Transformation of the Day: Estelle lost 59 pounds. After coming to the U.S. to study, she realized that her weight gain was related to overeating, including nighttime binge eating. By doing her research, changing her portion sizes, and working out, she was able to achieve lasting results.
I always knew I was much bigger than girls my age. I attempted to lose weight for the first time at 17 years old in 2012. However, I did not know much about how to complete such a journey, so I basically ate salads all the time and got sick. I concluded that maybe I was just born to be this way.
Once I came to the U.S. as an international student, I reached my highest weight of 220 pounds. It hit me that if I kept going down this road, it would undoubtedly shorten my lifespan. My problem was never soda, fast food, or snacks. I was more of an overeater and nighttime binger. Once I realized this was how I was packing on calories, I did my research and realized I had to take a journey into my mind. I had to determine why I felt like I needed to eat in this manner so that I could resolve this compulsion.
I began my journey in 2015 with little support due to skepticism from the people around me. That skepticism would make it that much harder to keep going. So, I built a strong mind and told myself that no one could be a better motivator than me. If they won’t help me change, I’ll help them change, and it worked.
I didn’t go on a specific diet, but I began to increase my veggie, fruit, and legume consumption while reducing my portion sizes. I love to cook, so I make my meals fun and very appealing. I would drink a gallon a day of water (added a bit of cranberry and/or lemon for taste at first), which helped curb the appetite amazingly.
I alternated between cardio exercises (treadmill, elliptical, cycling, outdoor running, etc…) and strength training. I would also incorporate something new into my workout routines, such as boxing and kickboxing. These are fun activities where I can interact with people like myself since I most often worked out alone.
View this post on Instagram
My transformation is still ongoing, but I reached my long-term goal in 2017 at 161 pounds. From then on, it was about maintaining, continuing to progress in my fitness, and reminding myself why I am on this lifelong journey.
I have never been happier than when I began this journey. My whole attitude about life and interactions with people has significantly changed for the better.
I started an Instagram page, @africanfitqueen, that goes into detail about my journey by featuring my exercises, my nutrition/recipes, as well as some hardships.
Comment Via Facebook