Antonia lost 79 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Antonia lost 79 pounds. After her father passed away, she knew it was time to make health, both physical and mental, a priority. Becoming a vegetarian/pescatarian and practicing intermittent fasting has worked for her. Check out her story.

I hit my short term goal recently, and it feels so good! God, you are able!
I can’t believe I am 21 pounds away from 100 pounds gone! My starting weight was 353 pounds, and my height is 5’8″. People tell me that I didn’t look that size, but that’s because I’m bottom heavy. Big butts and a smile run in my bloodline. My current weight is 274 pounds and counting. My goal is to hit 100 by the end of the summer or sooner.

Seriously, this journey is never-ending, and I’m fighting for longevity! The source of my weight gain was unhappiness, on top of life-changing events. As my Pastor stated, “Do not pray for something you are not willing to sacrifice for!” Which is why it has ultimately taken almost three years of “yo-yoing” to get here. I removed many unhealthy habits and energies, so it has become so much easier! I have changed my eating habits tremendously, and I work out 5-6 days a week. This sh*t is HARD, but it’s a pain I have come to love!

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation started spiritually first. As I became better inside, I wanted it to reflect outwardly! Obesity and related health issues run in my family! I just wanted to continue to break the chains.

After losing my father to those same health issues, I knew it was more than important… it was urgent that I get my life together. So many times, I have fumbled on this journey. My emotions play a huge role in my eating habits. I have learned the key to maintaining healthy eating habits is being healthy mentally!

How did you change your eating habits?
I started making small changes, like replacing sugary snacks with fruit. Ultimately, I cut out red meat to gradually become a vegetarian/pescatarian. Since beginning this journey, I have tried many diet fads. I have come to adopt the intermittent fasting lifestyle. By far, it has been the most successful regime for me.

What did your workout routine consist of?
In the beginning, high-intensity cardio was my sole focus, but I learned that I wasn’t toning like I wanted to although I was losing weight. Currently, I alternate between cardio and lifting/weight training daily.

When did you start your journey?
I began my journey in 2015. I found it hard to maintain a workout regimen while finishing a double masters degree and working full time, so I focused more on eating better. Since I graduated in 2018, I have been focused strictly on lifestyle changes.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I am determined to lose as much as I can without/or before I seek out any form of surgery. However, I plan on having skin removal surgery in the future.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson has been to stop being so hard on myself. I also learned that everybody’s journey will not have the same results, so stop comparing! I’m my own worst critic. When things are not changing at the pace I want, I feel defeated, but this journey has shown me that consistency does pay off!

What advice do you have for other women who want to lose weight?
To be patient and don’t be afraid get out of your comfort zone! It literally begins with the first step: Wanting to change! Secondly, going after it! I started in the living room of my home watching exercise DVD’s until I got the courage to join a gym! I wish continued success to everyone on all endeavors.

Instagram: @Sincerely.Antonia