Transformation of the Day: Jennifer lost 78 pounds. Last year she was furloughed, sitting home, and stress eating daily. When she began to feel terrible, she went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in September 2020. With her health and her family in mind, she decided it was time to make fitness and nutrition a top priority.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I suffered from obesity and was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in September 2020. The pandemic affected everyone in some shape or form. As for myself, it resulted in me being furloughed from my job to sitting home and stress eating all day, every day. I started feeling horrible, so I went to my physician. That is when I was given the unfortunate news about my health.
I was the heaviest weight I had ever been in my life, weighing in at 268 pounds. I knew then I had to take control of my life and start making better decisions for myself!
My motivation and inspiration were my health, my children, and my grandchild, who was born in April 2021. I wanted to be active and healthy again without the overwhelming burden of taking medication to help with my pre-existing condition. I had to change up my whole mindset to dedicate myself to a cause that I felt was bigger than just myself.
How did you change your eating habits?
Although it was challenging for me, I had to give up some of the foods that I loved in order for me to move forward with a healthy lifestyle. I eliminated sugars, junk food, processed foods, and fast food. I began to e healthier choices, such as consuming more water, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, using Keyshia Ka’oir products, and drinking detoxing teas (that consist of cucumber, fresh pineapples, apple cider vinegar, ginger root, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and coconut water). I also did intermittent fasting.
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I started speed walking on the treadmill four to five times a week, walking at least 2.5-4 miles every workout. In addition, two to three times a week, I weight train with high reps and light weights, jump rope, and hula hoop.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 268 pounds in September 2020, and my current weight is 190 pounds (as of July 2021).
What is your height?
My height is 5’6″.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My journey started in September 2020, and it has taken ten months to lose a total of 78 pounds. My goal weight is 160lbs by the end of 2021.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is discipline, self-motivation, and how to enjoy a physically active lifestyle without becoming burned out and discouraged. In May 2021, I was taken off of my diabetic medication. My A1C is down dramatically and is well managed.
What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice to women is to never give up and stay the course. As much as we want to see results fast, we have to remind ourselves that the reward is far greater with dedication with hard work. Research, establish a plan, follow it, track your progress, and be encouraged. Don’t let the scale deter you! Instead, celebrate your success with mental reassurance and a good ole protein shake.
We all fall off the wagon here and there but having the courage to get back on track and press forward is all the satisfaction needed to reach your goals. Be confident, Be disciplined, Be encouraged, and watch how your body and life can change with hard work and dedication.
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