Brianna lost 40 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Brianna lost 40 pounds. She focused on building her body with strength training and eating more natural, unprocessed food. This journey taught her that she is much stronger than she thought, and she has the power to follow thru and reach her goals.

I started making positive shifts in my mental and physical health in 2018. I lost 77 pounds between 2018-2019 by focusing on nutrition and cardio workouts. In 2020, I gained 30 pounds back, primarily during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In 2021 I started the new year on a mission to lose the 30 pounds I gained back. This time around, I was still focused on nutrition but changed my workout focus to building strength and turning fat into muscle. I was okay with a slower weight loss progression and curated my goals around forming my desirable silhouette. 

Going into 2022, I am down 40 pounds and more excited about my results than when I originally started my weight loss journey three years ago. I am aware of the number on the scale but care more about shaping, sculpting, and toning. I feel more confident and stronger than ever. My goal is to keep pushing forward and see how far I can build a body in the gym!

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
Remembering that even on my not-so-perfect days, I was still closer to my goal than when I started. One setback doesn’t mean you’ve gone all the way back to your starting position.

How did you change your eating habits? 
I started choosing foods with fewer ingredients that are more natural and less processed! I began researching ingredients that I didn’t know the names of to ensure I was only putting good ingredients in my body. I focus on high-protein items and track my calories and macros throughout the day to help me stay on track.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I put a higher focus on weight training over cardio. Depending on the day, I usually do 35-45 minutes of weightlifting followed by 15-20 minutes of cardio. Currently, my routine consist of strength training followed by both the stair master and elliptical.

How many days a week did you work out?
On average, I work out 4-5 days. I try to go to the gym every day until I feel the need for a rest day. I usually take one rest day off (two in a row at the most, depending on how my muscles feel). If I don’t go to the gym, I still try to incorporate 30 minutes of activity in my day or do a lite at-home workout if it’s not a rest day.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight in these photos is 233 pounds, and my current weight is 193 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’3″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?/

It took me from January 2021 to January 2022 to lose 40 pounds. I wanted to drop weight and change my body’s shape by focusing on turning fat into muscle. Muscle is more dense than fat, but it takes up less space in the body. Although I did not lose a massive amount of weight in a year, I love the shape and strength ability I am forming.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, surgery was not a part of my journey.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I love that I am stronger than I thought. I also love that I am the only one who can decide and make a choice to change for the better. No one else is going to reach your goals and desires for you. Take care of yourself!

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Never give up on yourself! No matter how long it takes. Have the mindset of only moving forward, even when you have challenging days. 

Taking it one step at a time and one day at a time will turn into a year of transformation, leading to years and years of transformation and growth, both physically and mentally.

Instagram: @breezy.bn