Joshlyn lost 52 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Joshlyn lost 52 pounds. This mother of three is a seasoned educator and has been a principal for ten years. By changing her lifestyle and working with her doctor, she significantly improved her health and no longer needs insulin.

Social Media:
Instagram: @joshlynann_

Hi, my name is Joshlyn C. I am a 54-year-old mother of three adult children. I have been an educator for 30 years and a principal for ten years. 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
In October 2022, during my three-month checkup, my A1C came back at 8.7. My blood pressure was out of control, and I constantly got sick. My immunity was shot. Since I work with kids all day, I am exposed to lots of kiddie germs. 

This was a major wake-up call for me because I had witnessed my mother struggle with diabetes and all the issues that came with it. I didn’t want to be on the sidelines watching my family enjoy life or, worse, experience an early death. 

My inspiration: Knowing that my quality of life depends on how well I take care of myself. I want to not only look good in my clothes but feel good in my body. 

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started this journey back in October 2022. I lost 20 lbs from October to December. In January, I switched doctors and the new Dr. prescribed Ozempic. It has been a slow process, but it has taken me ten months to lose 50+ pounds.

How did you change your eating habits? 
I changed my eating habits by making better food choices. I reduced the amount of processed carbs I ate and added more vegetables and fruits to my diet. My husband and I have started meal prepping. 

What is your workout routine? 
I initially started by just walking around my neighborhood. I’ve since added exercise videos and a stationary bike. My husband also bought an elliptical for me to use. 

How often did you work out?
I work out four times a week for 45 minutes each session. However, I make sure that I walk daily for 30 minutes. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 243 pounds. I currently weigh 191 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5’4″.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, it has not been.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
You have to be your own advocate and cheerleader. When my first doctor only wanted to change my insulin and add more blood pressure meds, I knew I had to find someone willing to help me change the course of my health. I needed preventive care. 

I’ve learned that we shouldn’t just take a doctor’s advice without doing our own research. I am no longer on insulin, and I dropped from three blood pressure meds to one.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
For me, losing weight has been a journey, not a race. I have good days and bad days, but I never give up. If I have an unhealthy meal, I ensure my next meal is healthy.