Tynesha lost 34 pounds

Tynesha lost 34 pounds with healthy food and exercise. My Sigma Gamma Rho soror was dealing with hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure. She decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle and change her relationship with food to decrease her risk for stroke or heart attack.

What was your motivation?
Due to hyperthyroidism, I have always had issues with my weight. I would go up and down for years. I paid enormous amounts of money at the gym and for trainers who didn’t really help. 

I always weighed about 175 pounds, and my height is 5’3″. However, during the pandemic, I gained 14 additional pounds. That put me at 189 pounds. 

I went to the doctor for a physical in January 2021, and my blood pressure was 166/110. I was so afraid that if I continued with the same habits, my family would come home and find me in bed, not breathing due to a heart attack or stroke. I had to make a change. Today, I am down 34 pounds with a proper diet and exercise. I weigh 155 pounds. My goal weight is 150 pounds, but I am proud of my accomplishments. Consistency is key on this journey. 

I am now a weight loss specialist and nutrition coach through NASM. I desire to help other women transform their lives.

How did you change your eating habits?
How I changed my eating habits through a mindset shift. I’ve gone through this pandemic and saw many of my relatives with underlying issues and other conditions (such as obesity) die or remain hospitalized. Seeing this helped me to understand that I had to shift my relationship with food. I did not want to die from a heart attack or COVID. 

I got rid of junk food, lowered my carb intake, and increased my protein intake. This is the 1st time I have ever been consistent with any weight loss journey. I knew I had to take it seriously this time, or it would cost me my life. I tried Keto for a month. However, tracking my calories, studying calorie deficit, and the importance of macros was the method that worked for me. I also incorporate intermittent fasting on my rest days. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
My workout routine consisted of HIIT, Cardio, kickboxing, resistance training, Xtreme Hip Hop Step, and Zumba. I work out five days a week. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I have learned so far is that weight loss is a journey. It doesn’t happen overnight. What you put in is what you get out. 

I have learned that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive. I still eat what I like in moderation and as long as it fits in my calorie deficit. I have also learned that exercising doesn’t have to be a chore. I have found so many creative and fun ways to exercise. I absolutely love Xtreme Hip Hop step and Zumba. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
The advice I would like to give to women who desire to lose weight is BREATH. I tell the women I work with that this is not a temporary thing but a lifestyle. Find out what works for you and do it. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall off or overeat. Tomorrow is another day to get it right. It’s not how you start, but how you continue to stay in the race and fight until you’re satisfied with how you look and feel. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, weight loss surgery is not a part of my journey.

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