Tracey lost 80 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tracey lost 80 pounds. This divorced mother of two figured out how to balance working full time, working out five days a week, and cooking nutritious food for her family. She also learned how to count macros and that eating complex carbohydrates can actually be a game-changer.

I’m a 34 year old, divorced mother of two (14 year old son, 3 year old daughter). I live in New Haven County, Connecticut, and I lost 80 pounds twice! My starting weight was 250-255 pounds. I currently weigh 175 pounds. I am 5’5 1/2”. 

My health journey started in 2015. I always weighed around 250 pounds my entire adult life. I didn’t realize how unhealthy I was until one day, when my ex-husband said to me, “I think you have a food addiction.“ Although I was a foodie (I still am), I didn’t see myself as THAT overweight. His comment sparked something in me to start to live a healthier life. 

I started with the Atkins diet then transitioned to Keto. Fifteen months later, I was 80 pounds lighter. On my wedding day, I wore a size 6-8 and weighed 171 pounds. 

I became pregnant three months after our wedding and slowly gained every OUNCE back. I gave birth at 252 pounds again. 

I dabbled in the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle for a few months. Then, I went back to Keto for a year and lost almost all the weight I gained. I noticed that while Keto helped me lose weight, it did not help me “build a body.”

I began to research how to count macros and slowly added complex carbs back into my diet. It was a GAME CHANGER! I didn’t realize how different my workouts and moods would be due to adding more nutrient dense foods back into my life. Now I am in the best shape of my life! Not just by the scale but with more muscle definition and less loose skin this time.

My workout routine consisted of weight training, uphill walking, and bodyweight exercises. 

Fast forward to Quarantine 2020! I was looking for answers as far as what my purpose was. I wanted to fulfill my dreams of helping people get their health and wellness together. I decided to study to be a certified personal trainer through the ISSA. I accomplished my certification! I am studying sports nutrition since nutrition counseling is my main focus. I also signed on to add life coaching to my services offered. 

Childhood obesity is also a focus of mine. With the statistics showing kids of this generation will not outlive their parents due to obesity-related illnesses, I decided to offer training and nutrition services to kids under 16 free of charge. That is my pro-Bono mission to give back to my community.

My purpose in life is to motivate women to transform their lives. I want them to feel the same joy and peace I feel when I look in the mirror, try on clothes, or run around with my kids without getting winded. I am a single mother of two. I work full time outside of my home, and I still make the time to cook nutritious foods and workout five days a week. I want to teach them and educate them on how to accomplish their dreams and goals as well!

My biggest lesson I learned so far is to have patience with myself! A weight loss journey is just that, a journey. It takes time, and you have to give yourself a lot of grace! 

The advice I would like to share with other women who want to lose weight is to stick to the basics. Science will always be on-trend when it comes to losing weight. Also, focus on consistency over perfection! 

Instagram: @brows.and.barbells