Weight Loss Transformation: Joyce lost 24 pounds and gained lots of lean muscle. She was diagnosed with moderate to severe Mitral Valve Regurgitation, and at 40 years old she was encouraged to have a valve replacement. She made the decision to heal her body with healthy eating and exercise. Now, she is helping others to lose the pounds. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.
My name is Joyce Bell, LPN. I am a single grandmother and I’ve been a nurse for 15 years. I was diagnosed at the age of 37 with moderate to severe Mitral Valve Regurgitation. Then, I was told at the age of 40 that it was imperative to replace my valve. After making the decision not to have surgery, I started on a journey of making better food choices.
I started eating leaner meats, more fruit and cut back on starches. Because of my cardiac condition, I was not able to do strenuous exercise, so I resorted to low impact, cardio activity. In March of 2014, I was introduced to a health and wellness company and began using their products. In 4 days, I knew I was on to something. I had so much energy everyday and committed the 16 week challenge. I had been following another lady who was using the products, saw her transformation and became inspired to follow through and see what results would happy for me.
I began working out 4 days a week and 2 times day, using the machines in the gym and alternating between lighting weights and cardio workouts. Gradually, I became comfortable with using the equipment in the gym and began to add weights and increase my reps. I would super set; Back /Bi, Chest/tricept, shoulders/arms, etc. I also joined crossfit for 2 months and pushed my body in ways I could never have dreamed of.
Eating Habits: I used the 30 day energy and performance system with a cellular cleanse shake in morning. I had a sensible lunch, like a salad or tuna or chicken wrap and 1 shake for dinner. My cravings for salty and sugary things subsided. I stopped eating bread, pasta and dairy. I also reduced my alcohol intake to 1 glass of red wine per week. After 60 days, I began eating meals every 2-3 hrs to boost metabolism. I ate lean meats, like chicken turkey salmon, good carbs, like yams and oatmeal and lots of veggies. It was so worth it.
I started at a weight of 158 pounds and 5″4. I went from a size 12 to 4 and I’m still reducing in size. At the end of 16 weeks, I weighed 134 pounds. I began bodybuilding and did my first fitness competition on October 3, 2015 and I plan to continue to compete. I accomplished my results without surgery and would advise anyone to try what I did first and use surgery as a last resort. My goal is to bring an awareness to everyone, particularly the black women of the world, that we can be fit, fine and fabulous and healthy without the “junk in the trunk” look.
Website: InspiredBodybyBell.com
Instagram: @inspiredbodybybell_llc
Facebook: InspiredBodybyBell
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