Update: Artasia has lost 70+ pounds! Check her out on IG at @sistagirl_tay
Transformation of the Day: Artasia lost 48 pounds and 7 inches off her waist. She credits her success to intermittent fasting, consistent workouts, meal prep, and learning to trust the process. For this single mom, workout time has become her “Me time.”
I knew I needed to start losing weight when I couldn’t even fit a size XXL shirt. I began my journey in November 2017 when I finally found the courage to step on the scale. I weighed 259 pounds at 5’5″. From Nov 2017 to May 2018, I got down to about 238 pounds.
I was going to the gym six days a week, but my eating habits were terrible! I started 16:8 intermitting fasting at the end of May (4 days only). Friday was my cheat day. My weight did not go up nor did it go down.
That brings me to October 2018, when I said, “Let me get it together.”. On Oct 20, 2018, I weighed 237 pounds with a 40-inch waist. As of January 2019, I weigh 211 pounds with a 33-inch waist. My goal weight will most likely be 170-175 pounds.
Tell us how you changed your eating and exercise habits.
When I broke my fast, I typically ate brown rice and mixed veggies with salmon/chicken. For a snack, I had fruit (banana, pineapples, grapes, etc.). For dinner, I always had oatmeal with almond milk lol.
I drank black coffee about twice a day or green tea twice a day. I did not have soda at all. However, I did cheat a few times. We are all human, of course. I had a bite of my toddler snacks, lol, or I would have a cup of orange juice on weekends. Water is your best friend when losing weight!
Since October, I have been doing intermittent fasting seven days a week with some days 16 1/2-18 hours days. I go to the gym 5 -6 days a week for cardio and weight lifting. The arc trainer is my favorite machine! On weekends, I work out on an empty stomach.
I meal prep on Sundays and drink nothing but detox water infused with cucumbers, mint, lemon, pineapple, etc. I also drink apple cider vinegar three times a day; in the morning, 30 minutes before I break my fast, and right before bed. It really does do the trick.
What kept you motivated?
What motivated me to keep going is my daughter. Gold’s Gym has child care. When I picked her up from school, she would say, “Mommy, you go do your exercise. I go play.” I had no choice but to go.
I didn’t see any results, but when I stepped on the scale, it would go up and then it would go down. My co-workers and people at the gym noticed my weight change which made me work out longer. Once I started incorporating weight lifting (the proper way), I saw more inches slipping away. As a single mom, you have to find your peace, “Me time”, a hobby, etc. My hobby/Me time is going to the gym.
Reading about other people successful weight loss journeys motivated me as well.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The lesson I learned from it all: Trust the process! With any goal, there will be many ups and downs. Losing weight does not happen overnight. There’s no magic pill that can shrink your stomach or melt the fat away. It’s just mind over matter! Slowly but surely, you will look at what you ate in the past and think, “Did I really use to love that?”
Instagram: @sistagirl_tay
Tashanasmith says
Good girl
SABRINA says
I’m starting on Monday February 25th 2019 , you have really inspired me and I am so proud of what you have done so far keep up the good work love you much Sabrina