Lyniesha lost 104 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Lyniesha lost 104 pounds by exercising and eating healthy food. She was already dealing with several ailments when she learned she was at risk for diabetes. Feeling like her body was slowly breaking down, she decided to take action and change her lifestyle. 

Social Media:
Instagram: @lynieshaflave
TikTok: Flyniesha_

What was your motivation?
When I went to the hospital, the doctor informed me I was at risk for diabetes. At that moment, I knew I had to make some changes. Also, I’m lactose intolerant, so my body is shocked whenever I eat cheese or consume milk. I become bloated, or I experience pelvic pains. One time I ate pizza, chicken broccoli ziti, lasagna, and almost everything you can think of that involves cheese. Then I ended up in a fetal position and had to go to the hospital. 

Adding to all this… I later found out I had Varicose veins in my abdominal area. I had also been experiencing pain in my feet and was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. So I knew I needed to make immediate changes because I felt my body was breaking down on me. 

I believed that losing weight would help minimize the stress in my body and help elevate some of the pain I experience in my joints, back, and overall body. 

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What inspired me was knowing that my grandmother, who visited me at the hospital, was cheering me on. Also, understanding that I had already made a difference in my life by eating healthier, consuming smaller portions, being a living example every day (reflecting love and light in the community), and believing I would see results on the scale.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started doing the Keto diet, and I would eat between 1 pm and 8 pm. My meals were high in protein, and I cut out some carbs. I also created a detox juice that has helped me burn fat. I drank nothing but water and dedicated 30 minutes a day to cardio, making it a part of my daily routine. 

I didn’t eat snacks or anything that would cause me to become less disciplined on my health journey. Instead, I ate fruit and vegetables 3x a day (or as much as possible with each meal). 

What is your workout routine?
My workout routine consists of exercising on the elliptical, walking, jogging, jumping jacks, or anything to get my heart rate up and burn fat. I would turn on Caribbean music and dance and/or watch Zumba and participate online from the comfort of my home. Then after 30 minutes, I would do an additional 15 minutes working on abs, squats, sit-ups, etc. 

I rotated that 15-minute routine throughout the week because every day would vary depending on my goal. So whether it was legs, arms, or stomach, my 15-minute workout would consist of an exercise that targeted that area.

How often did you work out?
I would work out five days a week and couldn’t use excuses for cheat days (like holidays, celebrations, events, vacations, or days I was cramping and or didn’t feel like moving or getting out the bed). Even if I walked for 30 minutes, that was sufficient. Anything is better than nothing… that’s what I told myself.

What was your starting weight? I was 330 pounds. 

What is your current weight? I currently weigh 226 pounds.

What is your height? I’m 5’10” and a half.

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey during Christmas 2020. 

How long did your transformation take?
It took me 21 months, so basically, it took two years to take the weight off.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that as we age, what we consume and how we physically move will ultimately make or break us. But you can do anything you put your mind to. So don’t hinder your growth with negative thoughts. Instead, think positive and say, “Yes, I can.”

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? 

• First, identify your why and what makes you want to lose weight. 
• Have a strong will and determination. Find your inner strength and target your goals.
• No matter what, don’t give up because every day is an uphill battle.
• We inherit what we think and what we consume. It’s part of who we are as individuals.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, weight loss surgery wasn’t part of my journey. However, I did consider getting the gastric bypass in the past because I knew of several people who had surgery. The idea of surgery literally made me cringe from fear. I was so terrified of the million things that could go wrong.