Elizabeth lost 50 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Elizabeth lost 50 pounds. This mom of three experienced postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth of her youngest child. She wanted to return to the healthy and active mom she used to be. By making practical changes to her eating habits and exercising daily, she has released the weight.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
When I started my journey, I had just given birth to my youngest child. I was overweight, had postpartum, and anxiety. I had to get healthy again and lose the weight.

My children inspired me. In the past, I was always that mom who was active, but after giving birth, I could barely play with my kids without being out of breath. I knew I had to change my life.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in January 2017. I am still transforming my body, and I see no end in sight at this moment.

How did you change your eating habits?
When it came to my eating habits, I had no idea where to start. So, all I did was cut unhealthy foods out of my diet. I started eating more fruits and veggies, and less meat. In 2017, I stopped eating all meat and became a vegan.

Since then, I have gone back to eating meat because my body was lacking certain nutrients that it needed. Your body tells us things, and it is essential that we listen. Now, I focus on eating healthy food. I do not follow a specific plan. I eat according to my goals.

What did your workout routine look like?
When I began this journey, I had no gym membership. I started by walking every morning. I walked for 30 minutes before I had to get the kids up. After I had been walking for a couple of months, I decided to switch things up, and do other forms of cardio.

I would do PopSugar workouts after work, while I continued to walk in the mornings. I did this for months. Then, I started running and riding a bike.

When I moved into my new house, I decided to start buying weights, barbells, exercise balls, dumbbells, etc. I created a home gym in the garage. I started lifting weights and doing cardio in my “gym.” I worked out five days a week from anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on what body part I was working.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 220 pounds. My current weight is 170 pounds, and I’m still not finished with my weight loss journey yet. I am 5’5″

Was weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, it’s not part of my journey. I have what I call a mom pooch. I don’t know if it will ever go away, but it’s ok. God gave me three beautiful reasons why it may not go away, and that’s ok with me.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lessons I learned and am STILL learning is to be patient and to love myself. Change takes time. Love the person you are so you can love the person you are becoming.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Be patient. There is no magic pill. You are going to struggle, and that’s ok. Take your time. Learn to love your body. Take pictures of your changes and be happy with ANY change.

Instagram: @liz_trufit