Joy lost 12 pounds and has gone from a size 16 to a size 12. This Hampton University student felt that she was gaining and losing the same 10 lbs over and over. Last year, she was diagnosed with PCOS and she decided to restart her weight release journey. She learned that the scale isn’t the only way to track progress and that this journey is mental, physical and emotional. Check out what she shared with us.
My name is Joy and I’m a second year Physical Therapy student at Hampton University. I’ve
struggled with my weight since undergrad. I’ve been gaining and losing the same ten pounds over and over again. Last year, I was diagnosed with PCOS, which gave me some insight into why I was struggling with my weight so much. I finally decided to get serious about my weight loss journey last year. 3 months ago, I created an Instagram fitness page, @dangerously_fitt, to highlight my journey and give some tips from a physical therapist’s perspective. Although I haven’t lost that many pounds, I’ve watched my body transform and I’ve lost a pant size. I finally feel like I’m on a lifestyle journey and not pursuing a temporary fix.
How did you change your eating habits?
I started changing my eating habits initially by logging everything I ate into My Fitness Pal and measuring/weighing EVERYTHING. It gave me a clear picture of how I was currently eating and helped me tweak my habits from there. It really opened my eyes, because sometimes we don’t know how many calories we are actually eating or what one portion is.
From there, I started to incorporate more protein, healthy fats and complex carbs into my diet. I also try to drink 64+ oz of water each day to stay hydrated. I keep unhealthy foods out of my house as much as possible, because if I’m craving something I have to ask myself if I really want to leave my house to get it… lol. I always read the food labels and try to cook at home as much as possible.
What did your workout routine look like?
I normally workout 3-4 times a week for an hour. I usually start off with a bit of cardio for 15-20 minutes, and then I weight train. If I’m doing upper body, I will do a longer cardio session, or do something to keep my heart rate up between sets. I try to incorporate compound movements and supersets as much as possible to keep my heart rate up. I usually stick to a pretty simple workout routine, but will add 1-2 exercises I see on Instagram or Pinterest to keep it fresh. I love to lift heavy and I use my Fitbit to track calories burned.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My highest weight was 225 pounds and I currently weigh 213 pounds. I have gone from a size 16 pants to a size 12 in about a year. I am 5’4″.
When did you start your journey?
I’ve been on a fitness journey off and on since 2012, but I got serious in January 2017.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned that my fitness journey is physical, mental and emotional. I’ve grown so much this year in all aspects of my life. Now, being healthy is more than just aesthetics to me. It makes me feel confident and keeps me sane. I’m a different person when I don’t workout. I’ve also learned that the scale isn’t everything! If I went by my scale and didn’t take pictures, I would have given up a long time ago! The scale isn’t moving, but my body is shifting before my eyes.
What advice do you have for other women who want to lose weight?
1) Weight loss is not a one size fits all deal. Do your own research and try new things until you find something that you can stick with… something that gives you the results you want. For me, that’s lots of full body lifting, moderate cardio and 80/20 eating. That may not work for you and that’s
okay.
2) Slow and steady wins the race. Take this from the girl who has gained and lost the same ten pounds for who knows how long. Continue to make small changes to your lifestyle and before you know it, it will be second nature.
3) Have a good support system. Whether that’s your friends or the IG/Facebook fitness community. It really helps to see men and women killing it! Creating my Instagram page has helped keep me motivated and accountable.
Comment Via Facebook