Transformation of the Day: Adepa lost 42 pounds. Two pregnancies left her with hypertension and blood sugar issues. Her doctor suggested weight loss as an alternative to medication. She used many of the stories we’ve featured as inspiration to create a healthy lifestyle plan that has paid off big time. Check out her story.
In June 2015, my doctor had a frank discussion with me to re-introduce me to medication. I had pregnancy induced hypertension during my pregnancy in 2009 with twins and in 2012 while having my second pregnancy. My medical profile consistently showed that I was hypertensive and that medication was required. In addition to this, I was borderline diabetic. I struggled to keep my blood sugar levels within normal ranges after having gestational diabetes in 2012. My doctor advised me to try losing some weight, since that was the only option that would allow me to avoid medication.
In August 2015, we had a family reunion and I couldn’t fit into my UK size 18 dress that I brought in my luggage. I had to wear a size 20 dress that was meant for somebody else to the occasion and me family members were congratulating me on “the pregnancy“. I felt sad and depressed.
A classmate who was in my MBA class had just signed with Herbalife to lose weight. She constantly shared her weight loss journey with “the girls” when we met for group studies and assignments. She had already started getting results, so I challenged myself and decided to give weight loss a try. Making the decision was tough since I had fears. I didn’t want to sign up with an expensive diet program. During the whole month of August 2015, I read more than 200 weight loss stories on BlackWeightLossSuccess.com. I was able to create my own formula for weight loss based on what the ladies who were featured had practiced: a healthy diet plus exercise.
On September 1, 2015, I committed myself to losing 10kgs (22 pounds) in 100 days. I started by walking in my area. I thought I would pass out, but I persevered. On September 4, 2015, I visited a gym for the first time and signed up. I was introduced to my trainer, @ericnanaadjei64. At the end of the 100 days, in December 2015, I’d lost 10kgs and was addicted to being fit.
How did you change your eating habits?
I read on your website that most of the successful women who lost weight had cut out sugar and reduced their carbohydrate intake, so I practiced exactly that. I switched to complex carbohydrates, replaced some of my meals with vegetable/fruit smoothies and completely cut out eating at night. I learned about portion sizes, healthy snacking and benefits of drinking water. I also started meal prepping and carrying my food bag everywhere; lectures, work, and social gatherings.
What was your workout routine?
I started with a goal of being able to do a 5km run, uninterrupted. I began with a 20 minute walk and worked each day until I was able to do a 10km run every other day. Initially, I was walking/jogging in the morning and doing strength training at the gym in the evening, 5 to 6 days a week. I was also introduced to at home workouts, such as T25 by Shaun T and P90X.
I developed love for lifting, which has now increased, and I concentrate on HIIT for cardio (though my love for running is still innate). I lift 4 to 5 times days a week. Sometimes, I get lazy and just do my cardio routines. However, I quickly find my way back to my happy place, the gym. This particular gym is quite masculine in its arrangement and users (about 98% male). My female friends wonder why I would train at a place that some would consider “woman unfriendly”. The truth is that has lots of great guys who workout for various reasons and have various goals. They’ve motivated and encouraged me on this journey.
Starting weight/Current weight
I stopped checking my weight at 96 kilos (211.6 pounds), back in June 2015. My current weight is 77kgs (169.7 pounds) and I am 5 feet, 4 inches tall. I wore a Size UK 20 dress and now I can now fit into a UK 12 dress.
What advice would you like to share?
This is a journey that I consider as a marathon and not a race. Your story is different and your journey will be different too. Create small goals, smash them and reward yourself for the small victories (whether on the scale or non-scale). When you fall off the wagon for any reason (which I have done on this journey), give yourself the time to dust off and get back on board. Be kind, gentle and gracious to yourself. Love yourself deeply, flaws and all. Pray about your journey and your challenges. Find motivation from within and support from blackweightlosssuccess.com if you get stuck.
Keep thanking God each day for the gift of life, from which all other goals can be accomplished and all other victories can be celebrated.
Instagram: @yaadepabi
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