Transformation of the Day: Bridgette lost 130 pounds. She is a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 4 who has transformed her health and her body over the last 4 years with help from her wellness coach. Food journaling and high protein/low carb meals are two major factors in her success. Check out her story.
My name is Bridgette Lewis. I have lost 130 pounds over the course of 4 years with help from my wellness coach, Phillip Taylor of TaylorMade. I am 47 years old and 5’5″ tall. My journey started in Feb 2012.
Before I started working with my wellness coach, I had an “ah ha” moment. I went to my doctor for a checkup because I was feeling lethargic, feeling bloated, my thyroids were going crazy, I had acid reflux, I was sleep deprived… You name it, I was feeling it. I was weighed and with no hesitation, the nurse informed me I weighed 244 pounds before walking me into the doctor’s office. In my mind, there was no way I weighed that much. So, I decided to try and change my eating habits. It wasn’t the best effort, but I did drop a couple of pounds. After trying to walk down a flight of stairs with my second grandchild, who was 2 months old at the time, I again felt winded and out of breath.
It was around that time, a few months after I started on my own, that I came across Phillip Taylor. He’s based in Arkansas, but I’m in Kansas. He has clients near and far. A high protein, low carb program with no exercise was exactly what I was looking for. I keep a daily journal of everything I eat throughout the day, and send info to him via email, text, FB, any social media outlet. I enjoy it because even though he is not present, I’m about to hold myself accountable for my actions. Whether I stay on track or if I slip, I think that’s the best part because you can’t lie to yourself about your journal. It’s right there staring you in the face.
I’ve lost the majority of the weight with just changing my eating habits. Clean food is all I eat, nothing processed. The TaylorMade program taught me to create meals with fresh foods. I could eat at restaurants, but I make such outstanding meals that I choose not to. Also, I do not take supplements of any kind.
My meal plan consists of some carbs, like potatoes, whole wheat bread (45 calorie from Sara Lee), Melba toast, etc… but in minimal amounts. I am allergic to seafood, so for protein I eat things like chicken, calf liver and bison. I’ll make a whole chicken or a whole turkey and use the white meat. I’m constantly searching for new and exciting ways to create fabulous meals. I pretty much dumb down and simplify the foods I enjoy eating, such as Mexican food, pizza and soul food. I use herbs and seasonings to enhance the flavor in my meals. Couscous is used quite a bit as well. I took Brown rice out of my plan and started using cauliflower rice instead. Protein bars along with protein drinks help when I want a snack between meals. Soda was taken out of the equation immediately. If I do want a carbonated drink, I use Sprite Zero or Diet 7-up but in minimal amounts. I drink 80oz of water each day! I do enjoy alcoholic beverages but I use silver tequila. No beer, wine, etc.
I did not regularly exercise during my journey until Jan 2016. I started working out at home and it’s been amazing. I’ve taken my journey to another level of losing weight and toning. My wellness coach sends me workout routines. I currently workout 3 days a week and I may add another day due to all the energy I’ve gained. My routine consists of high intensity interval training and Tabata workouts, along with stretching and yoga moves. Although it’s great to workout with a partner, if you are focused and dedicated and they are not, that’s going to hinder what you’re trying to achieve. So, I choose to work out at home for the time being, but will probably venture out to a gym to use more equipment to help me tone in the future. For now, I guess I’ve been doing something right with the equipment I have at home.
My thyroid medication has consistently been lowered due to the weight loss, and there is a possibility that I can get off those meds all together. No more acid reflux and my energy level is through the roof. I feel like I’ve never felt before. It is all due to eating better.
I’ve had my share of ups and downs. Last year, I faced the sudden death of my brother from a cancerous brain tumor and a break up that left me heartbroken and broken down. I was in denial of both of the two situations: they both did not want to continue. With that being said, I went into my black hole and wallowed. When I realized that being in that state of mind was not doing me any good. I had to look at the good that both situations was added to my life. My brother, who was diagnosed as schizophrenic as a young man, and lived life to the fullest and is an example for me. My relationship helped me to overcome the hurt that I have dealt with in the past when it came to relationships that were unhealthy and unstable. I learned that what was happening to me was just life. I realized that it was time to move on and focus on myself, so that is what I did. After gaining a bit of weight during this brief hiatus, I got back to it.
I am the matriarch of my family. If I can’t take care of myself, how am I supposed to take care of my family when they need me? This is why I push myself. I have 3 children (28, 26, and 24) and I am a grandmother to 4 beautiful babies. I am not a wealthy individual, but I am wealthy IN health. My family keeps me motivated and grounded. I have so much to be thankful for. Family support, supportive friends, and a wellness coach (who is now my Wellness Fitness Trainer and Wellness Fitness Chef), who continues to push me in the right direction towards a healthy lifestyle. He holds me accountable for my actions, because I hold MYSELF accountable.
However you are choosing to becoming healthy, please don’t stop! Keep it going. Make sure to research and educate yourself on whatever process you choose. Once you get in the mindset that you want to lose the weight, you’ve gotten to the hard part. Now, you just have to keep that mindset. The outcome can be so rewarding.
Instagram: @bridgettel011
Bridgette says
Thank you so much for your support and kind words, Queens. It’s been a rollercoaster of a ups and downs, but I learned and listened to my WHY’S to this healthy lifestyle. Once I did that, I became complacent and accountable for those why’s. But God, I always say. It can be done. Don’t give up just you hit a bump in the road. That bump should a hurdle you are determined to leap. Thank you again for taking the time to read