Tyesha lost 50+ pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tyesha lost 50+ pounds and built lean muscle by eating whole food, working out consistently, and focusing on her big Why. She’s been successful with what is often the most challenging part of this journey, maintenance. We’ve been following her transformation since 2019.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation came from not looking or feeling good. I was also told by my doctor that if I didn’t lose weight, I might have to get surgery cause my BMI was very high. 

When I didn’t feel like I could keep going, I always remembered my why/my biggest reason: that I wanted to get healthy and feel healthy.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating deli food. I would always get a hero sandwich (like a Philly cheesesteak or anything I knew wasn’t good). I also stopped drinking Arizona juices. 

I started eating whole foods and educated myself on what to eat and not to eat, portions size, etc. My routine includes drinking a gallon of water every day and eating smaller portions of nutritional foods that keep me full, like oatmeal, apples with almond butter, and Greek yogurt with fruit and granola. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
My workout consists of HIIT and any cardio, including riding my Peloton bike for 30-1 hour a day. I lost the weight within a year, going down to 135 pounds. I was happy, and I realized it wasn’t about size. What matters is how I feel about myself.  

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I weighed 205 pounds. I got down to 135 pounds and wasn’t happy. Then I transitioned to where I am now at 155 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’2″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
It took a year, but now it’s going on four years as of August. I have had moments where I would slip up and go back to old habits, but then I’ll look at my photos and see how far I’ve come and how hard I worked to get there. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I didn’t have surgery, but so many people did. Thus I’ve had to defend my hard work with my timeline.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that great things like this take time, and I learned to enjoy the process. It’s also important to realize some flaws along the way and that sometimes we can slip up and go back to our old ways. Just remember, when we do that, we are just setting our goals back. Don’t be mad at yourself about it. Instead, pick up where you left, and everything else will be great and fall right into place.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Take it day by day. It did not happen overnight for me. No quick fixes only really bring temporary results, and long-term results take time. 

Learn to enjoy the journey because there will be times where you just want to throw in the towel. However, that’s when your Why comes into play. Learn to love the process even more as it becomes a habit. Also, eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. You can always change it up so that you can keep your interest high.

Instagram: @Fitness_Ambitious