Sharon lost 59 pounds

Sharon lost 59 pounds. She was taking two forms of medication for high blood pressure and one for inflammation. To change her life, she focused on improving her health and made practical lifestyle changes that she could commit to for the long haul. She has maintained her success since 2018.

What was your motivation?
My mother has diabetes. I was afraid I was going to be a diabetic, too. Also, I took two types of blood pressure (BP) medicine and another prescription for inflammation. Now, I only take one BP prescription, and my blood pressure is controlled.  

What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
Knowing that giving up would reverse the health improvements is what inspired me. If I didn’t make an effort, I would destroy the body God had given me.  

How did you change your eating habits? 
I started eating more fruit and vegetables. When I planned my meals, I focused on portion control. I read labels and other information about foods that were good for my health. I also started tracking what I ate and made sure I drank plenty of water.  

What foods did you stop or start eating? 
There isn’t anything I stopped eating, but there are foods I don’t eat as often. For example, I may only eat macaroni and cheese for Thanksgiving or at a church dinner. I make sure I eat three servings of fruits a day and vegetables at least twice a day.  

What did your workout routine look like? How often did you workout?
Once I established a routine, I continued it. I work out six times a week. I do step aerobics, kickboxing, weightlifting, dancing and walking.  

What was your starting weight? 
When I started focusing on making changes, I weighed 274 pounds. However, my highest weight was 298.  

What is your current weight?
215 pounds

What is your height?
5 feet, 6 1/2 inches 

When did you start your journey?
I started on April 5, 2005.

How long did your transformation take?
I honestly don’t remember. There have been times that I have lost and gained weight over the years. Since 2018, my weight has consistently been no higher than 225 pounds. My lowest weight was 189 pounds in 2015, but I found that weight too hard to maintain.

I had a body composition test several years ago. For my height and bone structure, my weight range for me is 193 – 207 lbs. I like it when my weight is in the low 200s. Currently, I’m working on losing 10 pounds.  

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, it isn’t.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I learned that this is a journey that I must be committed to. I have to do what works for me. I also learned to be consistent with meal planning, exercising, and drinking plenty of water.  

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
To keep the weight off, you must make changes that you are willing to maintain for the rest of your life. Making slow and consistent changes are best. When your focus is on improved health and making changes, the weight will come off.