CJ lost 53 pounds. She was devastated after being diagnosed with Chronic Kidney disease. After indulging in some self-destructive behavior, her survival mode kicked in, and she researched what foods are best for healthy kidneys and adopted a new lifestyle.
What was your motivation?
I found out I had Chronic Kidney disease. I was devastated, especially since my kidney problem wasn’t a result of the norm, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. I was angry at the universe for putting this on me. I didn’t deserve it, in my opinion.
I instantly started to self destruct. I began eating all the wrong food, such as foods high in fat and sugar. This self-destructive behavior lasted for over a month. Then, my survival mode kicked, and I started researching CKD and the best diet for my kidneys. I was already a vegan, but I was an unhealthy vegan. I shifted my mind and started eating to live. I started eating to feed my body.
In March 2019, my whole mindset changed, and exercise became the missing link to my health. I slowly turned into a gym rat. I lost 53 pounds in five months.
Today, I am healthy, and my body looks and feels fantastic. I’m 45 years old, and I’m a Wellness Coach. I plan to start mentoring motivated people who want to change their mind and diet in 2021.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 216 pounds. My goal weight was 175 pounds. My current weight is 163 pounds.
What is your height?
5’7″
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How did you change your eating habits?
I am vegan, but my weight-loss came from intermittent fasting four times a week for 15 hours. The weight came off quickly. I do not need to intermittent fast at the same intensity now since I can’t keep weight on. I am too active to gain weight, so I fast maybe three times a month for an entire day to clean my system and reboot.
Tell us about your workout routine. I work out six times a week. I do three days of weights, and the rest is cardio. I rotate my weight days. For example:
- Monday – Upper body (arms, back, etc.)
- Tuesday – cardio (walk for 1 hr)
- Wednesday- lower body (legs, glutes, and abs)
- Thursday – cardio (cycling, intervals, high intensity for 30 minutes)
- Friday – upper body
- Saturday or Sunday – a nice walk
The following week I do the same, but I start with legs and continue to rotate week by week.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson is I had to want it. Nobody could convince me, and there are no short cuts to long-lasting health. Teas and pills are not the answer. We get the body we deserve based on what we consume.
What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Appreciate all your accomplishments, whether big or small. Let walking heal you. When you are depressed, take a walk, breathe, pray, and give yourself positive words of encouragement. When you are hungry, take a walk. When you are bored, take a walk.
I maintain my mental stability and weight simply by walking outside every day, depending on the weather.
Instagram: @Jovegan_1
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