Chadee’ lost 60 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Chadee’ lost 60 pounds. A year after giving birth, her body was still holding much of the weight she gained during pregnancy. With the help of her father, she changed her eating habits and used mixed martial arts to get fit. Now, she’s a black belt. Check out her story. 

I was always fit and in shape until I got pregnant with my daughter. I gained weight rapidly, and after giving birth to her, that weight did not easily melt off. I weighed 250 pounds when I was pregnant with my daughter and stayed at 200 pounds for a year after delivering her.

I decided to get my body back in shape in July 2015. I began following a healthy eating and workout regimen my father created for me. Later, I began to learn mixed martial arts/self-defense at my father’s Dojo and I never looked back. Now, I am a black belt and I help instruct the women’s self-defense and fitness class.

Now, in 2019, I’m still training and working towards my goals. I’m enjoying this weight loss journey. I have gained true happiness, health, and confidence like never before! I am 5’4 and I’m down to around 140 pounds.

How did you change your eating habits?
Firstly, I had to cut down on heavy carbs, like bread, pasta, etc. I began to make healthier food choices. Fruit, veggies, and protein is what my father encouraged me to eat, rather than grabbing whatever my little taste buds desired.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I started doing more cardio and light weight training in 2015 when my
weight loss journey officially began. Then, in 2016, I began learning self-defense and mixed martial arts at my Father and Uncle’s Dojo, Dynamic University of Self-Defense and Skill Fighting – Master Howell Brothers Dojo  @dynamic_u_masterhowellbrothers

It was then that my body truly began to transform. I started losing fat
and gaining more muscle from Mitt training, kick drills, getting thrown,
throwing other people, calisthenics drills and, most of all, our Dojo’s technique sparing system. I train anywhere from 4 to 6 days a week.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned to enjoy the journey! Losing weight, gaining muscle, learning and growing in Mixed Martial Arts is hard work, but it is hard work that is well worth it! I feel amazing every day and look forward to my daily workout routines.

What advice would you like to share?
My advice to any women on their weight loss journey is to always push
yourself to become greater. It gets tough and sometimes and your body gets sore, but like my Master Sensei says, “Even when we are doing good, we must keep striving to do even better! “

Instagram: @chadeehowell

The picture on the right was of me at 200lbs. The picture on the left is of
me now at about 140lbs.

Picture on the left was taken on January 19th 2019 at 140 pounds. The picture on the right is from 2013. I was pregnant with my daughter and weighed 250 pounds.