Joy lost 100 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Joy lost 100 pounds. After 4 pregnancies, this woman of faith saw her weight grow and grow. She became less and less social, avoiding family events and seeing friends. Missing the funeral of a dear friend and getting a wakeup call from her doctor, led her to fasting, changing her eating habits and working out. Now, she’s a health and wellness coach helping others to thrive. Check out what she shared with us.

After having my first child, I began gaining weight fast and I continued to gain throughout my other 3 pregnancies. I started losing weight after each child but I would gain the weight right back because of a lack of commitment. Everything I ate seemed to show up on my body instantly. I was so frustrated and depressed about being overweight. I would hide as much as I could. I would only go to work, church and to the grocery store. I would not go out to see family and friends. I would not buy any new clothes because I couldn’t stand the disappointment of looking at myself in the mirror. I was more of a stay at home mom, and after a while I began working overnights which caused me to eat throughout the night as well. I would eat pizza, a whole bags of potato chips and chinese food daily, then I would watch myself swell up.

Once I reached 220 pounds, I began having aches and pain in my joints. I started getting leg cramps, which made it hard for me to sleep at night. Once I reached 243 pounds, I could barely set down in the seats at church I was so overweight. I could not bend over and tie my shoe. At my yearly doctors visit, I was told that I was a borderline for a thyroid issue. He also told me I needed to lose weight because I was obese. Though I agreed with him, I did nothing to change my current state. I continued to be stressed and depressed.

In January 2013, a friend of mine died and I was invited to the funeral, but I was so embarrassed of my weight that I didn’t go. Not paying my respects really disturbed me. I cried to God so hard and asked Him to help me lose weight because it was affecting every area of my life. At that moment, I determined in my mind to go on a 21 day fast where I would eat only vegetables and drink water. I also determined to walk at least two miles a day to start. After a week of eating salads and soups, drinking water and walking 2 miles a day, I felt myself getting stronger. So, I started walking 2 miles twice a day. I already had a gym membership prior to making a decision to lose weight and now I was ready to utilize it.

I began going to the gym twice a day, walking around the indoor track and getting on the elliptical machines. I added fruit to my diet and in 3 months I lost 70 pounds. My family and friends and people at the gym were so surprised and impressed. I continued to work hard and eat healthy and eventually I lost 100 in less than a year. I drink smoothies and I juice as well as having vegetable soups, salads and veggie omelets. I eat protein bars, drink water and have no calorie beverages such as sparking water or tea packets with water. I love to drink herbal tea as well. I eat personal pan pizza with veggies periodically and fat free chips or 40% less fat Kettle cooked chips. I also eat Veggie Delight on flat bread.

My current weight is 144 pounds (height: 5’5”). My total transformation took about 9 months. I am now 43 years old and a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. I love to help others reach their health goals. I am no longer depressed, lethargic or tired all the time, but I’m full of joy, energy and purpose.

My advice for other that want to lose weight is to pray and ask God for strength. Focus and, most of  all, have patience with yourself. I would tell them to set goals, write them down and make confessions daily of their health. I would also tell them to embrace the process, because it’s in the process in which you learn who you are and how your body operates. You’ll learn what’s good for you to eat, what makes your emotions trigger and why you behave the way you do. Embrace what you need to embrace and eliminate what needs to be eliminated and repeat.

Instagram: @joy.k.blair
www.joykblair.com