Brittany from a size 16 to a size 8

Transformation of the Day: Brittany from a size 16 to a size 8 over the course of 2 1/2 years. She started her journey at 212 pounds and doesn’t use the scale to measure her progress any more. This busy mom took the time to research and figure out what worked for her in terms of eating and exercise. Today, she is a personal trainer and spreading the wisdom she’s learned first hand. Check out her story.

Hi!, My name is Brittany M. and I currently reside in Raleigh, North Carolina. I am a working mother to my 3 year old active and healthy son, Steven Jr. I began my health journey in February 2013 after 4 years of struggling with my weight throughout college. The “freshman 15” was real for me. I ate way too much fast food, drank little to no water and did no exercise except walking to class, the cafe or my dorm!

By the time my senior year approached, I was at a shocking 212 pounds. When the nurse told me my weight, I was closer to the morbid obese stage. That’s when I started to workout and eat right. Then, I found out I was pregnant with my son… literally the same week. So, I ate whatever I wanted and treated myself like a queen, which meant that I packed on an extra 35 pounds!

When I gave birth and saw his beautiful face, I knew right then that I was ready to change my life for my baby. I wanted him to eat healthy and be active. How could I want that for him if he didn’t know what it looked like with me as the example? I was also tired of stopping and starting over this process. I tried so many times in college. I took “weight loss pills” and tried to literally starve myself thinking that would work. Obviously none of that worked out for me. I was tired of looking at myself in the mirror and feeling down.

I took control of my life, told my fiancé to get me DVDs instead of a gift. On day 1, I started working out at home because our son was only 2-3 months when I got cleared by my doctor to workout. I worked out to belly dancing DVDs (something easy) and did my research on what actually worked.

There were times when I wanted to give up. There were times when people who were in my life (at the time) would try to keep me down by saying “Girl, nobody wants to eat like that!” I prayed and turned to God. He led me to another woman by the name of Massy Arias, IG fitness sensation. At that moment, her page and her story inspired me to keep going!

My eating habits did not change overnight. One day I said to myself, if I want to achieve my goals I have to buckle down. So, I went to trader joes and bought cooking light magazines, veggies and other healthy items, I looked on YouTube and viewed Massy’s IG page DAILY to get recipes that were healthy but taste good. I stopped eating what made me gain weight in the first place: carry out restaurant food, fried foods, candy and soda. I would stay far from the cookie and cake aisles and only go to the produce, meats and dairy sections for the macro nutrients; proteins, healthy fats and good carbs. I also carried a gallon of lemon water around everywhere I went.

I continued to workout out at home, searching for ways to blast fat and tone up. Then, I discovered body weight training, the most effective method used in the military, by athletes and by the best fitness trainers to lose weight and build muscle at the same time! This includes squats, lunges, jump rope, pushups, etc… all targeting the entire body! And, any one can do it! All it takes is 2-3 days a week for 15-60 minutes! That’s it! I would write out my plan at home, with my son crawling around and perform each of the basic moves like the ones listed for 3 sets, 20-60 seconds. I worked out 3-4 days a week and rested in between.

My starting weight was 212 pounds. Today, I do not own a scale, but I go by pant size, I went from a size 16 to a size 8 by staying consistent and determined to achieve my dreams. I am 5’2″ tall, so weighing 235lbs at my highest weight after pregnancy made me look very round! I have been called “Precious” on social media and other names, but through it all I am grateful for this journey and what God is doing through me to inspire others to live a healthier life! My family deserves it and so do I! It took me 2 1/2 years to get to where I am today.

I have 3 simple steps to lose weight:

1) Make small changes each day that God allows you to see the next day.
2) Don’t rush the process. On your first day, go walk, turn on some music and work your way up!
3) Find a significant reason and allow that reason to push you. Find people who have the same interests and will support you no matter what!

Through this journey, I have discovered strengths I never knew I had. My relationship with God has became stronger, and these days, my family eats healthier and I stress less! I became a Certified Personal Trainer and a Bodyweight Certified Instructor. Now, I teach classes and show other women how to eat healthier! My brand name is #getfitwitBritt. I have found my purpose in life and will continue to inspire other women, especially my black sisters. Bless you!

I have two fitness pages where I post workout videos, meal ideas, tips and more! Check me out on Facebook: GetfitwitBritt and Instagram: @getfitwit_britt2