Shirley lost 82 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Shirley lost 82 pounds this year. After being furloughed, she decided that she didn’t want to gain more weight while sitting at home. The key was figuring out what works for her. By switching up her eating habits, reducing her calories, and working out with a hip hop dance/cardio program, she has transformed.

What was your motivation?
To be honest, My motivation was Covid. I got furloughed from work, and I was sitting at home at 250 pounds, scared I would reach 300 pounds. I had a weight loss program through my work health insurance. I signed up for the program in January but never started. I didn’t want to get bigger, so I decided to start working out three days a week. 

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What inspired me to keep going was the results I started to see. 

How did you change your eating habits?
At first, I didn’t change much. In the beginning, I cut out soda and fast food. I ate 2 cups of veggies with each meal. Then, I started to decrease the calories I was eating each day and cut out bread and dairy. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
The key to my workout routine success was finding something I enjoyed. I love to dance, so I started a cardio hip hop dance program. I worked out three days a week for the first month. Then, I increased to 5 days a week. Now, I work out every day. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 250 pounds, and now I weigh 168 pounds.

What is your height?
5’9″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started at the end of April 2020. I finished last week, so it took about seven months.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Be kind to yourself, but I also keep it real with yourself. Tell yourself when you know you are getting off track. Also, celebrate your success. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
You can do it. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. I have been heavy all my life and never thought I would be under 200 pounds or out of plus size clothing, but I am. 

Instagram: @midnig8t_snax