Transformation of the Day: Kay lost 41.8 pounds. She is very happy to wake up without knee or back pain and she loves how she looks and feels. By joining Noom, practicing Intermittent Fasting, and making fitness a top priority, she has truly transformed.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation has been to look and feel better. The joy I feel waking up without back and/or knee pain…I wouldn’t trade it! It feels good when people see you and say, “You look good”! We say we don’t care about what other’s think, but to a certain point, we do (especially when your FB/IG crush notices you have been working out, lol).
My niece and nephew have also been my motivation. They see me walking/working out, and they join in. Sometimes, they start before me, and I join them. It motivates me to know that I helped instill in them to take the initiative in their own health/self-care.
How did you change your eating habits?
During quarantine, I ate whatever/whenever! I knew that food/nutrition would play a big part in losing weight, but crash dieting had failed me many times before. So I chose to use Noom to help me. I used it before and saw a bit of success with the free trial offer. So this time, I opted for a 12-month subscription. Noom allows you to enjoy all foods/drinks without restriction but teaches you why you choose different things to eat/drink.
Through these lessons, you learn your eating patterns/triggers. By bringing light to your reasoning for choosing certain things at certain times, you’re able to recognize what you’re doing and make an educated decision about your next consumption choice. As a child, I was shown the food groups but never taught a proper serving amount or even how to grocery shop. Noom teaches you measurement tactics and offers recipes with shopping lists. I also love Noom’s support system; you have your our goal specialist as well as a group of other Noomers on a weight loss journey with you. The chat is available 24/7 and has helped me immensely!
With Noom, I really didn’t give anything up; I still have Pepsi and cheesecake (my favorites), but I have it in moderation now instead of gorging daily. With Noom’s system, I’m better equipped to choose balanced meals without totally cutting out anything.
I also do intermittent fasting; the 16:8 method works best for me. I fast for 16 hours (8 pm until 12 pm), and I eat during the 8-hour window from (12 pm-8 pm). I work out during the fasting window (I usually work out around 10 am). If I have an event or gathering after 8 pm, I plan ahead to allow myself to enjoy my meal or drink (if eating is involved). It does take discipline, but the payoff is greater than the sacrifice!
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
My workout routine has definitely changed over the months. I went from having an extremely sedentary lifestyle to a very active one. My routine consists of walking, HIIT workouts, and strength training.
I work out five days a week (off days are set for Tuesdays and Fridays). I have a virtual membership with EFFECT Fitness based in Atlanta, GA, which allows me to access HIIT workouts through their On-Demand App feature. One of my goal rewards was to go to one of their live classes, and it was awesome in person!
I walk 3 miles daily, and I do strength training 2-3 days a week (I bought an adjustable weight/barbell set from Amazon). I also do challenges with my sister (she’s my accountability partner) each month (i.e., Squat challenge, push-ups challenge, etc.).
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
300.8 pounds was my starting weight, and 259.0 pounds is my current weight (-41.8lbs).
What is your height?
I’m 5’4″.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in March 2021. I remember looking in the mirror and not recognizing myself. I had gained a lot of weight during quarantine and knew something(s) had to change.
My transformation has taken eight months; the first 25 pounds came off relatively quickly, but I was at a plateau over the summer. The other 15 pounds slowly but steadily have come off. Even though I was at a plateau and the weight loss slowed down, I continued to lose inches (3 inches off my bust, natural waist, waist, and hips for a combined total of 12 inches).
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I have not had any weight loss surgery, but I do support those that have considered that path or have had any procedures done.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Support is necessary, and you must be able to pivot at times throughout your journey. Within your support system, you need love and care from your supporters. However, you also need supporters who will tell you the honest truth. They need to hold you accountable by congratulating you on a job well done and telling you to get back to work if you begin to fall off track.
Being able to pivot allows you to remain focused but not easily disappointed. You may not meet your step goal, or you may eat a few more calories than you should in a day. Pivoting allows you to recognize your slip-up but not lose focus of the big picture (your goal/your “why”).
You may also lose supporters/those who started the journey with you, making you pivot. Changes make people uncomfortable, and people may choose to no longer continue on the journey with you. Please do not take this personally. We are all on a journey and must continue to move through life. Understand that what’s best for you may not be what’s best for others. Wish them the best and let them go on their own path because you must keep moving on your path!
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Do it for you! You deserve to look and feel good about yourself. As women, we give so much of ourselves that there’s little to nothing left at the end of the day. So I encourage you to start your day by doing something for yourself. Whether it’s waking up an hour earlier to take time to just be or starting your day with some stretches and/or a workout. Take time for yourself first, then go about your day as best as you can to do/be there for others.
Instagram: @iamkaytay
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