Veronica lost 53 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Veronica lost 53 pounds. Her turning point happened when she found out her cholesterol levels were very high, and there was concern about blocked arteries. She decided to focus on fitness and switch to a Mediterranean diet to improve her health. She plans to compete in the 2024 Senior Olympic Games.

Social Media:
Facebook: facebook.com/veronica.beard.58
Instagram: @urban_cowgirl1 (I will be posting my journey to the 2024 Senior Olympic Games, so stay tuned!)

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
Five things have motivated me to start my weight loss journey: 

• Heart health and chronic joint pain
• Getting fit to sprint in the next Senior Olympic Games for 50 and up runners. 
• Wanting to be the best version of myself when I look in any mirror
• I want to look great next to my boyfriend, who also works out and looks amazing for his age. He and my sister are my biggest supporters!
• I am also motivated by other weight loss stories I have seen on your platform. I have been a follower of the Black Women Losing Weight platform for a couple of years now. I love it!  

How did you change your eating habits?
After observing tingling in my hands and feet, fainting, and having blackouts in 2021, I sought the expertise of a cardiologist. My cholesterol levels were very high, and there was a concern about blocked arteries. 

I didn’t want to give in to this health issue. I wasn’t prescribed medication but was advised to drop weight to help with my symptoms. I weighed 232 lbs at that time, and I am 5’8″. I began to follow the Mediterranean diet plan but with seafood. I knew what I needed to do and immediately cut out all meat, focused on living a pescetarian lifestyle, and began walking out during “lunch.” 

I lost 26 pounds in three months before going back to see my doctor. My symptoms improved, but I was still not out of the woods. 

What is your workout routine?
I do cardio four days a week for a minimum of 1 hour (keeping in mind that you don’t reach fat-burning mode before 30-45 consecutive minutes of active cardio), weight training twice a week, and I finish up with 15 minutes of elliptical training. I practice at a local track, running drills and focusing on sprinting techniques.

How often did you work out?
I work out every day except Sundays.

What was your starting weight? 232 pounds

What is your current weight? 179.3 pounds

What is your height? 5’8″

When did you start your journey? October 2021 

How long did your transformation take?
Today is July 9, 2023, and I have lost a total of 53 lbs in 21 months. I am in total menopause, so my hormonal imbalance is always a challenge for me. Not to mention I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis almost 12 years ago. I struggle with inflammatory issues, which is why I chose the Mediterranean Diet’s meal plan. It’s a lifestyle change rather than a diet.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I had weight loss surgery in 2014, vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I weighed over 250 lbs and lost 80 lbs. I kept it off for four short years, but because I didn’t realize what I was eating caused my body to become inflamed, I started to regain all the weight that I lost. This is why I chose the Mediterranean (pescetarian) lifestyle. It’s sustainable for me and MY health situation.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
What will help me to win is Consistency, Discipline, and Action. These three lessons I have learned since January of this year have kept me on a successful track. Additionally, I have learned that I do NOT need Cheetos or chocolate-covered almonds to make me happy. I have lost the craving for snacking and eating junk food. I have replaced these unhealthy items with nuts., fruits, and veggies. 

Creating a calendar that indicates the days I worked out and when I didn’t holds me accountable each week. Lastly, recovery is just as important as working out! LISTEN to your body. Don’t overwork your body to the point where you are hurt or injured.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
My advice is to remember why you started. Don’t make it about getting into a new outfit or losing weight for an event. These things will only keep you motivated for a short time. Do it for a purpose. Do it for a cause. Do it for YOU! 

Do not listen to anyone who pores negativity into your heart, mind, and soul. Move those people out of your life! In addition to that, surround yourself with like-minded people. No one needs a sabotager in their midst. My best friend is my sister. She supports my every endeavor in this process. She continues to motivate me, and I do the same for her. 

Also, don’t tell people what you plan to do. They can be your downfall. Just show up with your results. I guarantee they will want to know how you did it! Finally, do lots of research. You may find out that your diet is what is holding you hostage. Make the changes to your diet for a healthier you! 

There is no end date. I will forever be on this journey