Transformation of the Day: Chandra lost 60 pounds. This Zeta Phi Beta soror was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and wanted to avoid a family history of the disease. She started her journey the day after that diagnosis and has not looked back. Her faith, connecting with supportive people and develping healthy habits have been the major factors in her success.
What was your motivation to lose weight?
What inspired me to keep going on my weight loss was having faith and not wanting to end up with diabetes. Diabetes runs on my mother side of the family and I see firsthand what it can do to you.
In 2012, I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and at the time I was severely overweight. I decided that afternoon, after my doctor’s appointment, that it was time to get healthy. The next day, I laced up my tennis shoes and headed to the park. I could barely make it around the entire park without stopping to catch my breath. With time, it got easier and I made progress.
How did you change your eating habits?
The first thing that I did was eliminate fried foods, sugar and sweets from my diet. The hard part for me was trying to incorporate drinking a gallon of water per day, and eliminating sugary drinks.
What was your workout routine?
In the beginning, I would workout at least three to four times a week, but when I felt comfortable, I increased my workouts to five to seven days a week. Being overweight is not comfortable and it takes a lot of dedication and consistency to lose the pounds. At first, my workout routine consisted of joining Curves, Zumba class, water aerobics, and joining a walk/ run group.
Finally, after seeing my cousin in the gym, I took his suggestion to hire a personal trainer to assist me with lifting weights. That was the best decision that I could have made. My cousin paid for my first 6 sessions with the trainer. After that, I added kickboxing to my routines and now I walk with a walking group, Girl Trek.
How much weight did you lose?
Today I am 60+ pounds lighter and I am still on my journey. I am 5’4″. Thank GOD he did not give up on me.
What advice would you share with other people who want to lose weight?
Losing weight is not easy. A person has to be willing to take the first step. To keep me going, I have surrounded myself with other women who love to workout. This journey has not been easy, but I love the new me. I still have a ways to go but I will keep pushing until my goal is completed.
The best advise that I can give to someone who is struggling to lose weight is be consistent and put GOD first. The key to losing weight is eating right and doing at least 30 minutes of exercising a day. There is no magic pill or quick fix that can help you live a healthy lifestyle. Find out what works for you and get moving!
My Sorority Sister Rhea Hill of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated inspired me to tell my story.
Instagram: @chandra_dr.business_admin17
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