Update July 2021: Mona wrote in to share that she’s lost a total of 125 pounds.
I’m officially down 125 pounds (107 poundssince the last time you posted about me). I’m maintaining the weight now. I’m no longer that almost 300-pound woman. Now I weigh 195 pounds. I’m still doing the same routine: I eat low carb to no carbs and drink lots of water. I eat veggies, salads, eggs, and smoothies. Instead of working out 6-7 days a week, I work out 2-3 days a week now.
Update July 2020: Mona lost 12 more pounds for a total of 95 pounds gone. – Hey, Group! You posted me before and here’s a quick update. I hit 95 pounds down with hard work and determination. If i can do it the natural and clean way, so can you. I made it my duty to not let this quarantine set me back. I still work out at home every day, running and weight training. I eat clean – I’ve still cut out salt, sugar, bread, and pasta, and I drink lots of water all day.
Transformation of the Day: Mona lost 83 pounds with working out and focusing on nutrition. As a minister, her faith in God and the power of prayer helped her to develop discipline and stay focused.
My name is Mona, and I’m a 38-year-old minister. I started my weight loss journey on August 19, 2019, after being told my sugar was so high it could lead to me developing diabetes. That news scared me because diabetes runs very strong in my family. I prayed to God to help me stay focused and disciplined.
How did you change your eating habits?
I started taking nutrition classes to study the body. I also started weighing all my food. I cut out salt, cut out sugar, and committed to an hour of exercise each day. I drank green smoothies three times a day and two snacks once a month. Then, I rotated to two smoothies a day and one clean meal.
What does your workout routine consist of?
I work out seven days a week. I do 30 minutes of cardio on an exercise bike, and I work out for an hour and 1/2 on the treadmill. I also do strength training with dumbbells. I will tone my loose skin.
Starting weight/Current weight
I went from 302 to 220 in 5 months, losing 80 pounds. My current weight is 219 pounds.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No weight loss surgery.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
As a Young Adult Minister, I had to learn to trust God. I prayed when I started this journey in Aug 2019, and I asked God to help me stay focused and disciplined.
What advice would you like to share with people who want to lose weight?
This is the advice I give people (I’ve been helping so many of my friends and family): If you want something bad enough, you can do it if you put your mind to it. Stay focused. Don’t give up. Keep going! Lastly, remember that this is a life journey. It’s not a race. Take it day by day, and change will come.
Instagram: @mona_danyell
Kimberly Williams says
Great job