Hoda lost 85 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Hoda lost 85 pounds. This 26-year-old sista from London shared her awesome transformation story with us. She stepped out of her comfort zone and created a more disciplined lifestyle with intermittent fasting, healthier eating habits, and lots of exercise.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My journey started in April 2017 and still counting. It took me 13 months of hard work and dedication for me to drop 85 pounds.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was to strive and be the best version of my self. Also, I just want to be happy. What inspired me when I wanted to give up was seeing the results and wondering how I would look if I continued to carry it on for another six months. Looking at my before and after pictures would also jump start my motivation.

How did you change your eating habits?

I stopped eating out and educated myself on the food I ate, switching to lean meat, veggies, and complex carbs. I would combine intermittent fasting (12 pm-8 pm) and a low carb diet. I would only eat twice a day and have healthy snacks in between. I also drank 2-3 liters of water every day. 

What I’ve noticed is that when I eat healthier and exercise, I feel amazing! My energy levels are through the roof, and I feel like I can take on the world. I feel more aware, focused, and it’s like the fog has lifted from my brain.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you workout?
My workout routine consists of training at least four times a week, both weight training and HIIT cardio. I feel like weightlifting has structured my body, which is why I encourage everyone to add weightlifting into your routine (it’s good for you, hun). I also like to get my workouts done in the morning because it powers me through the day and helps me be more productive.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight in April 2017 was 250 pounds and wearing a size 22. Now, I weight 165 pounds and wear a size 12.

What is your height?
I am 5’7″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
A healthy lifestyle is a disciplined lifestyle. Losing weight has nothing to do with a quick fix or fad diet. It’s about lifestyle changes that are sustainable over the long haul. It’s about being disciplined in your daily actions with food and exercise. This means setting up or organizing your life so you can make healthy choices without a lot of effort. It’s about understanding that a healthy lifestyle does not just happen. You must be intentional and disciplined with your actions.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Anything you want to achieve, you can achieve it with the right mindset, consistency, and persistence. Step out of your comfort zone. If you don’t, you won’t grow, and growing is so important because it pushes you forward. You discover new things about your body that you didn’t think you were capable of, and you thrive. You can do this.

Instagram: @hodakadawo