Let’s show some love to Aquonette. She lost 48 pounds, going from a size 22 to a size 14. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:
What was your motivation?
My names is Aquonette, for the last 20 years I’ve struggled with being overweight and the medical problems associated with obesity. After my third blood pressure tablet was added and I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I knew it was time to make a change. For years my doctor told me that by changing my diet and adding exercise I could possibly come off some of the medication, improve my overall health and other medical problems associated with fibromyalgia.
On January 1, 2013, I made the usual resolution to lose weight and started praying daily for the strength I needed to succeed. It wasn’t until February 18, 2013, that I woke up mentally ready for the challenge. I am blessed with supportive family members, friends and coworkers that keep me encouraged. The Black Women Losing Weight success stories keep me inspired and focused on my goal and provide me with useful information. At the beginning of my journey, my sister encouraged me to use My Fitness Pal to keep a food and exercise diary to monitor my caloric intake and this site has provided invaluable support.
How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by using portion control and cutting out fried foods. I carry my lunch to work daily which consists of mostly spinach with grilled chicken or a homemade turkey burger with no bun and a piece of fruit. My dinner consists of combinations of fruits and vegetables, salads with colorful vegetables, brown rice, grilled or baked chicken, turkey, fish and shrimp. For snacks, I enjoy raw almonds and an occasional skinny cow ice cream bar. At the start of my journey, I overcame a serious addiction to Sprite. I thought I’d need rehab to overcome my addition to soda but with God’s help I was able to beat it without rehab. Now, I drink a gallon of water daily.
What did your workout routines look like?
My workout consists of exercising no less than 4 days per week. I started off by walking in my neighborhood and then added exercise DVDs that include Leslie Sansone’s Walk Away the Pounds and Jillian Michaels’ 30 day Shred. I recently started walking/jogging on the weekends and doing Shape Fit for strength training.
What was your starting weight?
My highest weight was 242 pounds. When I started my journey in February, I was 235 pounds, wearing a size 20-22. After 6 months of lifestyle changes, my current weight is 194 pounds and I’m wearing a size 14. My doctor has taken me off all the blood pressure medication. I am enjoying the transformation and feel that I am no longer existing but living my life.
I am thankful for this site and the inspiration it has provided to me and so many other women.
Andrea says
Awesome..thanks for sharing..You did that! CONGRATULATIONS..you have definitely motivated me. Thanks and continue the great work. Be Blessed
LaToya H says
Love it! Way to Go Sis 🙂