Drea lost 32 pounds

Update July 2020: Shout out to Drea! She’s lost 15 more pounds since March for a total of 47 pounds gone.

Yall remember those pics on the right? 😩 I’m really down 47 pounds! From 227lbs to 180lbs. Man, never give up on your goals. Never quit. Good days, bad days, even a f***ed up week or two cannot stop you unless you let it. I been lowkey these days, but best believe ya girl is leveling up in multiple facets of my life. Just keep going. 💪🏿💯

Drea lost 32 pounds. Losing her older brother to heart disease opened her eyes to the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. She became a Vegan, used workout apps, and she’s honoring her brother with her actions.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I lost my older brother in 2019 to heart disease. He died at 28 years old with his four-month-old son in his arms. My brother was only a year older than me. Losing my brother shook me to my core and woke me up to the importance of being mentally and physically healthy. Stress and bad dietary choices are killing our community. I myself was a drinker, smoker, and overeater, so I knew it was time for a change. 

Any time I find myself losing motivation, I look at a picture of my brother and his three beautiful children. God willing, I want to live a long life and raise awareness that heart disease is preventable and reversible with the proper lifestyle and dietary changes.

How did you change your eating habits?
I became a Vegan by switching to a plant-based diet. I cut out all meat and dairy products. I also practice intermittent fasting, and I do not eat after 8 pm. I cut out all beverages other than water, tea, and an occasional cup of coffee. 

What did your workout routine look like? How often did you workout?
I work out daily using two apps: 

• 30 days butt
• 30 days splits

They are great apps for beginners! 

I also make conscious decisions daily to be more active. For example, I opt to walk to my destination if it is within a half-mile, and in my free time, I hike local trails.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 227 pounds, and my current weight is 195 pounds. My goal weight is 150 pounds.

What is your height?
5 feet, 2 inches 

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
On the day of what would/should have been my older brother’s 29th birthday, I decided to take a stand for myself and my health. In January of 2020, my current journey began.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, it is not.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Self-discipline and self-compassion are key. In the moments when I had no one to hold me accountable but myself, I found out how strong I really am. Even on days where I did slip, I forgave myself and began again. I strongly believe that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. Believing that, I choose to be firm but kind to myself during the process.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Figure out your “Why?” and keep it fresh in your mind. 

• Make a vision board! 
• Keep a symbol that reminds you of your “Why?” in your wallet, on your wall, as your phone lock screen and/or home screen. 

Don’t ever forget why you started. No matter what happens, no matter how many times you fall and have to start over, always remember why you chose to start this journey in the first place.

Instagram: @sunkissed.drea