Angela lost 83 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Angela lost 83 pounds. Prediabetes, high blood pressure, and back pain could not stop this proud Alpha Kappa Alpha soror. With her Keto coach’s help, she embraced the Ketogenic lifestyle, worked out consistently, and figured out what works for her.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to quit? 
I learned that I was pre-diabetic. I was also suffering from high blood pressure, back pain, and not liking what I saw in the mirror. I began my weight loss journey by eliminating sugar, carbs, and alcohol. By the fall of 2016, I had lost approximately 100 pounds. 

Unfortunately, I let my guard down and went back to old habits, gaining 75 pounds back. I was disappointed in what I saw in the mirror and didn’t have the energy to do the things I loved, like running and Zumba. I knew I needed to make a change. 

In January of 2019, I saw a picture of my Sorority Sister after losing weight with a Keto coach, and I immediately contacted that coach. I was stuck at home dealing with the government shutdown but vowed to begin as soon as I was back at work and receiving a paycheck. I contacted Coach Kim Garrett (@ketowithkimberlylloyd) and started my keto journey on March 3, 2019. During my first month of Keto, I lost over 18 pounds. That was just the kind of motivation and results I needed to buy into the Keto lifestyle. 

How did you change your eating habits? 
My Keto journey included healthy fats (avocado, olive, and coconut oil), meats (shrimp, lots of salmon, steak, lamb, ground beef), lots of veggies (romaine, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, greens), apple cider vinegar and half my weight in water every day. I was never a great chef, but I found foods that I loved and meal prepped weekly. My favorite meal included blackened salmon and salad. If I decided to dine out, I would splurge a little and have steak and a salad with a fatty dressing like blue cheese or ranch.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out? 
I’ve been an avid runner since 2015, running 3 to 5 miles a day. With the loss of weight and increased energy, I can now run 8 to 10 miles a day. Before the pandemic, I was also doing 2 to 3 days of Zumba at the gym. 

I recently purchased a Peloton, and that has become my newest obsession. I cycle twice a day for 30 minutes each session. The cycling has added definition to my legs and my abs, providing the toning I needed for the complete package. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? 
When I started my Keto journey, I weighed in at 223.6 pounds. I currently weigh 140 pounds and have maintained this weight since November 2019. I continue to lose inches with fat burning and toning. I have lost over 63 inches.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? 
I started on March 3, 2019, and met my goal of losing 80 pounds on November 17, 2019. I met my goal in 8 months. Keto is a lifestyle and not a diet, so my journey continues. I have given myself a window of 5 pounds for maintenance and have stayed within that 5-pound window for 11 months. 

Is surgery loss a part of your journey?
No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? 
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to find something that works for you and something that you can reasonably maintain. My Keto coach provides me with guidance, advice, and recipes that give me alternatives to the carb and sugar-laden foods that I have eliminated from my diet. This allows me not to feel deprived. I have found a ton of Keto-friendly recipes for desserts to share during the holidays. My family members have fallen I love with those keto treats as well. 

Having a group of folks in my corner who are also on this journey with me has proved beneficial as well. We encourage one another and give a little tough love when needed. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
You’re stronger than you think you are! My coach gave us challenges every week, and every week I probably rolled my eyes and said, ‘Nope, probably not doing that one.’ Then, I’d turn right around and participate in every challenge presented to me. I knew my coach wasn’t going to take no for an answer. I also knew that she wasn’t going to present me with anything that would hurt me. Now, I challenge myself and create my own challenges every week to include 24-48 hour fasts or One Meal A Day (OMAD). 

Instagram: @mrsbell2you