Transformation of the Day: Janecia lost 75 pounds. At only 21 years old, simple tasks, like walking upstairs, were becoming a challenge. Her wake-up call came when she was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and her doctor said her health could worsen if she didn’t change her lifestyle. Tracking her food intake, intermittent fasting, and lifting weights made the difference.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My biggest motivation was getting healthy. At 21 years old, I struggled to complete simple tasks like tying my shoes and going up stairs due to my weight. My wake-up call came when my doctor told me I was pre-diabetic, and if I didn’t get my weight under control, the condition and my health would worsen. I’m a mother, sister, and daughter. Too many people count on me to be in their lives, and I refused to be taken out by a preventable illness.
How did you change your eating habits?
The first change I made was removing foods that were bad for me from my home. I bought healthy low-fat snacks, fresh fruits, vegetables, chicken, and fish. I cut out red meat and pork from my diet, and I only drank water. I also tracked all my daily exercise and caloric intake with the MyFitnessPal app. I didn’t consume more than 1,200 calories daily. The app helped me so much during my journey.
Lastly, I began intermittent fasting. I would stop eating at 7 PM, and I wouldn’t break my fast until 7 AM. Incorporating a clean diet with fasting and exercise made the pounds fall off.
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
When I first began, I did mostly cardio (elliptical trainer, treadmill, stationary bike.) As I learned more about fitness, I started spending less time doing cardio and more time weight training. I would do 15-20 minutes of cardio and spend the rest of the workout lifting weights. I noticed better results from the full-body workout that comes with weight lifting.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 220 pounds, and I currently weigh 145 pounds. I’ve worked hard to lose 75 pounds.
What is your height?
I am 5’4″.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I began my journey in 2015. My transformation took almost three years. I have managed to maintain a healthy body mass index since 2018.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I did not have surgery on my weight loss journey.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is you should eat to live and not live to eat. I also learned that obesity is a dangerous disease, but it’s curable.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Never stop believing in yourself. Everyone’s journey is different and moves at a different pace. Don’t compare yourself to others!
Instagram: @JaneciaMichelle
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