Carolyn lost 80 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Carolyn lost 80 pounds. Her journey began after she had a stroke in 2019 and she has been committed to good nutrition and exercise ever since. She feels blessed to have a second chance at life. #fitover60

Social Media:
Facebook: Carolyn J. Yancey

When did you start your journey?
I started in 2019 after my stroke

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
In 2019 I had a stroke and the doctors told me if I wanted to turn my health around I had to make some changes in my nutrition and exercise regimen moving forward. I made a decision that day to turn my life around and live. Did I want to give up, how many times? (Every day, I had to fight through my emotions). I also had a heart monitor on when I left the hospital and my kidney had been damaged. What inspired me was wanted to live for myself first and my family, did not need to be burying me. I had to trust the process and go through the test on blind Faith.

How did you change your eating habits?
I realized that I could not outwork a bad diet, no matter how much exercise I did. I had to change my eating habits. The first things I stopped were sodas, chips, candy bars & fast foods. I took baby steps with each thing item I changed. I stated grilling, baking & air-frying. Some days I passed the test and some days I had to start over. I cooked more food from home and ate healthier choices. I also had to give myself “Grace” daily. I was not a perfect but working to perfect my bad habits.

What is your workout routine?
I actually workout with some sisters every morning with weights and sometimes without. I track my steps daily (at lease 10,000 or more), and use cardio videos (chair or standing). We have even done line dancing in a chair. I also walk every evening at our community track and ride my stationary bike at times. 

How often did you work out?
I work out daily, doing some form of activity.

What was your starting weight?
In 2019, it was 270 pounds.

What is your current weight?
It is 190 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’2″.

How long did your transformation take?
It took me four years, I slow walked it out and now I am a four year stroke survivor.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I never had weight loss surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that it is never too late to start over; sometimes you have to do it alone. I am 67 and just beginning to love myself and stay consistent. By staying consistent, I reversed my kidney disease and they are normal now. I no longer wear a heart monitor and I’m working full-time. I feel blessed to have a second chance at life. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Ladies this might be hard for some but I didn’t see the changes until I started taking pictures (even when I said I don’t like to take them). I also did measurement and lost a lot of inches. Take those pictures and trust the process.