Tranformation of the Day: Kinyonna lost 67 pounds. A photo taken at church gave her a wakeup call. She was shocked at how much weight she’d gained. Releasing the weight not only required new eating and exercise habits, but she had to learn how to love her body. Check out her journey.
What was your motivation?
My initial motivation was seeing a picture that someone snapped of me at church. I was in shock at how big I had gotten. I really didn’t notice the extra weight until I saw that picture. I decided that I want to live a long life, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to at the size I was.
How did you change your eating habits? What did your workout routine look like?
I’m from the south, so I grew up eating carbs, carbs and more carbs. I initially started by cutting out all sodas, juice and fried foods. I would go to the gym and walk on the treadmill for however long I was able to. As the weight started coming off, it motivated me to keep going and push myself harder. Eventually, I was working out 5 to 6 times a day and I completely turned my diet around.
What was your starting weight and what is your current weight?
I’m honestly not sure what my starting weight was because I didn’t own a scale. However, my highest known weight was 335 pounds. I was able to get down to 223 pounds. Then, I moved to a new place and gained about 80 pounds back as a result. Now, I’ve lost 35 pounds since starting my journey over again. My current weight is 267 pounds and I’m 5’7.
How long did your transformation take?
I have been on this journey for 5 years. I have had many highs and lows, but I’ve finally learned how to love my body enough to want to make this journey a lifestyle. Initially, I just wanted to look better and got a high from seeing my body transform.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that mental and physical health goes hand and hand. I feel so much better when I’m eating healthy and moving my body. I was able to lose my first 100 lbs in a little over a year. This time around I’m taking things slowly and learning to simply LIVE healthy.
What advice would you share with people who want to lose weight?
The one thing I tell others is that this is a journey. You have to learn to LOVE yourself. If you don’t like yourself now, you won’t like yourself when you are smaller. Deal with the psychological issues that trigger you to use food for comfort. Learn to eat to live instead of living to eat. It’s just food and it’s not going anywhere. You don’t always have to indulge just because something is in front of you.
Instagram: @naturallyme26
Doreen says
I want to lose weight