Desiree lost 50 pounds

Desiree lost 50 pounds. With hard work and commitment, she has truly transformed. She is strict with her healthy eating habits five days a week, but she also enjoys two cheat days. Instead of a traditional workout routine, she dances for exercise.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation truly began three and a half years ago. I went on a vacation to Maryland with a couple of my girlfriends, and we took a helicopter ride. I remember waiting in line and staring at the scale in front of us at the check-in counter. I remember feeling anxious from imagining how embarrassed I would be if I were told that I was too heavy to board the helicopter. Although I wasn’t anywhere near the max per person capacity, the fact that the feeling crossed my mind in the first place was enough to tell me that I had to make a change to my diet once and for all. 

Once I committed to my weight loss journey, I knew I would not turn back! What has inspired me to keep going and not give up is seeing results, month after month, when looking in the mirror. Most importantly, I noticed how I feel throughout the day in terms of my energy levels and confidence.

How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits changed drastically. I eliminated heavy carbs (pasta, potatoes, rice, and bread) from my diet five days per week. I allow myself two cheat days per week on Saturday and Sunday. During the week, I commit myself to eating tons of fiber in the form of organic leafy veggies and other superfoods (such as fruits). 

I also increased my protein intake by eating lean chicken, turkey, and fish. I eliminate red meat and pork during those five days. Additionally, I drink green tea in the morning and a health drink consisting of water, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and lemon a few days per week. 

My routine is five days on and two days off. If I cheat during the five days, I have to swap that day for a cheat day to keep consistent with the ratio.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
Anyone who knows me will tell you firsthand that I hate working out more than the next person, LOL. So, this was truly a challenge for me. I did not adopt a workout regimen because the idea of working out always made me feel anxious. I did commit to more fundamental forms of exercise, such as dancing. Nothing fancy, I would just blast my favorite R&B music in my home and dance and dance until I got tired! I would do this about three days per week. It’s a fun way to trick myself into thinking I’m not exercising even though I’m burning calories while having fun!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 195 pounds. My current weight is 145 pounds.

What is your height?
5’5”

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in May 2017. From start to finish, it took me about eight months.

Is the weight loss surgery part of your journey? If so, what procedure and when did you have surgery?
No, weight loss surgery was not part of my journey. I don’t knock anyone who does it because I know there are some success stories out there. I wanted to obtain my desired results naturally without subjecting myself to costly, risky procedures. With hard work and commitment, I was to obtain my goal. I’m at a point now where I’m so accustomed to my new balanced plan that it’s almost effortless…Well almost! 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that you can achieve your desired results if you stick to your goals. If you create a feasible plan for yourself, then you can accomplish almost anything. The hardest part was in the beginning months, but I didn’t give up. Now I’m very used to my new lifestyle, and I couldn’t be happier!

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Sit down with a pen and paper and flesh out what you want for yourself. Be honest with yourself about what you will and won’t do to obtain those results. 

Stay away from starvation diets! Any diet telling you to fast for days on end is a fad diet. Although fad diets will help you obtain quick results, they wreak havoc on your body, and you won’t sustain long lasting results. Your body needs nutrients on a daily basis, period. So, if you’re going 24 hours without eating, you’re depriving yourself of valuable nutrients needed. 

I would also encourage women to find out their metabolic body type (i.e. ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph). I happen to be a mesomorph. Knowing that has DEFINITELY helped me put together a personalized, actionable weight loss plan. Diets work differently on different body types, so it’s imperative that you know what body type you are. There are multiple sites listed online that offer a free quiz to find out.

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