Update Aug 2015: 46 pounds released! We featured Essence’s story back in April and she wrote in to share new before and after photos and a bit more about her journey.
I use to be one of those women who was big but “carried my weight well”, as a lot of people would say. I felt like that was a nice way of saying “you’re big, but not THAT big.” I would go to the gym 3 times a week, doing 45 minutes on the elliptical, but still eating whatever I wanted to. I knew this was not going to get me where I needed to be. I tried to be content with myself but at the end of the day I was very unhappy with my weight. I hated the way my clothes fit and before I knew it I was 28 years old, 184lbs at 5’3″ tall, wearing a size 13 and depressed. My doctor told me that I was borderline diabetic, had high blood pressure and if I didn’t get it under control I would have to be put on high blood pressure pills.
July 1st 2012 was the day that turned not only my health around but my life around! This is the day I started a 7 day all fruits and vegetables cleanse. I’m not perfect, but I can honestly say that I was one of those people who bought chips, cookies, and all other snacks you can think of. I’m not afraid to admit I told myself I would eat all of it before I started the cleanse. Who wants to waste food right? (I know– Don’t judge me.) So, let’s go back to when I changed my life.
7 day cleanse and down 6 lbs from it. I went from 3 days of 45 minutes on the elliptical to 6 days a week of doing one 1/2 hrs of a combination of Turbo Kickboxing, Body Combat, Nike Boot Camp Classes and running 3 times a week. I also incorporated weight lifting at least twice a week. I don’t like diets, so my meals consisted of eating better choices and smaller portions. Was I perfect? Nope, Did I cheat? Hell Yea! I mean let’s be realistic, I am not the person to cook on Saturdays. When I would eat out, I wouldn’t hold back, but you can bet that I would workout that day to shed some calories. My overall goal was to cut back on salts and sugar. Before I knew it, I was down to 138 pounds and wearing a size 9 after 1 year.
My blood pressure is now under control and I am no longer borderline diabetic. Matter of fact my doctor was even impressed with my results! I am not where I want to be physically but I’m better and stronger then I was before July 1, 2012. My self-confidence and spirit has lifted tremendously even my friends and family notice it. (Let’s just say I take more full body pictures then I do selfies these days) lol! So, I am now 30 years young and on a new journey of lifting more weights and eating more protein to get a more toned and fit body.
All in all, if I don’t leave you with nothing else as you read about my journey, I do want to say this; THERE IS NO SECRET TO LOSING WEIGHT, JUST MAKE TIME FOR YOUR HEALTH. I waited until I had bad results at the doctor’s office to make a lifestyle change. Some people don’t get the warning before the end results in sickness or even death. Make your lifestyle change TODAY and don’t forget that SLOW progress is still progress.
Just to update, I have became a Beachbody coach to help and assist others on their weight loss journey. I LOVE helping those who are starting out their journey, those who’ve hit a road block to their regimen or just simply need some guidance! Beachbody programs changed my life, because I didn’t feel like working out was boring or overall something that I didn’t feel like doing! I actually enjoy working out and it has made me even more fitter and stronger than ever! I still go to Turbokick and I’ve incorporated the Body Pump full body weight lifting to my regimen too!
Instagram: @kickassfitness365
LaShina says
Congratulations!!! You look great!