealthy snacks and replaced them with healthier choices. I eliminated sodas and sugary drinks, sticking with water (with lemon) and green tea instead. I eliminated fried foods, sugar and carbs. After about a month, I added carbs in every few days (carb cycling). I don’t have cheat days. If there is something I want to enjoy and it’s that not healthy, I just eat the portion size and I don’t over indulge or eat that way everyday.

I exercise 3 to 4 days a week, for 30 minutes to an hour. I walk outside, use the treadmill, do HIIT workouts and do cardio. I recently started a total body workout class when my weight hit a plateau.

My starting weight was 245 pounds and my current weight is 190 pounds, for a total of 55 pounds gone. Height: 5 feet, 3 inches.

My advice for others: Make small changes in the beginning so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Start with one meal at time, then add on other healthier choices. Stay focused. You won’t feel motivated every day, but the key is not giving up. Find your motivation. Mine was a photo of me that I would look at to remind me of my goal.

Keep a journal of food, weight, different exercises you can do and new ideas you can implement. Express yourself and make your journey your own by focusing on what you feel is important. Keep up with your goals. I set a first of the month goal and a middle of the month goal of being down 5 pounds from my last weight-in.