Denise lost 46 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Denise lost 46 pounds. The unhealthy habits that she learned while growing up led to years of battling her weight and, eventually, a health scare. With trial and error, she figured out what eating style works for her and committed to working out.

Social Media:
Instagram: @love_child_3
TikTok: sunshines sweet kreations 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up
Mostly, family history motivated me. My mom lived a very unhealthy lifestyle. I had always been at least one of the smaller ones in my household growing up and family. As an adult I began to follow some of the same patterns, not gaining much weight, until one day I did. That was my battle for many years after that. 

I went in for a check-up, and my cholesterol levels were spiked. (never had health issues before this) so that was a scare for me. I felt unhealthy carrying all that weight.

How did you change your eating habits?
The doctor’s visit was a scare, so I started trying different food options: Vegan diet, pescatarian diet, etc. I stopped eating fast food, sugars, etc., and went cold turkey. 

I’ve been following JJ Smith’s green smoothie plan. I now do intermittent fasting as a part of my lifestyle. 

What is your workout routine?
I started by working out with a trainer three days a week. After that, I started training myself 5-6 days a week; I weight train and do cardio two times weekly.

How often did you work out?
I work out 5-6 days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started my journey at 215 pounds before changing my eating habits. I dropped down to 180 pounds. 

Six months into my committed journey, I weighed 185 pounds. My current weight is 169 pounds (It’s not my goal weight. I’m still on this journey with 12 pounds more to go.)

What is your height?
I’m 5’2″

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? Absolutely not. I lost weight naturally. However, I’m not against surgery at all (do whatever works best for you).

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My journey has been on and off for the last five years. I’ve been totally committed for six months now.  

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned to fall out of love with food. My body is my temple. You are what you eat.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
You have to take care of yourself. You only have one life. Live it to the fullest, being the best version of yourself.