Karen lost 48 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Karen lost 48 pounds. She wanted to live her best life and get off high blood pressure medication. With the help of a friend, she was able to reduce her sugar intake, change her eating habits and create a workout routine that works for her. Check out her journey.

I started this journey 4 1/2 years ago. I set out to be the best me I could be, physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I lost more than 40 pounds, and I’ve kept it off. I’m living my best life!

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was just that I wanted to be my best self. I also was on three high blood pressure medications when I got started and was desperately trying to get off of them. I’ve managed to reduce that number to one. I didn’t think about giving up as I had made my mind up that this is what I was going to do. I had to trust the process.

How did you change your eating habits?
I consulted with a friend of mine who is a trainer. He asked me to keep a log of what I ate for a week and then we went over it. After reviewing my lag, I saw that my biggest issue was SUGAR. I worked to reduce my intake of sugar, which was hard cause my body went through withdrawals for about a month and the headache was terrible. However, after making that change, other people started noticing my weight loss before it was visible to me. The friend I worked with also has a program called the J42 which consists of changing your eating habits in 42 days. It begins with a 10 day cleanse.

Tell us about your workout routine.
My workout routine consists of two days of weight training and three days of cardio, in whatever fashion. Sometimes, I’d walk the stairs at home ten times. Other times, I’d jump rope. I do weight training, but I usually work out four days a week as I have some old injuries that are sometimes agitated.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 244 pounds. I currently weigh 196 pounds, but no one ever believes that from looking at me. My height is 5’10”.

When did you start your journey and how long did your transformation take?
I began my journey in August 2014. It took about a year for my transformation, as I was committed to losing weight slowly and consistently.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that I can do anything if I put my mind to it and keep at it. Most importantly, there will be small setbacks, but you have to forgive yourself and start over the next day. For example, if I had a bad food day, I allow it. The next day, I get back to my plan which is to make better food/drink choices.

What advice would you like to share with people who want to release the weight?
Do it for yourself. Make up your mind and change your mindset. Don’t let yourself down and forgive yourself when you have setbacks. Most importantly, TRUST THE PROCESS!