Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Chi lost 59 pounds. At the start of her journey, this mom just wanted to feel good about herself and lose the pregnancy pounds. After some trial and error over the years, she has learned how to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Today, she is a personal trainer/fitness instructor helping others to change their lives. Here is what she shared about her journey…
Photo Update: She is still going strong in 2016
I lost a total of 59 pounds and it took approx 7 months overall, if I subtract my moments of relapses. My starting weight was 186 pounds after gaining 40+ lbs during my pregnancy in 2008. My inspiration was I just hated the way that I looked and felt prior to getting pregnant. I had never been overweight. A friend of mine convinced me to join a local gym and I decided to get serious.
At first, I got really strict with my eating habits and restricted most carbs. I ate cereal for breakfast, fruit for snacks, salads for lunch and for dinner I went back to cereal. At that time, I was working out twice a day, doing 45 mins of cardio in the morning and walking and or hip hop abs DVD in the evening for 1-2 hours, 5 days a week. I lost a lot of weight doing that, 30 lbs in 2 months to be exact. Of course, I later lost my way, went back to my old eating habits and even gained back a good 15-20 pounds.
In 2010, I got back on track and never looked back. At one point, I got as small as 127 pounds. I started taking group fitness classes at the gym, which included total strength, boot camp and Zumba. I developed such a love for fitness that I became a group fitness instructor and personal trainer in 2013. I currently weigh 131 pounds and am in the best shape of my life! (I am 5’3″)
My advice would be to try to find an avenue of fitness that you like, for example playing a sport or dancing. This will help you to stay committed longer. I loved dance and long walks gave me clarity. As far as diet, I wouldn’t recommend anything hardcore because the minute you stop the pounds will come back. I say make lifestyle changes that you can live with. For example, I no longer cook with butter or oil. I don’t fry my meats, I grill, bake or boil and I hardly ever eat white carbs, whole wheat and grains.
Rapid weight loss is easier to regain, whereas slow and steady weight loss is easier to maintain. Stay patient and try not to drive yourself crazy over the number on the scale. Everyone has reached a plateau at some point. To measure your progress, it is best to go by the fit of your clothes and measurements of inches loss before focusing on pounds lost! Also, take lots and lots of comparison pictures. They have definitely helped me. I use a photo app and put the pics side by side. Believe me, you’ll be surprised at times.
Instagram: @superfro_chi
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