Jamila lost 70 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Jamila lost 70 pounds. After being diagnosed with diabetes, she changed her life for her children and herself. She transformed by being consistent, disciplined, and fully committed to healthy food and exercise.

Social Media:
Instagram: @jamila_Esthetician @jamila_esthetician1

I am down 70 pounds and have learned there is no cheat code! You have to work for it. I began my journey in February 2020 after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I did not want that to be my story. I wanted to live for my children and myself! 

So I started working out six days a week. I also began eating clean and being very disciplined about what I consumed. After 1.5 years of testing, each test showed I had reversed type 2 diabetes, and I was released from the endocrinology clinic. I still have a little more to lose, but I am grateful for where I am today! 

What inspired you to keep going?
Whenever my journey started to seem tough, I reminded myself that I was literally fighting for my life. I was only 33 years old at the time of my diagnosis. That was not how I wanted to live, so I pushed through to change that narrative.

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut out simple carbs and consumed limited amounts of complex carbs. I also ate more protein, mainly poultry and seafood. Removing sugary drinks, junk food, and fried and processed foods and treating myself kindly in the kitchen was my saving grace. Tons of leafy green vegetables, water, and nuts helped fuel my body instead of overfeeding it. 

Now occasionally, I will do intermittent fasting for two weeks every few months to reset. I also try to stay in a calorie deficit while trying to get rid of my back fat and bra bulge. 

Tell us about your workout routine.
I worked out six days weekly with an additional active rest day. That meant although I would not work out strenuously, I would not lay around. Instead, I used that rest day to take a light walk on the trail or practice yoga. 

I began my workout regimen by walking 2 miles daily for about six months. Then I added bodyweight workouts from the Fitbit App and YouTube. I did that for about five months and walked two miles daily. 

Once my body got used to that regimen, I would switch it up because I would hit a plateau. So my body needed more work to burn more. I switched up my workouts and started doing kettlebell workouts. I also wore a 20lb weight vest during the treadmill or my walks on the trail.

Now I have been weight training for the past eight months. I’m lifting a bit heavier every two weeks. I focus on…

• my legs/glutes on Sunday & Wednesday
• my back/arms Monday & Thursday
• my core/cardio on Tuesday/Saturday
• and Freestyle Fridays – Whatever I feel like doing that day!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 279 pounds, and my current weight is 209 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5’2.5″. Yes, I want my half-inch. Lol.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took two years because I kept hitting plateaus which caused some frustration. However, it allowed me to reset and strategize on how to maximize my weight loss.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I did not have any weight loss surgeries or procedures.  

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that my journey is mine! I can not compare it to anyone else’s. I may take tips or give tips to help another person, but ultimately everyone is different. 

Just stay consistent, even when you are tired, drained, and discouraged. When I lacked motivation, I relied on my discipline to get through. Lastly, I learned that I can lose weight. For so many years, I really thought it was not possible for me. I was testing at doctors and everything. What I realize now is I wasn’t consistent. I thought I was, but I wasn’t. I also wasn’t disciplined and did not give myself time to see the change. 

What advice would you like to share with people who want to lose weight?
If you want to lose weight naturally, you can do it. It starts with a mindset that you are going to do it. This will be your last time starting because you won’t stop. Encourage yourself to press through when you’re tired. 

There is no cheat code to it. You HAVE to work for it. You have to show up every day for yourself and allow yourself time to see those results.