Brittnee lost 85 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Brittnee lost 85 pounds. Five and a half years ago, her health issues were mounting. Low self-esteem and insecurities were also a part of this mom’s daily struggle. By working out and eating clean, she released the weight. Fitness has become her passion.

I started my journey five and a half years ago. I weighed 275 pounds at 5’6″, and my medical problems were mounting. Everything from high blood pressure to high cholesterol, to depression and anxiety, were part of my daily struggle. At this point, I was a mother of two kids (1 of which was a newborn.)

An eating disorder that I struggled with since a teenager, low self-worth, low self-esteem, and body image insecurities were also a part of my struggle. I truly had no clue how much my own fears, insecurities, and doubts were holding me back.

When I was pregnant with my son (who is now 5 years old), I had so many complications. Although my doctor wouldn’t say it, I knew that many – if not all – of my pregnancy complications were due to my weight. I remember laying in bed on bed rest and thinking, “This can’t be life.” On the same night, I accepted that I put myself and my son in this situation. I promised myself that I would get myself out of this situation as well.

Tell us about your workout routine.
Once my son was born, I started with the only thing I knew how to do, walking. One block turned into two blocks. Eventually, I was comfortable enough to get a gym membership. However, I’d only go late at night, and I just got on the cardio equipment. Later, I got a trainer and started attending a boot camp at a fitness studio. Here is where my love for fitness began. The weight was dropping off. I loved going to class and building new friendships. The push our coaches gave was like nothing I had ever been a part of. Now, I train on my own daily.

I train my body daily. I’m up early, so I know I won’t miss my workout. I weight train first, followed by cardio for about 30 min. I prefer lifting. Right now, my goal is to compete, so I’m in the process of building muscle and losing fat. I weight train 5 to 6 days a week, with one cardio/active recovery day each week.

I love trying new ways to train my body and watching my physique transform. Fitness has truly become my passion. I can’t fully explain how much fitness has changed my life. Not just physically, but the emotional and spiritual changes that have come along with my physical changes are even more significant. Today, I plan to begin training for my first figure competition this year!

How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits have changed drastically over the years. I was eating fast food 3 times a day and having sodas and snacks all throughout the day. I began changing my eating habits by substituting good and healthy foods for the unhealthy food I was used to eating. Today, I choose healthy options and eat clean about 90% of the time.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 275 pounds. My current weight is 190 pounds. I’ve gone from a size 22/XXL to size 8/Medium/Small.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
When I started this journey, it was all about losing weight. However, I truly found myself, my peace, and found a connection with God I never knew. Fitness has changed my life.

What advice do you have for other women who want to lose weight?
Losing weight isn’t about just exercise or just eating healthy. It is all of the above. Eat healthy food, exercise, and, most importantly, be CONSISTENT.

I document my weight loss journey and how I’m working to become a figure competitor on Instagram: @fit.chick_britt