Janell lost 68 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Janell lost 68 pounds. After a trip to the emergency room, lots of tests and visits to a cardiologist, she realized how obesity and stress were affecting her health. When a friend introduced her to Black Girls Run, it was just the motivation she needed. She put in the work in the kitchen and in her workouts. Check out what she shared with us about creating a healthy lifestyle and getting lasting results.

What was your motivation?
My motivation happened right before my 38th birthday. To make a long story short, I ended up in the ER. The staff thought I was having a heart attack. After lots of tests and several appointments with a cardiologist, it was determined that nothing was wrong with my heart. I was just obese and under a lot of stress.At that point, I weighed 230 pounds. I didn’t realize I had gotten that big.

A friend of mine posted pictures of herself on Facebook in a before and after shot. I asked her what she had done. She introduced me to Black Girls Run Milwaukee, and the rest, as they say, is history.

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I take a lot of pictures. I take pictures after every single workout and post those pictures to social media. When I wanted to give up, I would go back and look at the pictures. A lot of people were looking at me and following my progress on social media. I didn’t want to be a failure in public, so I continued to go. I would challenge myself to do more, run longer and shave time off my miles. I don’t like to lose so that would help me stay the course. Also, I became a run captain for BGR-Milwaukee. I had a following so I didn’t want to disappoint the women who would be waiting for me.

How did you change your eating habits?
I gave up WINE, fast food, added salt, added sugar, fried foods, red meat, pork (except bacon) and junk food. I included more fruits and vegetables in my diet. I ONLY drank water. I put myself on a schedule to drink 8 16.9 oz bottles of water per day. I also ate smaller portions and incorporated healthy snacks into my diet. Prior to these changes, I would drink wine everyday and ate at a fast food restaurant at least twice a day.

What did your workout routine look like?
At first, I would meet Black Girls Run 3 times a week to run. Then, I added weights, swimming and biking. I went from working out 0 times a week to 3 times a week. Now, I work out 6 days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 230 pounds. I currently weigh 162 pounds. I am 5’5″ tall.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in 2013. It has taken me 5 years to get to this point. I have had periods of weight gain and times when I didn’t want to work out. That is where all those pictures come in handy. Also, Facebook
memories keep me humble. (No surgery was involved in my transformation.)

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that this is a lifestyle change. It’s not that I can’t have wine and the other things I like to indulge in. It’s about moderation. Before, I was drinking wine EVERYDAY! I have an occasional glass of wine now, but it is VERY occasional.  I’ve made some changes and I continue to change.  It is definitely a lifestyle change.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Nothing but hard work will make it stick. There are a lot of gimmicks out there that people sell and promises of overnight weight loss that just don’t work. Exercise and diet are the keys to a healthy life. If there’s a weight loss product on the market, 9/10 times, I have probably tried it.  They don’t work. For long term success, you have to put in the work.

Also, you have to do this for you. Family and friends don’t understand. You may lose some “friends.” Not everyone will be comfortable with the new you. You have to be comfortable.

Finally, buy some new clothes. You have to shift your mind so that you are not still buying clothes in your old size. It’s a mind adjustment. When you are used to be overweight, you carry yourself a certain way. Once you lose the weight, you have to adjust. It’s OK to show some skin. Let it hang out!

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