Tosha lost 42 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tosha lost 42 pounds. After she began taking medication for migraines, she experienced weight gain, and she had to buy new clothes. This motivated her to join a local boot camp and start her transformation journey. Although she’s faced some challenges along the way, she refused to give up. As her passion for health and fitness increased, she inspired her family to meal prep and became a personal trainer. 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was how I felt inside. 175 pounds was the most that I had ever weighed. When I was pregnant, I only weighed 142 pounds. I began to take medication for migraines about six years ago and noticed that my weight increased. I didn’t like how I felt inside, and I had to spend money to buy all new clothing. I started to have days when I felt depressed, and I quickly realized that this wasn’t the path I wanted to take. All of this motivated me to make changes and to get more active. I knew that I needed my migraine medication, so I had to do my part and keep the weight off. 

I was inspired to keep going by the scale. I joined a 6-week boot camp program with Rise Fit in Hamilton, Ohio. I was able to lose my first 18 pounds, and I was so excited to see the physical and emotional changes. I felt good. I felt happy. I felt strong and more confident. 

It was very motivating to know that I could work out for six weeks and complete the program. Before I started the program, it had been over 25 years since I last worked out regularly. I started telling myself, “YOU GOT THIS”.  

Next, I joined Bootcamp Cincinnati for two months. Twelve pounds later, I felt even more energized. Then, I joined a kickboxing class that my cousin Keith Spurling was teaching and lost another 7 pounds.  

I began to purchase workout equipment for my storage area in the basement. Family members began to join me to work out, and we started meal prepping as a family on Sundays. Before I knew it, I had an entire home gym. My motivation turned into a passion, and I obtained my personal training certification. 

My mission now is to help others reach their fitness goals. In September 2019, I launched Body Revamped LLC, and I love to motivate my Queens. I tell them all the time, “YOU GOT THIS”.

How did you change your eating habits? 
My first trainer at Rise Fit provided me with a grocery list of clean eating foods and a grid with portion sizes. I took that and incorporated it into my daily eating habits. For six weeks, I cut out all junk food, ice cream, cakes, cookies, pizza, fried foods, juice, and soda. I was amazed that I was able to cut so many things out for six weeks. The physical changes I saw motivated me to keep pushing. I felt good and had tons of energy. I increased my intake of vegetables, water, and fruit. 

During this process, I realized these new healthy eating habits flared up my Gastroparesis. (Which means my food did not move through my system as fast as most.) With Gastroparesis, you have to eat low fat (2 grams a day), low fiber foods, and no hard vegetables (like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower) because they do not digest well. I could not have any of the foods recommended for weight loss. This was very discouraging. 

With this disease, you also feel full quicker, and you are always bloated. This was a setback, but I had to adjust. The foods that were good for me were not agreeing with my system. 

I met with a dietician to find out what I could eat. The fruits that I could eat were melons, bananas, and applesauce. I had to switch to foods that digest easily. I also had to have more green smoothies and protein shakes. I pay heavily when I eat foods on the “do not eat” list. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
When I first began to work out, I was exercising three days per week for 30 minutes, doing a boot camp-style rotation. I moved up to working out three days per week for an hour per session. I recently began to set specific days for weightlifting. 

I also teach virtual boot camp classes 3 days per week. Most exercises are bodyweight exercises. I use dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My journey began in 2018, and it took me about six months to lose 50 pounds.

What is your current weight?
My current weight is 133 pounds. 

What is your height?
I’m 5’4″.

What is your biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson is to not give up on yourself. Even when you get thrown a curveball, like my Gastroparesis, never give up. There is no cure for Gastroparesis, so I know that I will need to continue to make adjustments to the foods that I can eat. 

I also learned that just because I have constant bloating, it does not mean that I am not fit and healthy. I had to adjust my thinking when it comes to having a flat stomach. I can look beautiful and be bloated all at the same time (smile). It’s ok to be you and be happy with being yourself no matter what.  

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Go all-in with your fitness journey. You may fall off, but get back up. 

Not all programs work for everyone. Don’t get discouraged if the scale does not move as fast as you want it to. Make sure that you track your inches as well. Sometimes we lose inches before the scale moves. 

Believe in yourself, and reward yourself when you reach your goals. Keep your head up and push through. Queens push through. My motto for 2021 is HUSTLE HARDER.

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Instagram:@body_revamped__by_toshahill