Transformation of the Day: Brandi lost 86 pounds. She found her motivation when being overweight made an international trip very uncomfortable. The last straw came when she tore her ACL and meniscus while jumping on a trampoline and had to have surgery. She transformed her lifestyle, and now meal prepping and cooking is as essential to her as having clean clothes. Check out her journey.
Starting Weight: 279 pounds
Current Weight: 193 pounds
Height: 5’8”
What was your motivation? What inspired you to kep going when you wanted to give up?
The trip I took to Japan in April 2015 is what motivated me.
I was probably at my heaviest weight then, and I just remember being uncomfortable for the entire trip. I got stuck in a middle seat on the flight both ways, and the seat belt was way too tight! I remember my knees, back and hips hurting from all the walking we did on our sightseeing adventures. I remember my feet and ankles being swollen at the end of each day. I remember being the one in the group who always wanted to take a train/bus or bike rather than walk, and the one who needed to take extra breaks along the way.
The final straw was when I tore my ACL and meniscus while jumping on a trampoline at my godson’s 6-year-old birthday party in June of 2015. I wasn’t the only adult out there jumping with the kids, but I was convinced that I injured myself because my knees couldn’t support my weight!
I needed surgery to repair my knee, and because of my weight, it had to be done in the hospital rather than an outpatient surgery center. It was then that I knew I had to do something “drastic” to regain control of my weight and my life!
How did you change your eating habits?
The biggest change I made was that I started cooking!
Before, my breakfast was often coffee from Dunkin Donuts or McDonald’s, accompanied by some sort of breakfast sandwich. I ate out almost daily for lunch, and several times a week for dinner.
Meal planning/prepping and cooking all my meals has been the biggest adjustment, but also the most essential to my success.
In the past, my excuse for not cooking was that I never had time. I’ve learned that I always have time to do the things I deem are important, so I had to make meal prep and cooking a priority. Now, its part of my routine and just as important as making sure I have clean clothes ready for my work week!
When did you start your journey?
July 2015. The entire process has been a struggle! I reached a healthy weight nearly a year ago, but I have continued to work with Kurt Dixon of Body Refined for a total 2 1/2 yrs. now.
What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Cook, Cook, Cook! Eating out is convenient, but even when you order the “healthy” option, it not as healthy as it would be if you cooked it yourself. Eat as clean as possible (no processed foods), as consistently as possible.
Lastly, you don’t need to kill yourself in the gym every day to lose weight. It’s about 80% of what you do outside of the gym and your overall lifestyle (including what you are eating).
Facebook: facebook.com/brandi.jones.754
Coach: Kurt Dixon, CNC HFS CPT
Body Refined, Inc
Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.
Pamelacrawford says
So proud of u great job
Kimberly Williams says
Great job!
Nikia says
Awesome story very inspirational
Nini says
Great job! This post came right on time for me. I feel like the “heavy” friend in a group going to southeast Asia this summer. I want to lose some pounds and gain stamina before the trip. Your story is inspiring because I struggle with “not having time” to cook and reaching for fast food for eats. But cooking is the way to go!! Thanks for your insight!