Charlotte lost 44 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Charlotte lost 44 pounds. After having knee surgery, she was determined to re-start her journey to a healthier lifestyle. She joined GirlTrek, an awesome health movement focused on changing lives through walking, for support and motivation. At 45 years old, this Zeta Phi Beta soror says she is healthier than she’s ever been. Check out her story.

What was your motivation?
I had knee surgery in 2015 and decided to get back on track. In the beginning, my baby (who is 13 years old) motivated me to start over again on creating a healthier lifestyle. I weighed 213 pounds, the heaviest I had ever been. I’m 5’4 1/2″ tall.

This time, I decided to put a support system in place. My cousin introduced me to GirlTrek and I starting walking alone. Then, I started my own GirlTrek team in my city. Now, my life is full of motivating women who look like me. I’m am motivated by motivating others. I truly have a passion for women who want to live better, healthier lifestyles.

The before and after pictures I’m sharing show my transformation over the last four years. My current weight is 169 pounds and I’m not done. I hope to get down to 145 pounds, but at my pace because it’s my race. Now, at 45 years old, I’m the healthiest I have ever been in my adult life.

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut soda completely and I only put a small amount of food on my plate. I quit eating when I’m full instead of when my plate is empty. I never overeat. I couldn’t cut cheese from diet. I’m sorry, I just can’t do it, but I cut out so many others things.

What is your exercise routine?
I do some form of exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes, even on Sunday.

What advice would you share with women who want to lose weight?
To all the Black Women losing weight who struggle, like me, to keep it off, I say just keep going. We as black women don’t always like to ask for help. My best advice would be get a support system.

Also, make your own plan and your own goals. Everyone’s lives are different and you may not be able to follow the same plan as your friend who has no kids and a 9-5 job. Whatever you do, stick to it and don’t be bothered by people who don’t understand your plan.

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