Transformation of the Day: Melissa lost 115 pounds by working out and eating healthy food. After finding the courage to leave a troubled marriage, this mother of three began her transformation journey focused on self-love and self-acceptance. She overcame depression, anxiety, and self-neglect during the journey, creating a new mindset and lifestyle.
What was your motivation?
My motivation was driven by my ability to acknowledge my own mistakes and poor lifestyle choices. After being in an abusive marriage, I mustered up the courage to leave. Our newborn was only four months old.
One day, I prayed to God that if I got the chance to live my life without fear, I would start over and reclaim all the time I lost while suffering. The next day, I left with my three children and made the 3-hour trip back home. When I arrived back home in January 2020, I decided to start walking around the neighborhood since I did not have a car at the time. So I walked, and in the first weeks, I lost 3 lbs.
The depression, anxiety, abuse, and neglectful love towards my body and mind were beginning to go away. It was time to reclaim my life! No turning back! From that moment, I realized I would not let anything or anyone come in between me fighting for me. As a result, I lost 75 pounds in the first year!
What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
Having support from friends and family played a huge role. My mother was my biggest supporter. She would call me every morning like clockwork to ask me what workouts I was doing at the gym.
She passed unexpectedly in April 2021. But, I refused to give up, not after coming this far! Depression tried to work its way back into my life again, but I kept pushing because that’s what mama would have wanted.
I saved pictures on my phone from when I was the happiest in my life, which also inspired me. I would say things like,” Girl, you look Great!” and “Remember Your Promise To GOD.” I was also inspired by some Instagram fitness gurus. Watching them go hard every single day pushed, challenged, and motivated me. They are a HUGE encouragement! Seeing their natural bodies is what makes me more comfortable in mine.
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How did you change your eating habits?
The biggest and most life-changing habit I incorporated was drinking more WATER. I went from drinking about a bottle a day to 2-3 gallons a day.
My daughters played a huge role in my improvements as well. They helped me with meal prep and drinking plenty of water.
I stopped eating fast foods and drinking sodas. I used to drink some, but I get so bloated now, so I’ve stopped completely. I still mainly eat chicken and fish. I occasionally eat pork, but that’s very rare. I’ve always been a raw veggie eater, even before the weight loss, so I enjoy eating them all day. I occasionally eat sugar, but very little. I mainly do honey. Going into the new year, I plan on eliminating bread.
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
My workouts consist of heavy lifting. I really enjoy using dumbbells, doing lunges, chest presses, leg presses, overhead shoulder presses, squats, and using various cardio machines. The elliptical is my absolute favorite machine.
I have compiled a workout plan myself, and I post my daily routine on social media. I work out five days a week at a gym, working out for about 2 hours. Depending on the day, I will focus on glutes and legs. However, every day is an arm and ab day. My biceps are starting to form. Cardio and crunches are part of my workouts every day.
What was your starting weight?
304 pounds
What is your current weight?
189 pounds
What is your height?
5’8″
When did you start your journey?
January 2020
How long did your transformation take?
15 months
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I didn’t have surgery.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is to fully accept my body the way it is. I never thought I let myself go until I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror anymore. That’s when I knew I needed to get a grip on my life and stop living for others. I have to live for me, and by living for me, I had to love my body and heal my mind. A changed mindset can lead you into your destiny.
Always have a positive mindset about your life. Take control of yourself. Wake up every day and be grateful you can live to fight another day! Life is precious, and we need to enjoy it in our happiest and healthiest versions!
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
I want to encourage you to keep moving. When you feel like stopping, remember that progress is progress, no matter how slow. Trust the process. It takes time to repair your body and get it back, but you can.
We need to love our bodies more. Having a positive mindset during this entire process has helped me tremendously. Start now, not today… Now!
Start with your mind. Clear your mind and take a good look at yourself. Picture where you want to be or where you see yourself. Apologize to yourself for not loving you better, and start your journey.
Instagram: @staysnatched247
Shondell says
You Go Girl!!!!
Nalia says
This was so inspiring. I teared up! Thanks for sharing and reminding me that progress is progress!