Tiffany lost 138 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tiffany lost 138 pounds by working out at home and changing her mindset about food. She didn’t let PCOS, binge eating, Plantar Fasciitis, or any other challenge stop her because she is determined to be there to watch her son grow and thrive.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
Without realizing it, I adopted an “It is what is.” type of attitude when it came to my weight. I told myself, “Get used to it. You’ll always be a big girl.” I was binge eating and emotional all the time. Food was my ultimate go-to, but at the same time, I was never active. 

I started a new job, and it required me to be on my feet. My feet would hurt to the point of tears. I went to the doctor, and she told me I had Plantar Fasciitis, but losing weight would improve my situation. While sleeping, my hands would go numb, and my fingers would tingle. My doctor said it was Carpal Tunnel because there was too much weight pressing down on my wrists. “Change your diet and become active.”, she suggested…again. Then I started having female problems. I’d bleed for months at a time with horrible cramps. “You have PCOS.”, my OBGYN told me. 

I ignored all the warnings and kept going down the same road. I ate fast food daily for all my meals. My situation didn’t improve; in fact, it got worse. So I decided to have a hysterectomy at 29 years old. While recovering, my family had to help me with my then 4-year-old son. During those weeks of recovery a woman reached out to me and asked me to join her on her fitness journey. I thought to myself, “This can’t be real. How did she find me?” “I can’t do it.”, I told myself. I started following her on social media during that time. I told myself if she can do it, so can I.

It was those days sitting at home, not being able to pick up my baby when I told myself something has to change. “You’re a single mama, and he needs you to be healthy.” When I wanted to quit or when I had bad days (because I had my share) I’d think of my Why: The little boy I want to watch grow up! 

How did you change your eating habits?
I was introduced to a nutrition plan called 2b Mindset by Beachbody, and it totally changed my way of thinking when it came to food. I bought myself the program for Mother’s Day in 2018. Before learning about this plan, I’d tell myself that I could not have certain foods, only to fail and binge eat the foods I thought weren’t good for me. When I started 2b Mindset, it taught me how to use food to fuel my body, not my emotions. I know it’s something I should have already known, but I didn’t see it that way in the past. I started meal prepping my dinners for the week. I tried new vegetables, like spaghetti squash, cauliflower rice, and things I never knew existed. If I ate out, I ate according to my plan. Instead of having a whole roll of cookies, I’d have 1 or 2 to satisfy myself. I cut out all sodas and stopped my daily Starbucks Frappuccino run. I also started drinking a gallon of water a day. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you workout?
In the beginning, my workouts were not consistent. I was never an active person. I started walking with Leslie Sansone at home five days a week. Eventually, I worked my way up to 7 days a week. I’ve always been intimidated by the gym, so I kept walking at home. Then the woman who reached out to me told me she works out from home using a Netflix-type of fitness library (streaming it from her tv or laptop). I thought this could be what I needed, and I was finally ready to join her. I started my first program, the 21-day Fix. The program consists of working out 6 days a week for 30 minutes and one rest day. I also started walking in the afternoon with a co-worker. When I finished my first program (with modifications, of course), I told myself, “If you can do this, it’s time to find the next program.” I decided to repeat 21-day Fix, but this time with fewer modifications. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 285 pounds, and my current weight is 147 pounds.

What is your height? 
5’1″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in 2017. My transformation took two years.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to keep showing up! I also learned not to compare myself to anyone! My journey is my journey. Only I can determine how it goes. I’ve learned that there will be good as well as bad days, but as long as I stay consistent, change can and will be made. 

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight? 
My advice for people who are on their journey, just starting or those who want to start: There will be good days, and there will be bad days. As long as you keep showing up daily and stay consistent, there will be change. 

There’s no rush. It’s a journey, not a race! There is no finish line. Never compare yourself to anyone! Always celebrate your victories, no matter how small!

Instagram: @tanae2sweet88