Hannah-Marie lost 48 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Hannah-Marie lost 48 pounds by eating healthy food, working out, and being committed to the process. Her journey began on her 26th birthday when she promised herself she would never feel unhappy about her size again. Weight training and loving herself at all stages were crucial to her success.

Social Media: 
Instagram: @hmariecfit
TikTok: @sheishannahmarie
YouTube: Curly Wishes Caviar Dreams

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
Birthdays are usually a time for reflection and celebration. I cried on my birthday-Not tears of joy but sadness from not being happy with my size. I was 26 years old and promised myself I would never feel like this again on my birthday. I promised myself that I would change. 

I think when you start a weight loss journey, it should include a disclaimer that life will happen, and it did! 4 months into my weight loss journey, my dad passed away. It was such a difficult time, and food really was my comfort. Though I miss him dearly, I’m reminded that he would want me to live a full life. It inspires me to keep going and not to wallow in my feelings. I’m also motivated by my inner drive to love myself at all stages but to always strive to be my best.

How did you change your eating habits?
It was really a challenge to change my eating habits in the beginning. I remember leaving my personal training session and going to McDonald’s. I tried it all, including calorie counting, but I was still struggling with self-control. I did a four-day reset where I challenged myself to go four days without fast food and realized I could do it. That catapulted me to go 30 days without fast food. Now, I focus on my macros and calorie counting. 

What is your workout routine?
For the first 20 pounds, I walked and focused on cardio. I wasn’t really seeing a change in my body. That is until I worked with a personal trainer for a month, and he introduced me to weight training. I also completed a 30-day program focused on weight training, and it’s when I saw the most changes in my body. 

I now focus on weight training three days a week. I also attend a fitness class that is half Pilates/ half running once a week. In addition, I like to take long walks, do stretching, or take a yoga class once a week.

How often did you work out?
I work out five times a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 249.4 pounds, and my current weight is 201 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’4″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my weight loss journey in May 2021. It’s taken me 18 months to lose 48.4 pounds.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I had people ask me, “Why don’t you just get surgery?” However, I truly believed I could do it. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to pick a plan and stick with it. I’ve tried so many workout programs, diets, and even a personal trainer for a month. Then I would give up a month or two later and start something new. By the time my 1-year weight loss anniversary came around, I’d only lost 25 lbs. 

I purchased a 30-day fitness program and lost 17 lbs in a month. The gist of the program: weight train five days a week and change your diet. These are things I’ve been told before. However, it wasn’t until I was consistent that I saw tremendous results. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
My advice for anyone trying to lose weight is just to be consistent. Time is so precious. We could be so much further along if we do what we say we are going to do! I have 50+ more pounds to lose, and I’m using this advice for the next phase of my journey. 

I believe in every woman who reads this story. You deserve to live a full life. If your weight is holding you back, work on it. A year from now, it doesn’t matter if you lose 25 lbs or 100 lbs. You will feel so much better, you’ll be more confident, and you’ll have developed discipline that will allow you to accomplish any goal!