Alicia lost 46 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Alicia lost 46 pounds. After she was diagnosed with hypertension, she knew it was time to make some changes. As a Licensed Clinical Counselor in a medical setting, she wanted to be a true representation of the advice she gives her clients. On this journey, she’s learned how important it is to focus on nutrition.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I’m a Licensed Clinical Counselor, and I work in a medical setting. Part of my role at the clinic revolves around being referred to patients by medical providers to encourage them to make lifestyle changes to improve the state of their health. 

I began to challenge myself and ask myself how I could truly empower my patients to live a healthier life when I wasn’t a true representation of that in my own day-to-day life. I wasn’t being the best version of myself that I could be, and I had to face that reality. 

I’ve lost weight in the past for vanity reasons, but I always gained it back. This time, I decided to lose weight after being diagnosed with hypertension at an appointment last year (after experiencing unexplained dizziness for several weeks at work). The diagnosis terrified me because I have several family members who’ve died from weight-related illnesses, including hypertension and diabetes. I did not want to start taking blood pressure medication, but because my blood pressure and heart rate were elevated, it would have been inevitable. My decision to lose weight this time was more about my health and wellbeing than looking good in pictures for social media. This time, it was potentially life or death. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I did a 6-week virtual fitness program that taught me how to eat properly. I followed the program’s meal plan to a T in the beginning. I focused on portion control and avoiding excess sugar while in the program. It was life-changing and eye-opening for me.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I worked out five days a week in the program. The workouts included weight training and cardio workouts. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 242 pounds. My current weight is 196 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’7″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started seriously making an effort to lose weight in September 2020. It took about six months.  

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
This journey has taught me “Calories in, Calories out.” I use intermittent fasting to maintain my results. I used to avoid the scale, but I now weigh myself at least once a week to be aware of how my diet is affecting my weight. I didn’t do that in the past and lost sight of the connection between my weight and my appearance. As odd as it may sound, I honestly didn’t see myself the way I looked in the “before” pic. It didn’t register in my mind how much weight I had gained until I looked at the pic after being fitted for a waist trainer. I avoided taking full-body pics, and I didn’t weigh myself during that period due to shame about how much weight I had gained.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Exercise is great, but what we eat is key to losing weight and maintaining weight loss. I never quite understood that before, despite me losing weight in the past. I feel that was my obstacle in keeping the weight off in the past. I lost weight from excessive working out and sweating but never understood the impact diet had on my weight. 

I would advise all women who want to lose weight to know that they have what it takes to have the appearance and health they desire and deserve! Do not give up until you get it! 

Instagram: @peaceandlovealicia