Cassie lost 121 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Cassie lost 121 pounds. When she started her journey after learning that she was facing the same health issues as her father, who passed away due to heart failure. She transformed her lifestyle by healing from past trauma, working out at home with YouTube videos, and committing to eating clean while still enjoying certain foods in moderation.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation is my husband and kids. I knew I wanted to do as much as possible to increase my chances of being here with them. I started this journey back in 2019 after my doctor informed me of my health status. I was morbidly obese, pre-diabetic, and I had hypertension. I had the same health issues as my father, who passed away in 2013 from heart failure at 58 years old. 

The early stages of starting this weight loss journey were hard, especially since I did everything on my own. My husband introduced me to less processed foods (canned green beans would be my go-to for a vegetable). I struggled with completing workouts over 20 minutes, but I knew my family needed me to keep going. 

I started cooking more at home, incorporating more whole grains, fruit, and vegetables into my meals. I also gave up old habits that kept me in that unhealthy state. My family supports me every day, and they keep me going!

How did you change your eating habits?
I eat clean 80% of the time and leave 20% open for cheat meals. However, I do not have a specific day to have cheat meals. 

I do everything in moderation and eat until satisfied but not full. I try to stick with the basics; protein, carb, vegetable. I do have fruit throughout the day. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
Since starting my journey, I’ve relied on YouTube for workout routines. I’ve never been to the gym or had a trainer. Honestly, I couldn’t afford either. I do 5-6 days of cardio and two days of strength training.

What was your starting weight?
My starting weight was 380 pounds. 

What is your current weight?
My current weight is 259 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’11”.

When did you start your journey?
I started in 2019.

How long did your transformation take?
It took me over three years to reach my goals.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? No.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I learned is that I have to love myself at every stage of this journey. I used to look in the mirror and just hate what was looking back at me. I tried to hide my insecurities with a smile, but I was unhappy. Then I started losing weight, and I still felt unhappy. I knew I would never be satisfied if I didn’t get to the root cause of my insecurities. 

I had trauma from my past. I remember I was at Thanksgiving dinner years ago, and someone asked, “How is the food?”. Before I could answer the question, they said, “I don’t know why I am asking you. You like any food!”. That was just one of the many encounters I faced that I never healed from. I had to learn how to let go and see me for me. I allowed others’ thoughts and options to become my reality without even realizing it. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
The most important advice I can give is that you have to love yourself first! Do not start this journey for the wrong reasons. You have to be ok with who you are at the beginning and when you reach your goals. Also, consistency is key to seeing results. Small changes will have a huge impact over time. 

Instagram: @coc1986

YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/cassiec1986

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/2622340764755686/

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdy7hBaT/