Erebi lost 69 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Erebi lost 69 pounds. This mother of two wrote to us from the UK to share her inspiring story. Struggling since her teen years with several challenges, including binge eating and hurtful comments, she found the strength and determination to change her life.

Mum of 2
Age: 26 
Location: London 
Instagram: @twodarlings.fitness

I’ve always been a big girl. At age 14, I wore a UK size 16. I never saw myself smaller than a UK 12. I’ve also struggled with bulimia and binge eating disorder for over seven years. 

I never really took an interest in fitness. I would start and stop many fad diets and just say, “I’m meant to be a big girl.”

I had my first baby at 21 years old and my second at 24. After my second child, something just clicked. I knew I had to change, and all the bitchy comments people made, all the hurt and pain I put myself through, all this became my fuel. I just couldn’t bear the thought of spending my whole like that. I’m on the other side now, and I realize how badly people treat you when you’re overweight. 

Now I’m completely in love with working out. I have more energy for my kids and husband. I’m so happy, confident, and genuinely content with who I am and what I bring to the table. Today I wear a UK size 8. I never thought I’d see the day, but here we are. Anything is possible!

How did you change your eating habits? 
I started slow and decided very early on that this wasn’t going to be a diet. I decided it would be my new life. I wanted to show up as the woman I saw in my mind. 

Intermittent fasting helped me regulate my eating. I ate from 11 am – 4 pm. I didn’t have a plan but made sure I had a colorful plate. Later I realized the importance of prioritizing protein, and that is when the real change happened. 

What did your workout routine consist of? 
Three months after my baby was born, I started walking in the mornings. It was easy to look forward to these walks because of Covid. I would do 10-12 km a day, sometimes even 15 km. Extreme, I know, but I was determined to change and was not enjoying home workouts. I started running in January, and I signed myself up to do a half marathon in August after only two weeks of running. I started weight training in April and haven’t looked back since.

How often do you work out?
Now I work out 4 – 5 times a week. I do a combination of running, walking, and weight training. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Starting weight: 208 pounds
Current weight: 139 pounds (I weighed myself two months ago)

What is your height?
I’m 5’2″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in December 2020, and it took five months. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned how important it is to move your body. I also learned about forcing yourself to do the things you don’t want to do to get the results/ life you want. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Take every day as it comes. I didn’t care how long it took. I just knew that every day, I would try my best. The weight fell off because I let go of the need to control every aspect.