Grace lost 11kg/24 pounds

Grace lost 11kg/24 pounds. After being teased about being too skinny, she decided to put on weight, but it got out of control. As the years went on, she dieted and learned all about fitness (becoming a personal trainer), but she still struggled due to her eating habits and undiagnosed PCOS symptoms. This year, she decided to prioritize her health, fitness, and good nutrition.

What was your motivation?
I was skinny for the majority of my life. However, I wanted to gain weight because I had been teased about my thin body for so long. I started gaining weight, but it definitely got out of control. I started gaining crazy weight. I was very unhappy about this. 

I tried the Cambridge Diet, but I love food, so that lasted about four days. I decided I wanted to become a personal trainer because I wanted to understand how to lose weight correctly. However, even after this decision, I would continue to lose weight and regain it quickly. I still lacked nutritional knowledge. 

I decided to do the PN1 course. It taught me so much about nutrition, and I lost weight. Then Lockdown #1 and my stress levels were at a high. I was also diagnosed with having PCOS, which made sense from all the symptoms I had. During Lockdown, I got into baking, which led to me snacking on chocolate a lot. I didn’t realize how much weight I had put on, and I was extremely sad about it. 

My brother’s wedding was coming up, and I refused to be the “fat sister.” I went to a party a few years ago, and all the Aunties were like, “OMG Grace, you’re so fat now!” I wore a UK 12!! It made me sad because before I was “too skinny,” and now I was “too fat.”

Being a PT was great, but it also made me not prioritize my own training, nutrition, and recovery. I found my motivation not only to spend time helping others achieve their goals but also to achieve mine. I made my transformation a priority.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating chocolate, crisps, and mayonnaise. I kept a food diary of how different foods made me feel and realized rice is my nemesis. I started eating more salmon and protein-based meals, and believe it or not, pounded yam.

What was your workout routine?
I reduced my traditional cardio approach and HIIT. I stopped doing splits (i.e., upper body and leg day). Instead, I have been doing 5-6 days of full-body resistance training with three days of moderate cardio for 15 mins only.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 85kg. My current weight is 74kg.

What is your height?
I’m 5’7″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My journey started at the beginning of August 2020, and it has taken me three months.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned to pay attention to my own body. What works for others doesn’t necessarily work for me. If anyone had ever told me giving up HIIT training would help me, I would never have believed them (this is due to PCOS).

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Women who want to lose weight should start at an easy pace. That way, as you progress forward on your journey, you won’t give up when it becomes harder. Also, be consistent. You have time to learn your body’s needs.

Instagram: @graceadeeefit