Transformation of the Day: Carla has gone from wearing a size 16 to a size 8. She no longer uses a scale to track her progress. Focused on being a healthy mom and being able to wear whatever she wants, she used intermittent fasting, prayer, discipline, and consistency to get these results.
My name is Carla. I am 29 years old, 5 feet tall, and this is my weight loss story…
What was your motivation?
I could hardly breathe while going up a flight of stairs. I was always in some type of pain. I also wanted to be able to keep up with my daughter once she started walking. She was around four months at the time.
I hated shopping because I didn’t think I looked sexy in any of the clothes I tried on. I wanted to wear a bikini and feel like a model. I wanted to feel sexy with and without my clothes on. So, I decided to go get my DREAM BODY.
What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
God, prayer, fasting, my dream of wearing what I wanted, my husband Louis (who always told me how great I was doing), our daughter Ciara (because I knew she was watching and learning from me), sermons, weight loss videos and motivational speeches on YouTube.
How did you change your eating habits?
First, I started meal prepping six clean small meals a day. Then, I added small healthy snacks like popcorn, peanut butter crackers, and pop corners. I also have one cheat meal a week.
I hit a plateau, so I cut out the snacks. I hit another plateau, so I cut out the cheat meals and changed to whole foods only. The scale still wasn’t moving. So, I went on a 30 Day fast with God to get to my dream body from May 2 to May 31, 2020.
On this 30 day fast, I incorporated intermittent fasting, prayer, and journaling to God. I also ate the same meals daily. I also would turn on something educational for my daughter at least once a day and read to her at night. I meditated in my prayer closet, and I would spend 2 to 3 hours a day loving on my husband and daughter.
During this time, I would have a banana, oat and almond milk smoothie at 8 am. I ate a huge cucumber, spinach, and tomato salad at 12 pm with salt (no dressing). At 4 pm, I had a whole piece of baked salmon with a cup of steamed veggies and a cup of whole wheat penne pasta. I did this 30 day fast to incorporate discipline, consistency, and structure in my life.
What did your workout routine consist of?
At first, it was non-existent. I was focused on eating well. After a couple of months, I joined a gym and would go every once in a while. During my 30 day fast, the Lord pushed me to workout every day. I would run, walk, or do an at-home workout for at least 30 minutes.
What was your starting weight and current weight?
I started my journey at 240 pounds. My husband and I moved, and I decided not to buy a scale. So, I don’t know my current weight. I started my journey in a Very TIGHT size 16 pants. Now, I wear a size 8. I began my journey in XL shirts, and now I wear a small.
When did you start your journey?
December 31, 2019
How long did it take?
A little over five months.
Is weight loss surgery a part of your journey?
No, it was not part of my journey.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
That weight loss doesn’t take patience. It takes prayer, discipline, and consistency.
What advice do you have for people that want to lose weight?
Be open to trying different things to lose weight. I hated the idea of intermittent fasting at first. I didn’t think it was for me. It ended up being one of the biggest keys to my success. Lastly, stay consistent and disciplined because your motivation will come and go.
Instagram: @Getfitwithc2020
YouTube channel: GetFitWithC
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Christine Parker says
Great work! Listening to others who are getting healthy inspires me to keep going too because I know I can do it with prayer and discipline!