Akina lost 50 pounds

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Akina lost 50 pounds and has gone from a size 16 to a size 8.  Low carb eating, lots of water and lots of exercise has been key to her lifestyle change.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

I began my journey in March 2014, weighing in at 205 pounds. I have lost 50 pounds (now 155 pounds at 5’3″ tall). I’ve gone from a size 16 to an 8…. This was done through eating healthy and working out at the gym 4 or 5 days a week. I also cut out juice/soda. The weight loss sure was not an easy task and I am still not finished but through motivation, dedication and determination I am sure I will achieve!!!

My motivation was that I was just fed and tired up with the way my clothing were fitting me. It was getting difficult to find nice clothing in my size.  Also, looking at my muffin top was another motivation. I woke up on March 4th 2014 and said “That’s it. Enough is enough. You’re gonna do this, stop complaining and loose this weight!!!” Plus, I also wanted to be a happier and healthier me since my weight was beginning to affect my knees, my Rhuematoid Arthritis and my asthma seemed to be getting worse at times.

I cut carbs out my diet, such as pasta, bread and rice and all fast foods. I ate lots of veggies, salads, fruits, fish and chicken. I also stopped drinking juice and soda. I stuck to drinking only water with lemons!!! I even use the nutribullet and replace my breakfast with a healthy smoothie drink. Yes, I do have an occasional cheat meal but I make sure not to over do it.

I work out about 4 or 5 days a week at the gym. I started out by burning at least 600 calories each gym session, but presently the minimum calories I burn is 1000. Most of my calories are burned by doing cardio on the treadmill, elliptical or stair stepper. 3 days out the week, after my cardio, I focus on weight training and toning.

The advice I have for others wanting to loose weight is to just keep at it! Dedication and perseverance is the key! Many times I felt like giving up or felt lazy but I kept thinking about the end goal. When I saw the weight start to come off and the changes in my body, I knew that all my hard work and dedication had payed off. I still have several more pounds to loose but I am confident that I will achieve my goals. My weight loss is not a temporary change, it’s definitely a lifestyle change for me!

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