Kini lost 57 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Kini lost 57 pounds. She lost a number of family members to diabetes. Being diagnosed with pre-diabetes motivated her to adopt a low carb/paleo lifestyle and get active. Check out what she shared with us about her transformation.

What was your motivation? What kept you going during the tough times?
I’ve lost a lot of family members to untimely, diabetes related deaths. I found out in October that I was pre-diabetic. My doctor told me that I needed to lose 100 pounds. She thought gastric bypass surgery was the only viable option, but I disagreed. During the tough times, I always thought about the family menbers I’ve lost and that kept me going.

How did you change your eating habits to go low carb?
I adapted to a low carb/sugar free lifestyle. In the beginning, I was shocked that I wasn’t really eating low carb. I really thought that I was, until I really looked at my diet. I went on a strict ketogenic diet for about 4 weeks, and then slowly transitioned to mostly paleo (I do eat dairy in moderation.) I stopped drinking any cocktails, other than a mix of liquor and diet soda, and I have red wine on occasion. I stopped eating fast food all together and cook my meals 80% of the time, but I still eat out from time to time.

I started eating a lot of low carb alternatives. I always have sugar free candy in the house and usually some low carb cookies or cake around. I rarely eat those sweet treats, but having them around makes it easy to make better choices.

How often did you workout?
I work out 4 times a week, doing dance aerobics, running and biking. I try to mix it up so I don’t get bored.

Starting weight/Current weight
I started in a size 24 and now I’m a size 16. I’ve gone from 296 pounds to 239 pounds, and I’m working on losing another 50 pounds. My height is 5’3″. I’m super proud of my progress thus far.

How long did your journey take?
I stated this journey in October 2016, about 9 months ago, but it’s been a life long battle of ups and downs. This time, I feel like I’ve truly made a lifestyle change.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
My advice: Change your lifestyle. Find fun activities that burn calories and stay as active as possible, even at social engagements. I’m far more likely to go on a bike ride with friends than go sit in a movie theater. Also, don’t be ashamed to tell your friends and family that you don’t want to go to restaurant, or to dinner, because you are working to change your life. They will usually understand.