Erika lost 50 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Erika lost 50 pounds in 6 months. This amazing mom went through a number of serious trials and challenges over the past year, including the death of her mother. She found the strength and spiritual grounding to not only overcome her trails, but also to change her lifestyle and release the pounds. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

I have always have been overweight most of my life as a teen and a young adult. Over the years, I lost lots of weight and then re-gained it back once I relapsed into old eating habits and crush diets. I decided to start my weight loss journey and do it the only way that really works: By cutting my portion sizes, exercising and watching exactly what I put in my mouth.

I had been thru a lot in the latter part of 2014 and in 2015, so the pounds piled on. My mother died in September 2014 and our house was broken into Feb 2015. My son hit his head on the concrete at school in April of 2015 and then my son, who was only 9 in May 2015, attempted suicide due to being bullied at school. To top this all, in June 2015 my husband of only one year left me and moved back to our hometown. I felt very overwhelmed, but I knew that this is nothing that GOD could not handle. I had to calm down, pray, read the word and stay focused.

I’ve been a nurse for 15 years now, so I knew what had to be done. I prayed to God asking for help. I remembered this bible verse Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble. I always have prayed, but this time it was fervent and deep from my heart. I also had to remind myself of the book I wrote, titled “Unconditional Praise”.

What I changed: My eating habits. I had three protein shakes a day, fruit for a snack, salad for lunch and dinner with a lean protein. Also, I worked out regularly. I started off with 30 minutes of cardio only 4 days a week. Then, every 7 days, I increased my exercise time by 5 mins. I changed the type of exercise I did as well. After 6 weeks of only cardio, I started strength training. I must be transparent. I hate doing crunches, but I decided not to be ruled by my emotions and flesh. I make my body do what it hates. After I’m done with my workout, I feel better, I can move better and move more quickly. My fatigue level has totally changed and I’ve decided to try becoming a runner. This is only a start to a lifetime journey. The very first thing I had to do was change my mind. I flipped the switch and decided to live this life and make good choices.

I started my weight loss journey in July 2015 weighing 348 pounds. Now, in Nov 2015, my weight is 298 pounds. I’m down 50 pounds. I have decided to explore other health options as well as a resources to help me keep my weight under control. Exercise will continue to be my friend until I die. I am claiming that I will live a wonderful, healthy, joyous life for 120 years or more! YAY!

Twitter: @erikaparkman33