Tameki lost 81 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tameki lost 81 pounds with healthy food, exercise, and prayer. This 47-year-old mother of 3 learned that consistency is key. Health is her motivation. She’s determined not to let PCOS or a family history of diabetes keep her from being in her children’s lives for years to come.

I am a 47-year-old mother of three children (ages 21, 20, and 7). I Have lost 81 pounds naturally and maintained the weight loss. I had my youngest child at the age of 40. I also have PCOS, which can cause issues with weight loss. Every day is a struggle, but I’ve managed to keep the weight off by eating healthy, praying, and exercising. I have been on my journey for six years, and I continue to work towards my goal. I hope to become a nutritionist or fitness group instructor and assist others with their weight loss journey.

What is your motivation?
My motivation for losing weight is my health and my children. Diabetes runs in my family on my Dad’s side. I wanted to become healthier so I could be around for my children.

How did you change your eating habits?
I did not go out to eat as much, and I used portion control. When I ate food, I did not eat a lot of fried food. During this journey, I never really deprived myself of any food. I tried that method before, and it did not help because I overindulged in the food that I would deprive myself of when I finally ate it.

I did cut out a lot of sweets and junk food. I did not deprive myself, but instead, I had snack-size portions when I did eat junk food. I also had to learn how to drink water and like it because I didn’t like drinking water before this journey.

Tell us about your workout routine?
I started by walking daily for seven days a week with my youngest son. He was 18 months old at the time. I put him in the stroller and started walking daily for 15 minutes. Then, I increased my time up to an hour or an hour and a half. Next, I added home exercise routines as I started to lose more weight. I was working out twice a day. 

I started using an app called Sweatcoins to count my daily steps. I also instructed a small workout group for a few months a few years ago. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 297 pounds, and my current weight is 216 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5’2″.

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey in 2015, and I continue to work out daily.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? 
I lost all my weight naturally. No weight loss surgery, supplements, drinks, or programs. JUST 100% HARD WORK!

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
What I have learned from my weight loss journey is consistency. I always remember why I started this weight loss journey, as that keeps me motivated. If I eat more than I am supposed to, my body will let me know, and I feel awful.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Don’t be so hard on yourself when you fall off the weight-loss wagon. Just keep moving forward and do better.

Instagram: @Ms.meki3