Shaquille lost 104 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Shaquille lost 104 pounds. Working in the medical field, this mom knew that excess weight can be at the root cause of a lot of health issues. She decided to take action for her son and herself, by embracing a low carb, pescatarian eating style and hitting the gym. Check out her journey.

My name is Shaquille, and I’ve been following BWLW on Facebook for a couple of years now. I’ve been on a weight loss journey for about two years now. Collectively, I’ve lost 104 pounds. 

In the first year, I lost about 45 pounds. Then, I kind of stalled, plateaued, and maintained until this year when I kicked back in high gear and got the remainder of the weight off. I still have about ten more pounds to go to hit my real, real goal, but I’m in love with the journey and honestly don’t know when I’ll stop. 

What was your motivation?
Initially, I just wanted to be out of the 200’s. When I started, I weighed 292 pounds, and that saddened me. I probably weighed more at some point, but that’s when I stepped on the scale and decided to make a change right then and there. 

Overall I’m just overjoyed with the success I’ve had. I feel really good in my body. I didn’t do this for a look, although it does feel good to walk in the store and just pick something up. This transformation is all for my health. I have a six (soon to be seven) year old little boy, and I want to be around for him and with him as long as possible. I know that the weight I was carrying wasn’t good for him or me. I want to be able to keep up with him and not be that tired “I’ll watch you do it” mom. 

Tell us about how you changed your eating habits.
Over the years, I’ve done lots of research on different foods and workout regimes that work best for my body. My research is still going today. I’ve done just about everything, from JJ Smith’s 10-day green smoothie detoxes to interment fasting.  

I’ve adapted more to the low carb lifestyle because it works best for me. I’m also a pescatarian (which means I only eat seafood) and eat a lot of green leafy vegetables. I eat a lot of shrimp, salmon, and tuna, and plenty of eggs are in common rotation in my routine as well. Cabbage, spinach, and mustard greens are my go-to veggies. Olive oils, avocado, coconut oil, and real butter are on my list of healthy fats. This is not a diet for me. It’s my lifestyle now because I don’t plan on stopping. 

What was your workout routine?
At first, my workout routine consisted of a lot of cardio because I focused on losing fat, and cardio is good for that. I worked with a trainer for a few months and then took what I learned to the gym to do it on my own. 

The elliptical is my best friend. I’ve just recently become a fan of running on the treadmill as well. I do no more than about 35-40 minutes of exercise a day, 4-6 days a week. 

I also incorporate weight training, doing deadlifts, squats, leg presses, etc. into my routine. I always end my workouts with a sauna session. I don’t leave the gym without sitting in the sauna. 

Starting weight/Current Weight
My current weight is 188 pounds, coming from a whopping 292 pounds. My height is 5’7″. All-natural weight loss.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
My biggest lesson: Listen to your body because it definitely speaks to you. Also, I had to learn that I’m human, and I make mistakes. It’s ok to FALL OFF, as long as you get back up and go harder. I’m not always the best with food choices or being active, but every day is a new day and a new beginning, so I’m just fine with that. (You need those bad days because that helps your body not get into plateau mode.) 

It’s possible and obtainable if you are consistent. That’s the key in this whole journey, CONSISTENCY. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it in the end, and you feel so much better with yourself. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
KEEP PUSHING AND NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF. There may be days when you don’t want to, and that’s ok. Ask yourself why you want to lose weight… why you are doing it, and that will make you want to get up and keep going. Nothing works but work. You have to do it, and you CAN DO IT. 

Also, have that cheat meal, but don’t stay there. When you have those bad days, don’t be hard on yourself. Just regroup and start over, again and again, NO MATTER WHAT! 

Being in the medical field, I know that excess weight can be the root cause of a lot of health issues. I want to do as much as I can to be here as long as I can. I wanted to share my story with you all in hopes that it could help someone through their journey and let someone know it’s possible, and it can be done. 

Instagram: @shaqs_sugar_shack