Esta lost 79 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Esta lost 79 pounds/36kg with healthy eating habits and exercise. Watching the people around her get fit and release the weight gave her the inspiration she needed. Although our Kenyan sista learned that everyone may not be supportive of your transformation journey, she has remained focused and consistent. 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I had also become very lazy and unfit. I wanted the nearest parking spot to wherever I was going. I got a job, and my office was on the second floor. There was no elevator, only stairs, and that delayed me every day. My boss would really yell at me. By the time I got on the second floor, I was huffing, puffing, and sweating. Also, I had become so unfit that I could no longer play and run around with my children.

My younger sister, Jenky Sikolia, weighed more than me. She got married and moved to another continent. After giving birth, she started working out seriously, and it began to show. She looked very good. She could dress up and look great in everything she wore.

Then, I saw Mo’Nique and Aretha Franklin losing weight. Monique once commented on how she could sit and cross her legs again! I saw how she was feeling good about herself, and I wanted that.

Finally, my friend Josephine Andaye started going to the gym. For more than six months, she annoyed me about following her to the gym and about changing my lifestyle. She told me that I would look beautiful and sexy, so I finally gave in.

How did you change your eating habits?
I joined a gym in my home town. The first thing my trainer did was ask for a one week record of whatever I ate, so I gave him that information. He advised me to make these changes;

• Cut down on sugar, milk, cookies, sweets, ice-cream, soda, juice, and deep fat fried foods, 
• No carbs after 4 pm. (Replace the carbs with protein, veggies, or fruits.)
• Reduce or completely cut down on wheat
• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables
• Cut down on whiskey and brandy
• Drink more water

What did your workout routine consist of?
My routine includes aerobics, steps, abs workouts, running, body toning, training with small weights, and daily stretching. Before, I worked out five days a week for one and a half hours. These days I can do six days a week because my system allows for that.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? 
My starting weight was 128 kg/282 pounds, and my current weight is 92 kg/203 pounds. 

What is your height?
5 ft, 9 in

When did you start your journey?
November 2016 

How long did your transformation take? 
It took 18 months to see serious results.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? 
Unless you start doing it, you won’t make progress. Potential is nothing without action. No one is limited. Now I know that I can push myself to limits I never imagined. I still marvel at myself (my abdomen, especially).

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? 
This is a change in lifestyle. It is a permanent journey you are embarking on, and it is not easy. You will fall many times, but always RISE UP whenever you fall.

People, including some of your family, may laugh at you. They may laugh at your progress, especially if it is taking a long time to show. Getting results will take some time, and the laughter may discourage or make you feel bad if you have low self-esteem. Remain FOCUSED! You have to be ready for all this while remaining focused and alert. Good results are not easy to come by. Consistency is key.

Also, be very cautious about what you eat and when. Good nutrition is a more significant percentage of what it takes to achieve weight loss. Maintaining results is not easy, but it can be done. Self-discipline is a huge plus.

I am so proud of myself. The benefits are many: good health, no tantrums, no thigh-friction, cute clothes & shoes, and high self-esteem. My children, siblings, and some friends are very proud of me. I thank God.