Denise lost 65 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Denise lost 65 pounds. This mother of three overcame domestic violence, divorce, losing her job, and other challenges. During these trials, she gained weight due to stress and emotional eating. In 2019, she decided to focus her overcomer energy on changing her eating habits and getting fit. 

I’m an OVERCOMER of so many things in my life. I’m a divorced mother with three beautiful children. I am also a DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OVERCOMER. I OVERCAME losing my job and losing my vehicle (I spent 18 months without a car). I can go on and on. Through all of that, I did a lot of emotional eating and stressing, which was not good for me. I reached my heaviest weight last year at 230 pounds. 

Everything always hurt, and I had low self-esteem because I had gained so much weight. The pounds are easy to put on but hard to take off. I knew I had to do something because I was so uncomfortable with myself. 

I started with J.J. Smith’s 10-day Green Smoothie cleanse in June 2019 to jumpstart my weight loss. Then, I began walking at least once or twice a week to start doing some form of exercising. After that first ten days, I saw my progress, and I said to myself, “Denise! YOU GOT THIS!” I made 5lbs weight loss increment goals instead of looking at the big picture. These goals kept me focused and not discouraged. 

In October 2019, I started the Keto diet for the next level of my weight loss journey. I kept it simple with protein, veggies, healthy fats, and good carbs, like berries and vegetables. I drink water, green tea, and coffee. 

I knew I needed help in the exercising department to get my body to the next level. I joined Be Better Fitness in Baton Rouge, LA. I workout with Be Better Fitness 3 times a week. By working with them, my body learned to crave exercise. My workout routine is HIIT training with cardio and weight training. I also walk/jog 4-5 miles at least twice a week.

Now, I’m here and over 60 pounds lighter! My transformation took one year, and my current weight is 165 pounds. My height is 5 ft, 5 inches tall.

I feel great, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Exercise helped me with my stress level. I want to encourage people and let them know WE ALL GOT THIS! ONE POUND AT A TIME! PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE! 

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that my health matters – Not just my physical health but my mental, emotional, and spiritual health matters because they all affect each other.

My advice for women who want to lose weight is to have patience with yourself. If you mess up, remember that you have another chance tomorrow to get back on track. Don’t be your own worst enemy. Take it one pound and step at a time.

Instagram: @dmelanin225