Weight Loss Story of the Day: Christina lost 103 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Christina lost 103 pounds.  This singer and SGRho Soror began her weight loss journey after a wake up call at the doctor’s office and some inspiration from an MTV star’s weight loss.  She did the work and now she is reaping the benefits of greater health.  Here is what she shared with us about how she lost the weight (check out her before and after photos):

Christina Turner
26 years old
Columbus, OH
Singer/Substitute Teacher
Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (Delta Omega chapter)

What was your motivation?
My motivation came in January 2012 after having a check-up at my doctor’s office. The nurse said that if I didn’t start getting my health in order by the time I’m 25 years old, I would have to start taking medication for high blood pressure. Shortly after, I saw a story on a young woman named Chelsea Settles (MTV) who is around the same age as me and same starting weight. I saw her success with her weight loss journey and was extremely motivated. I then made up in my mind I needed to challenge myself enough to prove it to myself; that I’m capable of doing anything I put my mind to, including losing weight.

How did you change your eating habits?
I first changed my eating habits by committing to 30 days of NO beef, pork, fast foods, sweets, pop and no eating after 8pm. I lost about 35 lbs in the first month. Shortly after, I adopted those into my lifestyle (I still don’t eat/drink beef, pork, fast food and pop). I’ve found the most success with 5 small meals a day (3 meals, 2 snacks), detoxing with apple cider vinegar and drinking a gallon of water a day. I still enjoy a cheat meal once a week occasionally.

What did your workout routines look like?
I love love kickboxing; it burns tons of calories! I joined a gym in June 2012 where I started weight training and saw SERIOUS results with lifting weights. It burns inches and tightens up the excess fat. I’ve also done work out challenges and workout dvds such as Turbo Fire and Insanity. Mostly I love variety; any exercises to keep my muscles guessing! I usually workout 4-6 times a week, no less than a half hour each day.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 320 pounds. My current weight is 217 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took 2 years and 3 months. There were months where I’d hit a plateau and the scale wouldn’t budge, but I kept being consistent. I frequently did research to try different things; new recipes, new exercises …and I eventually would start losing again. I refuse to get discourage when the scale says differently. My body is currently still under construction!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
It takes discipline, consistency and hard work. Once a person makes a serious commitment to want to change their lifestyle, and not for superficial reasons, but to honestly want to live a healthier life, the transformation has already begun. The journey is more mental than physical.

Instagram: @chrissysingz