Valarie lost 22 pounds

Valarie lost 22 pounds. She was faced with several challenges and ailments, including high blood pressure, PTSD, Anxiety, GERD, and Lupus. This mom is determined to see her children become adults and create their own families, so she changed her eating habits and hit the gym.

What was your motivation?
I was motivated for several reasons. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, PTSD, Anxiety, GERD, and lupus within a few years. I even had to see a heart doctor. Most recently, I was told that my body is insulin resistant. When I first started the journey. I would start working out and then stop because I would get short of breath very fast. 

What stuck with me is when my mom made a statement about my weight, and it was confirmation of what I had already been thinking. I had to make the decision that I wanted it more than anything. If I want to see my kids become adults and create their own families, I have to do something about my health.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I have a picture of myself by my bed that I absolutely hate. I keep telling myself that I will not be her again. My family and friends have also been very supportive.

How did you change your eating habits?
I’m not on a specific plan, but I slowly stopped eating the things that I love but that I know are not good for me. I incorporated more vegetables than meat, and I drink smoothies.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I am at the gym anywhere from 3-5 days a week. When I first began, I was in the gym every day. I had to get in the habit of working out so that it will become a habit. I mainly workout on the elliptical or arc trainer. When I can’t get to the gym, my daughter and I play Just Dance videos for about 30 minutes straight. I’m slowly going to add in other forms of exercise.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 256 pounds, and my current weight is 234 pounds. 

What is your height?
5’9″

When did you start your journey?
August 2020

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No. The funny thing is I signed up for the consultation and went to the wrong location. When I was rescheduled, the world shut down due to the pandemic. My husband said, “Well, Babe. You’re going to have to do it naturally.” So, that’s what I’m doing.

How long did your transformation take?
I’m still transforming, but I began to notice a difference a few weeks after I actually stuck with the journey. My shoes kept flopping off of my feet, lol. I knew then that I was off to a good start.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Exercising actually helps with my anxiety and gives me energy. I feel refreshed after every workout. Even when I don’t feel like it, I work out in some way.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Sis, it’s not going to happen overnight. First, change your mindset because you have to want it bad enough. If you don’t know where to start, set a timer every hour for about 10 hours out of the day. Then, take about 200 steps each hour. If you can’t physically workout, there are chair exercises that you can do. There is always a way to do it. Whatever you do, just start and stick with it.

Instagram: @iamvalbee