Saulena lost 85 pounds

Saulena lost 85 pounds by changing her eating habits, changing her mindset, and hitting the gym. After her mother died due to health complications, she committed to living a healthy lifestyle for her children. She worked out with a trainer, learned portion control, and learned how to meal prep.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
In 2018, I lost my mother due to health complications. I decided I would live a healthier lifestyle so my children wouldn’t lose me the same way. I faced many different emotions, and I fell into a deep depression. Instead of taking steps toward getting fit, food became my comfort while dealing with my significant loss. 

In July 2020, I remember looking in the mirror, and I didn’t like the woman I saw. At that moment, I realized I had to change my lifestyle. A few days later, I started my journey.

My kids, family, and friends inspire me to keep going even on the days when it’s hard for me to get out of bed. Many days, a call from my friend would be the boost I need to get started.

How did you change your eating habits?
It was tough to change my eating habits (I’ve always been big on junk food, donuts/sweets, and processed foods). Initially, I just ate baked chicken, salad, boiled eggs, and tuna daily. After a few weeks of that, I knew I needed more help, so I reached out to a trainer. He taught me how to balance my meal portions, meal prep, and plan ahead. Since then, I’ve eaten low-carb/high protein meals with no meat. Monitoring my eating habits was a game-changer for me. Now I eat lots of fruit, green veggies, salmon, tuna, sushi, and nuts.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
When I started my journey, I was so unhealthy, I was embarrassed to go to the gym, so I started walking the park six days a week. Once I got a trainer, I worked out with him two days a week at the gym. I worked out by myself at the gym four days a week. Starting out, I mostly just did cardio. My trainer just recently started me on weights. Now I work out five days a week, two days with my trainer and three days on my own.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
At my heaviest, I weighed 323 pounds. In July, when I started this journey, I weighed 300 pounds. Today I’m 238 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’8″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My journey began on July 6, 2020. I am currently seven months in. I’m still working out and transforming daily.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is how important self-care is and that everything is really just a mindset thing. If we can change our minds and the way we think, we will have the power to change our entire lives. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Just start! It won’t be easy. There will never be a perfect day/time. Don’t wait until Monday, next week, next month, or after the Holidays. 

Just start today. Make today your day 1. In a few weeks, you will feel so much better. In a few months, you will look so much better. It’s all a mind thing. Change the way you think, Sis, and you will change your life!

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I haven’t had any surgeries; it’s all been entirely natural. I just changed my mind, my eating habits and hit the gym.

Instagram: @Fat.2.Phat_