Charmane lost more than 80 pounds

Update April 2018: Shout out to Charmane. She’s lost 26 more pounds since December. Check out her update.

How have you continued to lose weight?
I have lost 26 pounds since the initial feature in December. (below) I have been transitioning to Vegan, which has also played in a huge role in my weight loss. I’ve completely cut out cheese and regular milk. I have not eaten any meat since last year.

Of the lessons you’ve learned, what stands out the most?
I’ve learned is to not focus so much what the numbers on the scale say. They can drive you crazy and discourage you. I’ve been losing body fat but also building muscle, so the numbers on the scale don’t matter too much.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to others who want to lose weight?
Do not focus on the what the numbers say on the scale. Love yourself through the process, even on the days you don’t feel motivated. Remember why you started and remember where you want to get too.

Updated Instagram: @FitGxddess

Transformation of the Day: Charmane lost more than 80 pounds. A desire to feel good about her body and wanting to join the military served as motivation. After relasing 115 pounds, she became pregnant with her first child in 2016. Because of her previous success, she knew how to change her mindset, eat right and exercise regularly to release the pregnancy weight. Check out her story.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was a desire to join the military. Also, I did not want to feel trapped in a body that felt like it wasn’t mine. I never wanted to give up. I changed my mindset from the beginning and just kept going. I was addicted to the results.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits completely by cutting out sugar, bread, juices and sodas. I ate a lot of old fashioned oatmeal, baked fish, kale/spinach salads and fruit. I also drink a gallon of water a day.

What was your workout routine?
I worked out everyday. When I was off work, I worked out twice a day. I did a lot of cardio, more than weight lifting, in the beginning. Once I got to a reasonable size, I incorporated weight training more.

Starting weight/Current weight
My during first journey, I started out at 270 pounds and dropped down to 155 pounds. After having my son, I weighed 250 pounds. I currently weigh 190 pounds. I am 5’6″.

How long did you journey take?
My first journey I started in 2012 and it took me a year to lose the weight. I became pregnant with my first child in 2016. During the pregnancy, I was on bed rest a lot and gained a lot of weight. I started my current journey 2 1/2 months after having my son. I am now 11 months postpartum and on a new weight loss journey.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
During my first weight loss journey, I hated my body even when I got down to 155 pounds. However, on my current journey I have learned to love my body every step of the way, and that makes me appreciate and love myself even more.

What advice would you offer to other people who want to lose weight?
My advice to others is to start with your mindset. The journey can be somewhat easy if you change your mindset. If you are constantly negative and saying, “I can’t do this”, you will never get to where you want to be. Also, when you drop 1 pound, congratulate yourself because you are doing something right. You are one pound closer to your goal. One pound may not seem like a lot, but over time each pound will accumulate into more pounds. Stay focused!