De’Angela lost 41 pounds. Both her father and her sister passed away due to a heart attack. When her doctor put her on blood pressure meds and diagnosed her with pre-diabetes, she decided to make a change. Meditation, becoming a vegetarian and walking for exercise worked for her. Check out her story.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation and inspiration came from my father passing away due to diabetes complications and heart attack. My sister also passed away from a heart attack. They were both young in age.
I want to live a long life, and I hate taking medication. When my doctor told me I was going to be put on blood pressure medication and that I was borderline diabetic, I knew it was time for a change.
I got tired of being out of breath and tired and just wearing girdles all the time. I also have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and suffer from anxiety as well. PCOS causes insulin resistance, fertility issues and a lot more. Losing weight with PCOS is hard to do.
I wanted to inspire others and let them know that it is possible to accomplish this goal of losing weight by any means! I wanted to be the spokesperson for women with PCOS, heart disease and mental health! I have controlled my anxiety and my diabetes naturally. I currently take no medication.
How did you change your eating habits?
I decided to stop eating meat cold turkey and stop eating after 8 pm. I watch my salt intake. I cut down on my sugar intake as well! I mostly eat salads and drink lots of water. I currently make my vegetarian chili, soup, detox waters (which I sell to others) and a lot more items. I didn’t think it would happen so fast, but it did. Fast food has so much salt and saturated fat that it’s scary.
On the last day of July 2018, I said forget it. I learned that after 21 days of stopping a habit, the change becomes natural for you. I do miss meat at times, but I’m never going back. I feel more energy and the weight came off.
Now, I eat more fruits and vegetables! I take vitamins and boil eggs and beans to help me maintain a meatless lifestyle (These foods help me just in case I’ve lost any protein or nutritional value from cutting meat) Sometimes, I fast for a few days to give my system a rest. My favorite detox water is lemons, cucumber, and mint. I love smoothies too. They are great for the morning or to kill your cravings.
What did your workout routine look like?
I started by walking slowly. Instead of the elevator, I took the stairs. I walk up hills, and I walk a mile a couple of times a week. My weight started falling off just by doing these things. It’s amazing how your body repairs itself when you make small changes. (These small changes are significant.) I also do meditation, stretching, and yoga. Each time I walk, I add a few more minutes to my routine.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight on July 31, 2018 was 301 pounds. Now, I weigh 260 pounds.
What is your height?
I’m only 5’5″.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
In July 2018, I transitioned to being a vegetarian. I started going hard in November, and the weight started melting off. So, it took almost three months to drop 40 pounds… and counting.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that hard work pays off. I’ve learned to stay consistent and not worry about who will join me. Do this for you and nobody else. Your body can and will repair itself once you treat it right.
What you put in your body makes a difference. If you feed it bad food, your body goes bad. If you feed it good food, your body does you good. Stay faithful, and if you have a cheat day, it’s ok. Rome was not built in a day.
Meditate as much as possible, seek a support group and cook more! I Don’t focus on the scale! I’ve learned that I can accomplish anything now.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Pray about it and seek help if needed. Decide what you want to do. Natural or surgery, it’s on you. Your choice. Your life! Stay positive and research as much as you can. Do what works for you and don’t ever compare yourself to anyone else. You only get one life and one body, so treat it well!
I encourage anyone to change anything you don’t like but love yourself through thick and thin…literally. When your inside is happy, your outside will be as well. Embrace yourself and don’t give up! Also, do an “after” photo shoot to see your progress, even if you’re not done. That helped me. I was afraid at first, but not anymore. It boosted my confidence to see my hard work pay off!
You’ll have late nights and early mornings when you’ll think about giving up, but DO NOT GIVE UP! Cry for a day or two, but start again and boss up.
Instagram: @biggirlsbeenwinning and @my_truth_is_my_ministry
Website: Downherllc.wix.com/dynasty
Twitter: @downherllc
Comment Via Facebook