Transformation of the Day: Carol lost 38 pounds. Her motivation came from her Pastor and First Lady’s leadership and her church family. They came together in 2021 to embrace healthier habits and honor the temples God has given them. She fully committed to the process.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? My motivation came from my Pastor, Bishop Norman Pierce and First Lady Kizzie Pierce (shout out to them) of the Real Church (Albany, Ga) as inspired by God.
When I started, I was dealing with high blood pressure, uterine fibroids, prediabetes, fibrocystic breasts and many other health issues. Bishop Pierce did a Sermon Series in 2021 called Focus-The Fitness Edition on how gluttony has run rampant in the Black Church culture, leading to chronic illness and premature death.
God wants us to live a healthy lifestyle because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. One key to God’s healing our bodies is that we do all we can (in the natural setting) by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and alleviating stressors…and He will do what needs to be done supernaturally! The keyword in our movement is #healthyself! Let’s give God something to work with!
My spiritual leaders and church members inspired me not to give up. Seeing them getting up early and working out, posting their meals on our Facebook page, and encouraging us to stick to the plan definitely helped. There is nothing like the support from your church family! We had a set regimen that provided lasting results, AND we did it unto the Lord. So far, weight loss of 38 pounds and still dropping, my blood pressure is down by 30 points without taking meds, A1C dropped by .2, my mammograms are normal, and fibroids are deteriorating! I feel like a million bucks, and I can praise God at full speed!
How did you change your eating habits? I had to be disciplined, or it was not going to work! I stopped eating/drinking red meat, white bread and rice, dairy, fast food, caramel frappes and sweet tea, sweets, and soda. I ate a primarily plant-based diet and added fish and chicken breast. I also drastically reduced my sodium and sugar intake. I increased my water intake, and I kept a food diary.
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out? I worked out every weekday doing cardio and strength training with Bishop Pierce, First Lady Pierce, and other church members.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? 168 pounds was my starting weight. 130 pounds is my current weight. My goal weight is 125 pounds. I have also lost a ton of inches.
What is your height? I’m 5 feet, two and a half.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? Last February, I started my healthy eating journey and started working out in the gym in September of last year (2021).
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? No.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? I learned that this journey should be permanent. As black women, let this be a gift we give to ourselves. Let’s take care of ourselves – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. This right here glorifies God! Although it sounds cliche, eating healthier and exercising regularly prevents disease.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? Start! Even if you do 5 minutes on the treadmill, just start! I started at age 54, and I’m never looking back. Good-bye old mindsets that say I don’t have the time, energy, or know-how to work out.
Instagram: @clwarren19
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