Update 2019: A huge shout out goes out to Ra’chel. She’s has continued to release the weight and maintain her lifestyle change. She’s down 135 pounds.
Transformation of the Day: Ra’chel lost 65 pounds. This R&B singer noticed that her weight was affecting her ability to perform and hindering her from being an active mom. She used portion control, monitored her caloric intake and fully embraced the power of exercise. Check out her story.
What was your motivation?
Through tough times, I was inspired by my 10 year old daughter. I knew it was a problem when she noticed that I was overweight. I couldn’t chase her around the park, and I had to ask her to tie my shoes because it was a struggle for me to do so! It was very apparent that a change was needed… immediately!
I am also a singer and I noticed that I was losing my breath while performing. I didn’t have great stage presence due to my weight and I would sweat the entire time! I needed to become a better me for so many reasons! I’m so glad I woke up.
I literally had to fall out of love with food and fall even more in love with myself. I’ve had to sacrifice relationships with friends and dedicate all of my time to me. I’m so thankful that I was able to do so. Through this journey, I’ve learned the importance of consistency and trusting the process. I’m not where I want to be, but i’m sure not where i used to be. My clothes are falling off. I’m singing better and breathing better. I’ve also eliminated snoring and I’m chasing my daughter around more. Most importantly, I’m living in peace.
How did you change your eating habits?
Before I started this journey, my eating habits were very bad. I would eat pizza, wings or whatever I had left over from dinner for breakfast. To change my eating habits, I had to let go of fast food, soda and salt (as I sometimes retain water in my legs/feet). Instead, I ate fish, baked chicken, chicken breasts, salads, fruit, etc. I also drank 8 bottles of water a day. If I went out for dinner, I would ask for a to go box and split my food in half when it came to the table to avoid the temptation of eating it all. I definitely cut down on my portion sizes as well. I didn’t use a specific plan or diet. I just watched my portions and my caloric intake.
What did your workout routine look like?
I started by walking. Eventually, I was jogging 3 miles in the morning, 7 days a week. After 2 months, I included an evening workout in the gym for an hour. During Month 3, I stared workign with a trainer, Marcus Flournoy of Flo Fitness (@Mrflofit). He helped with toning, weight training and cardio. In June, I started working out at the gym at 6am, jogging at the lake at 7am and doing an evening gym workout at 6 pm. I was determined! Today, I continue to workout 7 days a week.
Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 280 pounds. My current weight is 215 pounds. My goal weight is 180 pounds. My height is 5’6″. All natural weight loss – no pills, no surgery.
How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on January 29, 2017. I didn’t want to do the whole New Year’s Resolution thing, but told myself that I would start no later than the end of January. As you can see, I waited until the last minute because I knew that this was going to be a huge challenge. My transformation took 4 months and I’m still going strong!
What advice would you like to share?
My advice to others: DON’T QUIT! It may seem impossible, but it truly is possible. Be a better version of you. If I quit yesterday, I never would have gotten to see my results today! Keep fighting and remember why you started. Remember, the finish line is closer than you think. You can do it!
Instagram: @Racheldasinger and @Ms100lbs
Updates:
Congrats to Ra’chel for being featured in the June 11, 2018 issue of People Magazine! 121 pounds gone. Check out the article.
Update January 2018: Ra’chel wrote in to let us know that she’s lost a total of 103 pounds. That’s 38 more pounds since she shared her story with us in July 2017.
I am officially 100 pounds down Naturally! I’ve been denied music opportunities, record deals, etc. due to my weight, but I never gave up. I used the negativity as motivation and have been fighting for who I deserve to be! I watched my caloric intake and exercised twice a day. This 10 month journey has not been easy, but has definitely been worth it. Sacrifice and consistency is key! You can do it too.
My starting weight was 280 pounds and my current weight is 177 pounds. My new goal weight is 160 pounds. I set a new goal of losing another 20 pounds after my first goal of losing 100 pounds was met. – @Racheldasinger
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