Dr. Cheryl has lost 25+ pounds since August 2020. She’s no stranger to this journey, having lost 100 lbs after giving birth to one of her sons five years ago. Despite having to deal with work, virtual schooling for her children, and other obligations, this busy mom figured out what works for her.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was wanting to be able to be active with my family and lower my blood pressure. Reminding myself of the importance of my Why is what helped keep me going when I wanted to give up.
Also, the encouragement from the Black Women Losing Weight social media page helped me. When I was tired and didn’t feel like walking or working out, I would see other women doing it, which would encourage me.
How did you change your eating habits?
I cut out soda, juices, and bread. I mainly drink a minimum of 64oz of flavored water daily.
I had to find the eating plan that worked for me. I tried keto, and it didn’t work for me because I had dealt with gallbladder and digestive issues. I found that eating more vegetables and legumes (beans and lentils) and using essential oils helped me.
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I try to do a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise at least four times a week, and take walk breaks during my work breaks. I mix the 45 minutes up. I like to do HIIT for toning and cardio that will get my heart rate up.
Recently it’s been more home workouts because I felt like people at the gym were not as cautious as they were in the beginning. When I do go to the gym, I prefer the treadmill and the incline row that gives a total body workout.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My weight loss journey started five years ago when I had my last son. I gained 100 pounds during pregnancy and weighed 297 pounds. By the time my son turned 1, I had lost 100 pounds. I spent the next 2-3 years maintaining, and I got down to 190 pounds.
At the start of the pandemic, I hit a roadblock. My routine was disrupted, and I found it harder to make time for exercise (along with virtual schooling for both sons, work, and other obligations). In addition, we closed on our house and were moving, so it was a struggle. I gained 25 pounds.
In August 2020, I got control of my schedule and life balance. I got back to exercising and eating better, and I lost 25 pounds by December 2020. Currently, I weigh 185 pounds.
What is your height?
I’m 5’11 and 1/2″.
How long did your transformation take?
For the original journey, it took one year to lose 100 pounds. My recent weight loss journey took about five months.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Some days may be harder than others but don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep going. I didn’t really have a “fit fam” outside of BWLW. So I had to do a lot of self-encouragement. Staying engaged with BWLW was/is encouragement.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Find what works for you and stick to that.
Instagram: @drcherylbuck
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