Transformation of the Day: Chiquita lost 57 pounds and has gone from a size 14/16 to a size 4. In 2013, she made the decision to be fitter and healthier by her 40th birthday, later that year. Her commitment to working out hard and eating clean has led to an amazing transformation over the last 3 years. Check out what she shared with us.
My name is Chiquita B. and my journey started on March of 2013. 2013 was the year that I was turning 40 and I just wasnt happy with my weight or how I looked in my clothes. Prior to March, I had been going to the gym with my husband but my eating habits never changed and therefore I saw no results. I discussed my displeasure about my weight with my husband. Although he said he loved me as I was, he also said he wanted me to be healthy and happy so that we could grow old together. He wanted me to be around for as long as I can. After that talk with my husband, I had finally reached my sick and tired point. I decided that for my 40th birthday, in June, I was going to lose weight for myself and be 40 fit and fabulous.
In the beginning, my only goal was to be a size 10 or 12 because that was all I knew. My starting weight was 187 pounds and my pant size ranged between 14 and 16. My height is 5’1″. I contacted a local trainer by the name of Maria Jones and set up a 1-on-1 training. On March 11, 2013, I met with Maria who weighed me and asked me my goals. I only met with my trainer Maria Jones once a week, but she would give me tips on what do at the gym and an education on eating clean.
Eating Habits: I went from having steak at least once a week to I no longer eating red meat. Now, I drink anywhere from 67 oz to a gallon of water each day. Through much research and reading, I found healthy alternatives to my favorite foods. I typically eat 6 small meals each day and workout at the gym a minimum of 4 days a week.
Exercise Routine: I started with a lot of cardio. Once the weight started coming off I started weight training. My workouts would consist power walking on my lunch break at work for an hour and then after work I went to the gym or to the track. If went to the track, I would walk/run until I was able to run 1 full lap. Once I was able to run a full lap, each time I set a goal to run more each time until I was able to run a mile, then 2 miles and so on. When I went to the gym for cardio, I would do the stepper or elliptical machines as well as jumping rope and taking bootcamp classes. After about 2 months of intense cardio, I started adding in weight training with lots of squats and lunges for my legs and butts.
By my 40th birthday (in June 2013), I was down to a size 8. As of today, I’m currently a size 4 and weigh 130 pounds. This journey that began with me wanting to lose some weight, get back into my size 12 and feel healthy has now turned into my passion. I now have a group on facebook called Healthy, Fit & Fabulous where I post healthy recipes, workouts and daily motivation. I also teach a workout class 1 day a week at Body by Maria.
I encourage those on a weight lost journey to set goals for themselves. Once you reach your goal, set another. Always challenge yourself to do better. If you run for 5 minutes straight, then next time run for 6 minutes straight. Stay away from the scale and measure your progress through pictures and your clothing. There will be good days and bad days, but never lose your focus. If you fall, it’s not about how you fall but if and how you recover.
Instagram: @ynvkita_fitchic
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