Transformation of the Day: Christy lost 60 pounds with a plant-based diet and lots of exercise. Having a supportive group of health-focused friends was a game changer for her. This mother of 3 and grandmother of one now believes in reverse aging and healing the body through food. Check out her journey.
For most of my adult life, I have been on a yo-yo journey with weight loss. I ballooned to more than 215 pounds, and I wore a size 16. I would lose weight and later pack the pounds back on again. I have literally tried almost every “diet” there was.
Finally, I looked around and realized that I knew a lot of healthy people. I created a Glide group [live video messaging] called “Healthy Habits” and surrounded myself with all my healthy friends. We would do gym check-ins, post pictures of our food and generally talk about fitness.
I jumped into a commitment to eat raw vegan for 30 days. It was so natural and easy that 30 days turned into almost three months. After I ended the raw food challenge, I organically never went back to meat. Transitioning to a vegetarian then a vegan diet felt very natural for me. I transitioned slowly and was patient with myself. For the most part, it was a smooth transition. I still struggle a bit with salmon, feta, blue cheese, and honey.
I started my journey in February 2017, and I lost 60 pounds in six months. I became a group fitness instructor and was able to wear a size 8. My current weight is 155 pounds, and I’m 5’6″. I am certified in Zumba, Spin, Personal Training, and General Group Fitness. I will be taking my NASM exam in the spring. I teach from 8 to 10 classes per week and do personal training. Before I became a trainer, I worked out a lot to lose weight. I lifted heavy weights at least four times a week, took Zumba classes and got at least 15,000 steps five days per week.
At 42 years old, I now believe in “reverse aging” and eradicating diseases through healthy eating. I am married, have three children and a grandchild! I truly believe that I am the best version of myself.
In my quest to be healthy (body, mind, and spirit), I have developed the following life habits:
- Have a circle of friends that you can learn from.
- Create a community with shared health goals.
- Go Plant-based/Vegan and avoid processed foods.
- Do things that make your soul happy.
- Make exercise a family affair.
- Never diet. Make sustainable food changes instead.
- Mindfulness/mediation for the entire family.
- MCT Oil, water, ginger root, kale, garlic, juicing, sunlight and green tea is life.
- Interval fasting, grounding and sun gazing.
- More books less TV.
- Never stop learning.
What is the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far? Do not diet. Only make changes that are sustainable for the long run.
My advice: Have a supportive team of people to motivative you. I joined an online weight loss group, challenged my girlfriends to exercise challenges and participated in Fitbit contests to keep me motivated.
Instagram: @prettyfitmommy
Shondell says
Wonderful♡