April lost 33 pounds

Transformation of the Day: April lost 33 pounds. Fertility issues, high blood pressure, and a family history of illness are just some of the factors that motivated her to change her life. She cut back on processed foods and learned that you don’t have to go to the gym to get a good workout.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation came from not having enough energy, outgrowing my clothes, fertility issues, high blood pressure, and just wanting to live a healthier life. I wanted to break the “It runs in the family” curse. I was not born overweight. 

When I wanted to give up, my WHY helped me to keep going. I want to be a healthy mom one day. I want to live a long life with my child. I don’t want to be sick with diabetes, high blood pressure, or any other illness I can prevent right now. Though I know some diseases aren’t preventable, I will do what I can.

How did you change your eating habits?
I was at a point where I was vomiting every time I ate solid foods. I have a hiatal hernia, and I had my gallbladder removed, yet the problem still exists. I decided to give Herbalife a try. I’m not trying to promote or advertise their products but, that’s what works for me. I replace two meals a day with the shakes, which are nutritious and a full meal replacement. 

I don’t eat a whole lot of meat anymore. I also stopped eating a lot of fried foods, bread, sweets, and sodas. I have them occasionally. I’ve incorporated fish, shrimp, salmon, and vegetables into my diet as part of my lifestyle change. I also eat nutritious snacks, and I have fewer cheat days. I’m consistent 70% of the time. Also, I barely eat fast food like I used too.  

Tell us about your workout routine.
In the beginning, my workout routine consisted of cardio, walking, and various videos on YouTube. I would get bored a lot and stop for weeks at a time. I am now consistent in my journey. 

Currently, my workouts consist of me working out 4 to 5 days a week. I do cardio and upper body, lower body, and full-body routines with a trainer. We work out outside using bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, and bodyweight. I’ve learned that you do not need a gym. You just need a made up mind and a strong why.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 270 pounds, which was my heaviest weight. My current weight is 237 pounds. I’m 37 years old. 

What is your height?
I am 5’5″. 

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey last year, 2019. My transformation took a full year, and I did not see any changes until I became consistent. I am still on my journey and looking to lose 30 to 40 more pounds by the end of the year.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I haven’t had any weight loss surgeries.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I learned was never to compare journeys, and to go at my own pace. I found myself watching people’s pages on Instagram and social media platforms, but never working on my own journey. So, don’t get caught up. Do your own thing and be consistent.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice on your journey is the pray, have faith, get fitness goal friends, speak positively to yourself, and be your own motivation. Sometimes you will want to quit but keep going. 

Don’t let social media fool you. Many people don’t share their downs. They only share their ups. We all struggle. If you fall, don’t lay there. Get back up. This is your year.

Instagram: @myfitnessjournee33