Transformation of the Day: Jasmine lost 66 pounds. In 2014, this former fast food addict decided to cut out red meat, milk and processed foods. She was motivated by how much weight she lost just by changing her eating habits. Eventually, she became a vegetarian, and now she’s vegan. Check out her story.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I was addicted to fast food, specifically McDonald’s. In the fall of
2014, I told myself, “NO RED MEAT and no cow’s milk.” That left me with no choice but to let go of McDonald’s and other fast-food chains. From there, I began eliminating processed foods and mostly cooking my meals in my college apartment. Within a few months, I was down 30 lbs. I didn’t like to work out, but I loved the fact that I lost weight merely from changing my diet, so that was more than enough motivation for me.
How did you change your eating habits?
As my diet changed, so did my taste buds. I craved foods that I DESPISED growing up, like mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, etc. My life became chicken, fruit/veggies, grains, and almond milk. That was my life for a while until I moved to China, where I became a vegetarian.
I adopted a vegan lifestyle back in 2017, and I haven’t looked back! My hair is flowing and flourishing, my skin is popping, and I have ALL the energy. For the past 6 months, I’ve gone back to intermittent fasting which has helped with my weight loss and curbing my appetite.
When I started in 2014, I didn’t know that at the time, but I was laying a strong foundation for what was yet to come. I was eliminating things from my diet, but not necessarily for weight loss. Overall, I felt better by getting rid of meats, dairy, and processed foods. I became considerably health conscious last year (in 2017) when I began to work out and live a vegan lifestyle.
What did your workout routine look like?
Earlier in my journey, I wasn’t working out and wasn’t motivated to do so. I was strictly meal prepping. I attempted the Insanity program for a week, but I gave up the second day lol. After returning from China in 2017, I began to work out a little here and there. I still wasn’t fully committed until May of this year when I teamed up with my best friend @chantalarleyne to help me with my goals. Now, I generally work out 3-4 times a week. We focus mostly on strength training (I’ve been working hard on my glutes, arms, and quads), with some cardio thrown in the mix from time to time.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight in 2014 was 316 pounds. My current weight is 250 pounds. I am 5’9″.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Every day ain’t easy, but every day is a new day to be better than yesterday.
What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Take it a day at a time. If you have addictions, ween yourself off instead
of going “cold turkey” so you have a better chance of not relapsing. Also, it
is okay if you fail because it means you haven’t stopped trying. This
journey is yours and yours alone. Embrace the process, don’t rush it.
Instagram: @sg_arabesque
My vegan food Instagram page is @livingonthevegg_
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