Tangela lost 73 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tangela lost 73 pounds. In the past, she always tied her weight loss efforts to events, like birthdays, vacations, or weddings, but this time was different. This proud Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror realized that this journey is an ongoing learning process. She figured out what healthy habits work for her and reached out to friends and family for support.

When did you start your journey?
My journey started on March 18, 2020. The realization that a global pandemic was upon us was the motivation I needed to jumpstart my journey. Although I’ve battled PCOS for years, I couldn’t let that continue to be my reason for not taking control of my life. 

This time the weight loss was a lot more personal because I was doing it for ME! There was no event, vacation, wedding, etc. that I had to lose weight for. Instead, I recognized that there were two ways I could emerge from this pandemic, “bigger” or “smaller”! 

I begin by removing all processed foods from my diet, especially refined carbs. Then I started walking one mile a day. It was not easy in the beginning. I had to work on changing my mindset and relationship with food. I vocalized my changes with my sorors, family & friends. We did walking challenges and kept one another motivated.

Did you follow a specific diet or plan?
Initially, I followed a strict Keto eating plan. After about 90 days, I began to incorporate fruit into my diet through protein smoothies while still watching my carb intake. I tracked my eating with a food journal I purchased from Amazon. It was and still is my accountability tool.

Tell us more about your current workout routine.
I currently work out 90 minutes a day, six days a week. My fitness choices vary from hiking, weight training, jogging, cycling, and jump roping. It’s easier to complete my workouts early in the morning because my days can be unpredictable. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
When I began this journey, my starting weight was 248 pounds. I currently weigh 175 pounds. My goal is to lose roughly about 30 more pounds and continue to build muscle through strength training. Most importantly, I want to continue to be healthy. 

What is your height?
5’2″

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Patience. Historically, I was a crash dieter. My diets were contingent on events (birthdays, vacations, weddings, etc.) That habit was extremely unhealthy and counterproductive because the weight always returned. I realized this journey would take a lot longer and required a lot of education on nutrition and exercise. It’s an ongoing learning process, and I’m getting better daily. I have rediscovered my love for the outdoors while continuing my journey of “Finding Tangie”!

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Focus on your health (mental & physical), and the weight will come off. I began to see results when I became deliberate and strategic about my diet. I would not have achieved my success without my accountability circle of family, sorors, and friends. Many of them have joined me on this journey, and I will be forever grateful for their ongoing support.

Instagram: @Tangela.Parker