Jolisa lost 120+ pounds

Transformation of the Day: Jolisa lost 120+ pounds with healthy eating habits and lots of exercise. During the course of her journey, she found purpose in living a healthier lifestyle. Today, she owns a fitness/coaching business, and she’s passionate about helping people transform.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation varied at times. Some days you want to lose weight to look more attractive and finally get a boyfriend. Other days, I wanted to prove to myself and others that I was worthy of being in the fitness world. 

As I became a trainer, my motivation became a desire simply to inspire and give hope to others, knowing that there is purpose in living a healthier lifestyle. Everyone has a story, but I want my story to be a catalyst to help someone realize that their “Why” may change over time, but they are worth it.  

How did you change your eating habits?
You start to notice the habits that took you years to create and adopt. Emotional eating seemed pretty normal to me. In actuality, it wasn’t and it’s not. It’s harmful. I began to be more mindful of food as I saw my body change. I don’t believe that there is good food and bad food. However, what you’re eating should be a reflection of your goals, without complete deprivation of the foods you enjoy. 

I don’t use a specific plan. I have tracked my food using MyFitnessPal, which can show you where you are in your daily intake. You have to find the right plan for you that will last longer than a few weeks of dieting for your birthday or a couple of months. You want a plan that will last you a lifetime and one that can be adapted as you develop more fitness goals.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
Strength and cardio conditioning. I am a big fan of lifting weights, and I believe it shapes your body more than anything. In addition to being a trainer now, I still enjoy teaching my Zumba classes, which is great for cardio and lots of fun. I work out almost 5-6 times per week, and I enjoy my Sunday rest. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I never knew I was on a real weight loss journey, so I didn’t track it too often. I know I was sitting at nearly 300 lbs at my heaviest. I currently weigh 172 pounds. 

What is your height?
I am 5’10”. 

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I didn’t actively step into a gym until 2014. I became a Zumba instructor in 2015. 2015 was probably when I started slowly paying closer attention to my fitness journey, but I still had many challenges in terms of yo-yo dieting and consistency. In 2017, my habits began to change on the nutrition side, and I kicked my training up a notch. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, it was not. I haven’t had any surgeries. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Don’t expect perfection on this journey. Show yourself compassion when you fall. Seasons of inspiration and motivation can come and go but remember that you’re worth it. The relationship you develop with yourself will reveal more about you than what anybody else could tell you about yourself. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
You deserve transformation. You’re stronger than you think are. Don’t be afraid to keep starting over until you hit the mark. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Stay encouraged and focus on your race. There’s no right or wrong way of starting, and there’s no end, only growth. 

I can relate to other people’s weight loss journeys and failures because I weighed nearly 300 pounds. I relate to being a woman searching for something different, a woman who wants to do something different. 

I relate to you not wanting to live with health issues. I relate to you wanting to order clothes online without worrying if the clothes will actually fit. “Looking” your best doesn’t make you feel your best. Doing your best to create new healthier habits is the key. You can win, I promise.

Instagram: @iamjolisa
Business: @bodyprecepts – An all women’s fitness and coaching company

 

 

 

 

 

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Let’s be very clear. For those that want to be or do something great, especially in touching the lives of others, there is something that tries to attack your spirit, your emotions and your mind on a daily basis. It doesn’t let up because it knows why you’ve been put here. And to be honest y’all, most of the time I’d think it be easier just to give in. But there’s this knowing that overrides the noise in your most vulnerable moments to tell you “if there was some one, anywhere, or anything else I needed you to be I would’ve done it.” Be your own friend in these moments, encourage yourself. You need you. And that’s not from a conceited place, there’s someone inside of you that needs you to be you. Your own voice is the most important one you’ll ever hear. Fix your focus. Outfit: @curveitfitness

A post shared by Jolisa (@iamjolisa) on Oct 16, 2020 at 6:41pm PDT