Transformation of the Day: Genevieve lost 60 pounds by fully embracing fitness and a plant-based eating style. Even her husband and kids have gone plant-based. Determined to avoid a family history of illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure, she joined a local black-owned gym in MI and got the guidance and support she needed.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? My motivation to begin my weight loss journey came when I saw a picture of myself from a holiday party in 2018. I noticed that I rarely looked in a mirror, and seeing that picture and how sad I looked motivated me to work on myself inside and out.
I also ended up twisting my knee trying to get up after playing on the floor with my little ones, and I knew I had to get my weight down. I don’t want to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments that plague my family. Surrounding myself with an accountability group of like-minded individuals whose goals are weight loss and maintaining a fit lifestyle has helped tremendously.
How did you change your eating habits? I became plant-based and am now a plant-based vegan. I began to incorporate more plants into my diet and worked towards giving up dairy, bread, eggs, fish, and meat. As a result, I am more energetic, my skin is glowing, and I rarely have breakouts. Plant-based or vegan cookbooks and visiting vegan/vegetarian restaurants helped me a lot in the beginning. My kids and husband are plant-based as well.
What is your workout routine? I joined a small gym called the Shed Fit Factory in Livonia, MI. The gym, owned by @iam_coachkiwi, aka Coach Kiwi, has various classes, programs, and challenges that I’ve completed. I have also done personal training at the gym. My workout includes weight training splits to tone and sculpt by body part by day (i.e., Mon/Fri – Legs, Tues – Chest/Back, Thurs – Arms/Shoulders) AND cardio to shed weight.
How often did you work out? I currently work out about six days a week. To initially lose weight, I worked out about seven days a week.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? After having my 3rd child in 2016, I was around 160 lbs and gained almost 30 additional pounds. My weight increased to as high as 198 pounds from depression. I basically lost 60 pounds and got down to 138 lbs by December 2021. However, I gained some muscle and currently weigh 142 lbs.
What is your height? I am 5 feet and 5 inches tall.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? I started my weight loss journey in October 2019. I started taking bootcamp classes here and there and drinking a gallon of water a day. Initially, I dropped 20 lb. I worked out by myself for quite some time, plateaued, and then realized I needed help with my weight loss journey. So, I joined the gym.
With the programs/challenges I joined in 2021, I could focus on nutrition and get my weight down even more. So far, I am 2 years and eight months into my journey.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? No. I have some loose skin in my mid-section and a little mommy pudge, but I don’t intend to get a tummy tuck or anything. There is muscle there, and I can continue to build it over time.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? I learned to keep showing up for myself and to keep going. I also learned to not rely on the scale and to focus on non-scale victories from my Coach, who has helped many women like myself shed weight. Non-scale victories include how my clothes fit, trying to stop binge eating, etc.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? My best advice for women who want to lose weight is to surround themselves with positive people with the same weight loss, fitness, and/or lifestyle goals. Get rid of all negativity. Get off social media, especially if it triggers you or fuels depression.
Instagram: @embracefitvegan
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