KaShawn lost 114 pounds

Transformation of the Day: KaShawn lost 114 pounds. She was diagnosed with several different health conditions before the age of 30. Thus, improving her health is her primary motivation. By working with a dietitian, tracking her food intake, and making fitness a priority, she has truly transformed.

What was your motivation?
The number one motivator for me has been my health improvements. I was diagnosed with several different health conditions before the age of 30. All those conditions could be eliminated or helped with weight loss. That was an eye-opener.

As I made changes, I started noticing a difference in how my clothes were fitting. Then, I noticed that the scale began to move a little. This progress became my motivation, as well. It made me want to push harder, and I was motivated to do more.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What inspired me to keep going (even when I stumbled and fell several times and wanted to give up) was my desire to get off the medications I was on and be in less physical pain. I knew if I could stay motivated long enough, I would be able to make it happen. (Spoiler alert – I did make it happen!!)

I got discouraged easily and often in the past, especially if the scale wasn’t moving fast enough for me. I decided to do something different this time. I only weighed in once per month so that I wouldn’t be obsessed with the numbers. I focused on creating a healthy lifestyle and made that the norm. The numbers lowering on the scale would just be a bonus. That’s when I started tracking EVERYTHING I eat and drink, the good and the not so good, in the My Fitness Pal food tracking app.

How did you change your eating habits?
I met with a dietitian, and we agreed to try a 1400 calorie per day goal. I looked up recipes on Pinterest for new and creative meals that were filling and didn’t make me feel like I was on a diet. The main drink in our home is Crystal light or sugar-free flavored water. That frees up a lot of calories.

I try to eat more fruits and veggies and fewer carbs and starches. However, I don’t deprive myself. I will try to save my “cheat day” for the weekend. If I eat something that uses up most of my calories or that isn’t so good, I try to balance out the remaining meals for the day, or just do better the next day. I don’t beat myself up about it. I take a look at how well I’ve been doing and get back on track!

Tell us about your workout routine.
After I started noticing the weight loss with just my diet changes. Then, I joined a boxing fitness class. It was a fast-paced 30 minute full-body workout. I attended classes three days per week for about 12 weeks. I would then alternate between working out at home to my favorite YouTube video and going to the gym. I’m now walking three miles per day at least five days per week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Starting weight: 309 pounds
Current weight: 195 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds

What is your height?
I’m 5’5″.

How long did your transformation take?
I’ve been on this journey consistently for about two years and counting.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned this time around is if you want different you have to do different. Also, being consistent is key. I can’t give up because I don’t see change as soon as I think I should.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Love yourself enough to get back up and try it again, even when you “think” you’ve failed. If you mess up today, that’s ok. Just try to do better tomorrow.

Love who you see in the mirror today. She has a story, she is strong, and she can do it!

Instagram: @kashawn79