Weight Loss Story: Vicki slimmed down 5 dress sizes with brisk walking, clean eating and drinking lots of infused water. This “Fit Educator” suffered a debilitating back injury and 3 months of immobility caused lots of weight gain. When she was able to start walking again, her healthy lifestyle journey began and she hasn’t given up or given in since. Here is what she shared with us..
Thank you for the opportunity to be able to share my “Healthy Lifestyle Journey” with others. It is my goal to inspire and motivate as many women as I can to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle. My name is Vicki, I am a 48 years old. What inspired me to begin my healthy lifestyle journey? Wow! Who would’ve thought that having a back injury (Lumbar Strain), a year ago, would’ve led me on my lifestyle journey. Being immobile and in excruciating pain kept me from doing what I absolutely love and that is walking. Also, going to therapy and taking meds was getting the best of me! For 3 months, I sat immobile and during that time I gained an excessive amount of weight!
One day while sitting and watching the Dr. Oz Show, I was inspired by several women who transformed their bodies by walking 10,000 steps a day, as well as by changing their eating habits. Their transformations were AMAZING! The testimonials of the women inspired me more and more to get up and get moving! So much so, that I asked my Physician and Therapist if I could walk briskly. To my surprise, I was given the clearance to do so!
I started out slow and kept walking. It wasn’t always easy but I motivated myself to keep striving no matter what! A good friend told me that if I could walk for 21 days, I would be able to continue. That was a year ago and I’ve been walking every since! I walk on an average of 17 miles per week. I use my lunch break to put in over 2 miles. Having a hour for lunch has made it very easy to be able to walk. I didn’t stop there, I also walk up to 10 to 11 miles on any given Saturday.
I have also incorporated various workout regimens such as Zumba. Also, having a personal trainer to come to my job has helped me on my healthy lifestyle journey! Last but not least, I can say that being a Pre-K teacher has its very own fitness perks. I’m always moving with the children, doing things like running in the gym, playing basketball, jump roping, and dancing just to name a few! The one question I’m always asked, “What is your day like?” My answer, “I’m always moving!”
Did my eating habits change? Most definitely! I began to educate myself on how to eat clean. I stopped eating beef and pork, as well as any and all processed foods. Being a big fan of sweets, I had to learn how to reduce my sugar intake. I now just have a piece of dark chocolate from time to time. I eat baked or grilled turkey, chicken or fish with lots of vegetables. Also, I no longer eat at restaurants that have a drive thru. I drink water all day, infused with lemon, honey and a green tea bag. On occasion, I will change and add other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, etc. to my water.
My starting weight was 220 pounds and my height is 5’10”. I can’t tell you my current weight because I refuse to get on a scale. Scales can be discouraging, so I rely on my clothes for my progression results. I can tell you however that I’m very PROUD to say that I’ve lost 5 dress sizes! I recently just got into a size 4 dress! I am no longer shopping in the plus size section. As good as that may sound to some, what matters most to me is that I feel GREAT. My energy level is AMAZING! I’m a healthier Me. My transformation took a little over a year and is an ongoing process. It is now a lifestyle for me. It’s become a habit!
My advice for others who want to lose weight would be to first to believe in themselves. Believe that they can do it. With God all things are possible! I don’t know their story but whatever it may be; only they can write the ending. Just take the first step! We all have to start somewhere. If you believe that you can do it then you’re halfway there! Strive to be a healthier you!
During my lifestyle journey I always enjoy seeing the comments and questions about how I’ve come where I am today so I created a page on Facebook, “Fit Educator” in hopes that I might inspire, motivate and encourage others to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Please follow my page to continue my healthy lifestyle journey! Let’s inspire, motivate and encourage one another!
Again, thank you Black Women Losing Weight for the opportunity to share my story with others. Thank you for the many stories you’ve shared thus far. So inspirational!
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