Regina lost 118 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Regina lost 118 pounds. She was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure in college. Making jokes about her health before others could became her routine. Now she is medicine free, devoted to fitness and full of self love. Check out how she did it.

These probably aren’t my heaviest pics to show, but these photos show me in college weighing almost 300 pounds. In college, I was diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure and possibly PCOS (never confirmed). To mask the pain, I would make jokes about my health before any one else could.

When did you start your journey?
After I moved to another city around 2012, I started my journey simply after seeing a gym flyer on my car. I had no idea why I was so intrigued at the time and I had no intention of learning to love working out. I just started walking on the treadmill maybe twice weekly, if that. Eventually, I found my trainer and we still work out together to this day.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going?
My motivation was just feeling better and being completely transparent. I didn’t want to have to give myself injections while pregnant, because motherhood is a must for my future. My inspiration came from many sources, such as friends, love ones and, again, being transparent. The competitor in me wanted to see if I could do this. Also, working out became my favorite pastime and nothing came before it.

How did you change your eating habits?
I never used a specific diet plan per se, but I’ve dabbled with everything. What worked best for me was limiting carbs and not depriving myself. I watch my portion sizes and I’m mindful of what I’m eating in general.

What did your workout routine look like?
Of course, my workouts before the trainer were very unfocused and filled with just walking on the treadmill. That’s all I knew to do. When I found my trainer he introduced me to weights, which was the magic trick for me. Cardio what?!!!?! Now, we continue to use weights and unfortunately cardio, but we do cardio of all types. I work out 5-6 days a week. I do 3 days with my trainer and 2-3 days doing cardio with strength training.

What was your starting weight and what is your current weight?
My starting weight was approximately 315 pounds at 5’6″. I currently weight 197 pounds. (My lowest weight was 180 pounds.) I lost the weight naturally (no surgery, pils, etc). I’m no longer on meds, I’m full of life, and most importantly I’m full of self love! Yes, I fail and my weight fluctuates (naturally and emotionally), but I haven’t stopped.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that patience is key! I also found that everyone and everything is different for every person. There isn’t a magic pill or wrap. It’s mindset! The more postive you are about the journey the more you will get from it.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Ask for help and don’t be ashamed. This is for your health and your heart. People may never know the demons that can live in your head, let alone the pain. Pace yourself and love yourself through it all. Change your mindset, change your life.

Instagram: @drsweetgee