Transformation of the Day: Takeirra lost 32 pounds. Her motivation has been to be visibly strong and athletic. During her journey, she realized that fit looks different on everybody and every fitness journey is exclusive. She also learned that having a healthy relationship with food is essential.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation has always been to be visibly strong and athletic. I have always loved to watch shows like “American Ninja Warrior,” tumbling shows, etc. (activities that required high physicality). I knew I would be able to create that reality for myself.
Also, overall health and fitness are very important to me. I’ve always practiced mindfulness, even when I was inconsistent. There were times when I said, “Nope, forget this. They’re gonna take whatever body I have to give. If God wants me to be fat, so be it!” I had the wrong mindset. As I have kept going, I realize that my physical appearance was so irrelevant to this journey. Fit looks different on everyone. Every journey is exclusive. I realized that I wanted to create the best version of myself and that just was not it.
How did you change your eating habits?
Whew, eating is 80% of the battle. All through High School and Undergrad, I have always been an avid gym-goer. I loved being in the gym, but when I would leave, I’d get some junk food. I had somehow convinced myself that I deserved it or that I would “work it off,” but that is not how calories work AT ALL. So silly.
As I mentioned, I’ve always been mindful. In my parents’ household, I would eat/make separate dinners because I didn’t want fried food, greasy foods, etc. When I got to college, I was TEENY! I was so small. My diet was moderate.
I ended up getting myself in a very toxic two-year relationship, and I started taking birth control (Depo). I was eating like trash, I was so stressed out all the time, and it was VISIBLE. Birth control had adverse effects on my body. I believe I started to develop osteoporosis in my knees caused by that AND the added weight on my frame. It was just horrible. Mind you, I’m still working out regularly at this point.
Early in my senior year of undergrad, I decided to clean up my life! Clean it all up! I became a pescatarian. I started juicing, lifting weights, and just being mindful! I realized that I could not outrun a good diet. I’ve learned that having a good relationship with food is vital! It is important to be disciplined but not deprive myself, so when I crave something, I eat it. Eating healthy does not have to be bland and nasty! It is so delicious.
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
My workout routine consists of hitting the gym 5-6 days a week. 3-4 of those days are heavy lifting days. I love the look of a defined and strong body, so that is my preference. Before my workout, I typically run 1 mile and do 5 minutes on the stair stepper.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 180 pounds, and I currently weigh 148 pounds with 20% body fat.
What is your height?
I am 5’3 1/2″.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in 2017, and the transformation took about one year. I am still growing, learning, and evolving every day.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, it was not a part of my journey.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson that I have learned so far is that everyone’s journey looks so different. We are all exclusive, and none of us can be duplicated. Fall and stay in love with the process. It’s a lifestyle, so get into it!
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Determine your Why! Determine and center it. This is what will keep you going when you are over it, when you don’t feel like it, and you want to give up. Have a solid reason why and only look at your yesterday self as your competition.
As I continue to learn and grow, I have decided to share my journey and services to all those that it can help. I recently launched my fitness company, Built Exclusive Athletics, where we pride ourselves in meeting people where they are on their journey and challenging them from there. No journeys look alike, so we cater to specific needs to be a catalyst to growth for specific individuals.
Instagram: @bodiedtothe_t
Built Exclusive Athletics: @builtexclusive
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