Update Dec 2017: “2017 was just the warm up. 2018 is MINE”
Transformation of the Day: Keptah lost 64 pounds. This educator’s love of children and desire to be a healthy example for them motivated her to change her life. She got the support and knowledge she needed by joining Weight Watchers. Over the years, she’s figured out what works for her, including HIIT workouts and keeping a log of her meals. Check out her transformation story.
My name is Keptah and I am an educator. All my life, I have wanted to work with kids and to make a difference for students who look like me. Growing up, I was always chubby or “plus”, but I never let that stand in the way of my goals and truly embraced being different from my peers.
My decision to finally commit to losing weight occured when I came home to New York for a holiday visit. During my first year of teaching, I reached my heaviest weight. I weighed 274 pounds, but I couldn’t “see” it. I overheard my mother sharing with my father that I gained so much weight that she didn’t believe that I would be able to conceive a child. That crushed me. As someone who has dedicated her life to working with children, I’ve always wanted my own. That is when I decided I needed to do something. That was my wake up moment. I joined Weight Watchers the following week.
What kept you going during the rough times?
Whenever I wanted to give up, I would look to my students, I would look at where I started, and I’d look where others (who had similar journeys) had started. I had set in my mind that healthy was possible and that I would be role model to the children I had the privilege of working with. I would think of the number 274.8 and say to myself, “Never again.”
How did you change your eating habits?
I had heard so many successful stories about people who used Weight Watchers. It seemed manageable and sustainable. I didn’t want another diet. I wanted a way of approaching eating habits and good health. I also craved the support I knew would come in the WW meetings. Once I joined the program, I began to reduce my intake on rice, bread and pasta. I looked up and created alternative recipes for some of my favorite dishes. I also increased my fruit and vegetable intake. I would track EVERY SINGLE THING I consumed. Being able to see my eating habits and holding myself accountable in that way made all
the difference.
What did your workout routines look like?
I knew that in order for me to maintain the active lifestyle I wanted, I would have to find something I loved. I love to dance. I discovered Zumba and I take 7 classes a week. In addition, I take two High Intensity Interval Training courses as well. I jog on the treadmill once a week and rest at least 1 day a week: usually on Fridays.
Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 274.8 pounds. I currently weigh 210 pounds… on my way to One-derland. I am 5’8″.
How long did your transformation take?
My journey had many ups and downs. It was a learning process. I have been extremely patient with myself and have learned many things through trial and error. I began Weight Watchers in January 2013 and lost 20 lbs. In August 2016, I began to take all the lessons that I learned and set serious goals. From August 2016 to January 2017, I was able to lose 44 lbs.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Be patient and forgive yourself. Weight loss is truly a learning process. People do not wake up and gain weight. That takes time, so too will weight loss. I have been on so many fad diets, and nothing has stuck. Learning about food, learning about my body and learning about what I am capable of has been what has made the difference. I am confident that I will continue to meet my goals and I am excited to continue to learn.
Instagram: @Strength.in.struggle
shondell says
Beautiful testament & Wonderful progress-Keep up the great work!