Jade lost 84 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Jade lost 84 pounds. Three years ago, at 18 years old, she started her health and fitness journey. She learned about the benefits of eating nutrient-rich whole foods and weight training. She also learned how to be more disciplined and focused in terms of her mindset.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was my general health. As you grow older, you become more aware of the things that negatively impact your body. That was a push start for me wanting to live a healthier, better, and more active lifestyle. I got more exposed to knowledge as I did lots of research and gained insight into what I wanted to achieve physically. That’s how it all began.

The older I get, it’s important it is for me to take care of myself. I nourish and acknowledge my body, making better, healthier lifestyle choices to create an even better tomorrow.

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
Many times, I wanted to give up. Sometimes, I did. One thing I love is my resilience. The moment I realized that with hard work and consistency, I could achieve my goals, that mindset stuck into place, and that was it.

Mindset is essential. The mind is a very powerful tool when used correctly. Mental health is also included in that. I trained my mind and disciplined myself. Even when I fell off track with training, dieting, or home workouts, I knew that I had to pick myself up and get right back on track.

There are always days when I don’t feel motivated, or I forget myself a little. Remembering my goals and how I’m going to get there is what keeps me motivated. I also follow fitness influencers who are great when it comes to fitness, mental health, and health and wellness overall. Watching people who are motivating and inspiring always keeps me extra motivated to remember not to give up. The things you look at can have an adverse effect on the way you think and move, so I follow and watch people who inspire and motivate me.

How did you change your eating habits?
I’ve never used a diet program. I used to eat a lot of takeout and fast foods, along with frozen processed foods. My portions were huge. Foods such as McDonald’s, chips, burgers, oily and fatty processed foods all went out the window.

Then, I started educating myself on broader food groups, sources of protein, and whole foods that are great for your body. I bought more organic, whole foods such as avocados, spinach, kale, chicken breasts, and fish. I also bought eggs, chickpeas, and other excellent sources of protein, nutrients, and vitamins.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 19 stone/266 pounds at the age of 19/20. I worked my way down to 12 stone, and I currently weigh at 13 stone/182 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’9″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started eating healthier and making better lifestyle choices around 18 years old. In 2017, I began trying out healthier foods and making small changes, like walking more. In 2018, I made a drastic change in 6-8 months, reaching 12 stone. All in all, it took me about a year. I started taking my health more seriously. I knew I wanted the change, so I made it happen.

After my weight loss, I lost all my assets (like my breasts and bum), so I decided that I wanted to gain healthy fat, grow my glutes, and slim/tone my waist and stomach. I started weight lifting and strength training in the gym. I did compound exercises to build my body. At the end of January 2020, I started lean bulking because I wanted to take my body to another level. I’m focused on maintaining my results and taking my fitness to the next level over this year and for a lifetime.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Nothing comes easy, and all good things come to those who wait. Hard work and consistency go hand in hand, and with that, results will always come through. I’ve also learned a lot about discipline. There are days that you won’t necessarily be motivated, so it’s essential to train yourself that even on the days when you don’t want to, you still have to work.

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Stay consistent, have faith, and work hard. Also, do it for yourself. Nothing comes easy, but the results will be gratifying. You have to want it to make the mind believe it. Everything will work out.

It’s great to look back and see how far I’ve come. These photos are three years apart. Looking back at old photos always gives me nostalgia. It’s crazy! Despite being bigger, one thing I’ve always loved about myself is that I’ve always been CONFIDENT, (I mean, peep the pose…)

Starting this health and fitness journey has been such a huge milestone and blessing. I love it! The changes in my body, my health, and my mind have been more than worth it! ANYTHING you want to achieve, you CAN! There may be setbacks, times when you fall off track, and times when you feel unmotivated, but it’s how you fight back that counts!

Instagram: @fitwithvelmz