Kae lost 77 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Kae lost 77 pounds. She tried diets, fasts, and Lap-Band surgery, but nothing worked, until she shifted her thinking, learned to love herself, and created the healthy lifestyle her body needed to thrive. Check out how she took action.

Heaviest Weight: 280 lbs (2012)
Lap-Band Weight: 261 lbs (Dec 2013)
Total Most Weight Loss with Band: 40 lbs (4 years)
Lap Band Removal Weight: 255 lbs (Jul 2017)
Start of Natural Weight Loss Journey: 266 lbs (Feb 2018)
Current Weight: 189 lbs (May 2019)

After over a decade of obesity and health issues, I decided to get serious on the day that I realized I didn’t even love myself. How did I expect others to love me. That is when I began putting value into my life, because after all, “How you gon win if you ain’t right within?”

So, I drafted a routine that worked for me, including 5am morning meditation and cardio/HIIT in my living room. I encouraged myself through prayer, affirmations, and the excitement of what was to come. It has taken me 15 months to transform and lose 77 pounds.

What was your motivation?
My motivation came from wanting to be genuinely healthy and in shape. Weight loss is one thing that tends to move in and control everything if you let it. As a child and even more as an adult, I have been affected by the daunting feeling of exercising and dieting (ugh)! Let’s not talk about the insecurities and low self-esteem that made me feel like I was fat, unhealthy, and not worthy. This created a horrible perception of myself in my own eyes and the eyes of others. I’ve tried diets, fasts, and even weight loss surgery. Nothing worked, and it wasn’t until I shifted my thinking that I understood myself and truly learned what my body needed to be successful with this.

I also didn’t start this journey for just me alone. I did it so that God and the universe could use me at tip-top shape…literally…in whatever way needed and so that my generational curses could be broken. It’s bigger than you and me.

What inspires you to keep going, even when you feel like giving up?
When I want to stop, I think about my responsibility to care for others. There is always a place for me, and I need to be as prepared as possible for the opportunities that are in my path. I believe that we are all resources for one another, and it would be a disservice not to be able to perform at the top level because of something you can control. I continuously encourage myself through prayer, meditation, and excitement of what’s to come and what I’ll be able to accomplish. The results are guaranteed if you keep going! Take a break, but DO NOT STOP!

How did you change your eating and exercise habits?
It’s so important to view food as energy, not an enemy. I had to cut out things that I had an emotional attachment to like fried foods/soda because they made me sluggish and lazy. I embraced a whole lifestyle change by enjoying my meals because of the benefits and not the taste alone. I don’t drink any alcohol and water is my beverage choice 98% of the time. I love cooking and used that as a way to not get so discouraged during meals. I pretty much bake, grill, and saute my proteins and veggies. I replaced chips and cookies with fruits, nuts, and shakes.

I started my natural weight loss journey in February 2018 at 266 lbs with daily exercise, a few squats, and crunches because I didn’t know where to start. In March 2018, there was a challenge I saw on Instagram, and thought decided to give it a try. It was an online video program by Moe Flippen of 2nd to None Fitness that consisted of five 20 min workouts designed for any fitness level. The first month was ROUGH but I made it, and I’m still doing some of those videos today.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
My biggest lesson is that consistency and intentions are key. You have to hold yourself accountable for the results you want. No one can do it for you except you.

What advice would you like to share?
My advice is to treat yourself with the same love and respect that you treat the ones you love with. Be patient and kind with yourself on this journey. It will not happen overnight, but it will definitely happen if you DO NOT STOP. Enjoy the process and be proud of every step you take!

We all have a responsibility to care for one another, and the only way to do that is starting with you. Self Love is required to love selflessly. Be a blessing and be blessed.

Updated Instagram: @everkae