Alicia lost 63 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Alicia lost 63 pounds with exercise and good nutrition. She restarted her weight loss journey in 2019 after giving birth to her baby girl. 3 C-Sections, Postpartum Depression, and the challenges of motherhood didn’t stop her from transforming her body and her lifestyle. 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
Initially, my motivation came from a doctor’s visit I had in my mid 20’s. If I didn’t lose weight, the doctor told me I would be at risk for high blood pressure and have to take medicine. I knew it was time for a change. 

After I started dropping the weight, I just felt better about myself. During my younger days, I was picked on, so to have people actually reach out and ask me for advice inspired me to keep pushing. 

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? My first transformation started back in 2010, and it took about a year to go from 262 pounds to 189 pounds. I restarted my journey in August 2019 after I had my baby girl. I started at 262 pounds after my baby girl was born, and now I weigh 199 pounds. This took a year as well.

No, there’s no secret to my success. This has been hard work since the day I was able to exercise again. I cried tears behind this. It can be done. You just have to be consistent and stay the course. I was told that since I’ve had 3 c sections, the weight would not come off as quickly as it did the first time. Well, I’m proof that it can be done. Your race, your pace. Take it one day at a time. 

Along my journey, I met my business partner, and she pushed me more than you know. We formed different groups, like fit camps and walking groups, to bring ladies aboard who needed a push or accountability partner. I am not where I want to be, but I’m not where I use to be. 

How did you change your eating habits? 
I started with Herbalife because it helped me lose weight the first time I tried, but eventually, I wanted to eat. I took supplements, including CLA (something I think everyone should take if they are trying to burn fat). I switched over to products from a company called 1UP Nutrition, and the community is fantastic. It’s like a one-stop-shop. Changing my eating habits was hard, but the meal replacement shakes help because I love ice cream. 

I never was one to count calories. I just knew that the foods I love (like bread and sweets) had to cut out. From there, I started doing research on carbs and starches. Yes, every woman’s body is different, but unhealthy carbs sit in African Women’s midsection and lower body parts, from what I read. So, I knew I had to cut that out. If I could estimate how many calories I ate a day, it was between 1500-1800 calories. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out? 
My workout routine consisted of two workouts a day. Five days a week, I would do cardio in the morning and strength train in the evening. Saturday and Sunday would be mainly cardio. 

What is your height?
5’11”

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No surgery. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I have learned not to compare myself to others. Everyone takes dieting and working out differently. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Stay the course. It’s ok if you fail today. Just make sure to get back up and start again. The road is not easy, but you will reach your goal with consistency, dedication, and determination.

Also, Postpartum Depression is real, and I beat that thing! It can happen to a NEW OR a VETERAN Mom! Never forget how far you’ve come. Everything you have gotten through. 

• All the times you have PUSHED on even when you couldn’t. 
• All the mornings you got out of bed, no matter how hard it was because that’s what we as MOMS do. 
• All the times you wanted to give up, but you got through another day because you have little people watching you. ️️

Never forget how much strength you have learned and developed! MOST IMPORTANTLY, DONT GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAM.

Instagram: @curvygal_fitlife