Rena lost 58 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Rena lost 58 pounds. She is determined to avoid a family history of diabetes. Her success came from focusing mainly on nutrition. She kept track of her food intake and adopted a high-protein diet.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was not wanting to become diabetic and seeing so many of my family members struggle with health challenges resulting from being diabetic. 

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I went to the doctor and received my blood work, which showed I was prediabetic several times.

How did you change your eating habits?
I lowered my caloric intake and increased my protein intake, which allowed me to be fuller in between meals. 

I ate specific proteins, fruits, and veggies. I decreased my intake of starches (such as rice, potatoes, and bread) to much smaller portions and only ate those foods three times a week. Having a high protein diet also cut my sugar cravings. Eating fresh fruit before 6:00 PM, practicing portion control, and documenting my meals were very helpful in contributing to my healthy lifestyle journey.

Did you use a specific plan?
I used the Slim4life eating plan, which is phenomenal. 

What did your workout routine consist of?
I worked out occasionally but mainly focused on what I ate. I hardly worked out.

What was your starting weight?
My starting weight was 213 pounds. 

What is your current weight?
My current weight is 155 pounds.

What is your height? I’m 5’5.5″.

When did you start your journey?
I began my journey in July 2022.

How long did your transformation take?
It took six months.

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

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that perseverance pays off. Don’t give up, and you will achieve your goal weight. Also, be patient with yourself and implement reaching small weight loss goals leading up to your ultimate goal weight. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Reaching your goal weight is achievable! I have literally been on my healthy lifestyle journey since 2014 when I weighed my highest known weight of 225 pounds. 

You must be mentally and emotionally ready to change. For years, I felt defeated in this area of my life. Then, I made up my mind to no longer jeopardize my health due to gluttony. I prayed throughout my journey, asking God to deliver me from overeating and being an emotional eater, and He did.