Bree lost 51 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Bree lost 51 pounds. Eating healthy food, working out with a bootcamp, drinking lots of water, and getting plenty of rest helped her release the weight, but consistency was the key to her success. She hopes that her story can inspire people, especially those who’ve experienced nerve damage.

What was your motivation?
I was motivated to lose weight due to health reasons. I’m a 39-year-old mother to an 8-year-old. Although I’ve never had any health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc., diabetes runs heavily on my mother’s side of the family. I want to do everything in my power to prevent that. 

Another contribution to my motivation to lose weight was mobility issues. In 2007, I had a freak accident. It was a slip and fall on a wet floor. My right leg hyper-extended during my fall. As a result, I tore 3 of the four ligaments in my knee and had to have a knee replacement. It also resulted in me having perineal nerve damage from the knee down and foot. As a result, I now have to wear an AFO [ankle-foot orthoses] for stability. 

Losing weight and working out has taken away a lot of stiffness in my knee and helped me be more flexible. I’ll never forget when my surgeon told me I suffered what would be considered a significant football injury and wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to run again. I have recovered through my belief that I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. I hope my story can be an inspiration to others, specifically those who have suffered nerve damage. 

When did you start your weight loss journey?
I’ve been up and down in weight my entire life. It wasn’t until 2017 that I packed on the most pounds. I was due to start a new job and couldn’t fit any of my clothes! That’s when I realized I had to make a change. In February 2018, I joined a boot camp and had a brand new perspective on life. Camp helped me realize that I should not be living to eat but eating to live. They also taught me that hard work and dedication equals results! 

I was in the gym five days a week for an hour. Every day we’d work on a different part of the body. Being a member requires you to log your daily meals, which helped me pay attention and be more cautious of my food choices. I changed my eating habits by giving up fried foods, eating lean meat or fish, giving up sweets, and cutting out white bread. After those foods up for a month, my pallet changed. I didn’t have much desire for foods that were bad for me. I’m only human, so of course, I have cravings here and there and indulge. However, I don’t let that consume me. I get right back on track. That’s the key to weight loss: Consistency! 

What did your workout routine consist of?
My workout routine consists of HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and weight training.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 258 pounds, and my current weight is 207 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’9″

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? 
I did not have weight loss surgery. I lost weight naturally by tracking what I eat, working out, drinking lots of water, and getting plenty of rest.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is never to give up, even if you fall off. With consistency, the weight will fall off.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Never beat yourself up if you don’t make your goal in the timeframe you set for yourself. One pound is an accomplishment. Also, it’s not only about weight loss. If you can go five more minutes on a treadmill than you used to or do two reps more than you used to, that’s also an accomplishment to be proud of.

Instagram: @anewbree81