Deborah lost 35 pounds

Deborah lost 35 pounds. This mom of 4 was pre-diabetic and taking high blood pressure medication. A warning from her doctor led her to make the decision to create a healthier lifestyle. She wanted to be as healthy as possible for herself and her children. Check out how she did it.

Starting weight: 330 pounds
Current weight: 295 pounds

What was your motivation?
My motivation came to me at a medical appointment when my doctor told me that I was going to die if I continued my lifestyle. At the time, I couldn’t sleep well. I was also pre-diabetic and taking blood pressure medicine. My weight was at an all time high of 330 pounds. I’m 5’10”, so being tall helped disguise my true weight because the pounds were distributed throughout my body.

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
What inspired me was knowing that if I died I’d be leaving 4 children without their mom. My youngest daughter would be without a mom or a dad, because her dad was murdered when she was 5 year old. She’s 9 year old now.

How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits changed dramatically. I was eating chips, eating snack cakes and drinking pop daily. I switched to eating salads, vegetables, fruit, fish, chicken, and salmon daily. I only drank water and stopped eating out. I cooked my own meals and prepped my lunch and dinner 4 days in advance. If I did eat out, it would be during birthday gatherings with family or at work meetings. I also use Herbalife shakes for breakfast and lunch, followed by a healthy diner. I snack on almonds, fruit or vegetables when I get hungry. Currently, I am on a 1500 calorie meal plan of only lean meats and low carbs.

What did your workout routines look like?
I have a personal trainer that I work with 2 days a week. I workout 7 days a week total. I used the money I’d normally use for eating out to pay him. We do strength training and cardio. He says that I’m getting stronger and getting in shape.

How long did your transformation take?
I started in February 2017 and I’m still on my journey. My goal weight is 160 pounds. I’m no longer pre-diabetic and I’m off blood pressure medicine. I feel better and I can walk long distances without needing to stop to catch my breath. My children tell me that I look better.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice would be to start. Even if it walking a short distance until you can go longer. Be consistent. Find an accountability partner. Fight to take your life back. Love yourself enough to want to live.