L. Denise lost 63 pounds

Transformation of the Day: L. Denise lost 63 pounds. She realized that her weight was a reflection of what she was fighting inside. She had to heal by letting go of emotional baggage and forgiving herself, along with eating clean and working out. Check out the steps she took to change her life.

I love the person I’ve become because I’ve fought hard to become her. However, this hasn’t always been my language. Today, I am finally living my best life ever! (Never thought I’d ever say that!) I believe that the first to apologize is the bravest, the first to forgive is the strongest and the first to forget it the happiest. What does that have to do with weight loss?

I am now living my life by this and this is why and where I began my weight loss journey. I am not in a hurry or rush, because what’s meant for me always arrives on time. It was the right time for a total transformation. I couldn’t have completed a weight loss program with the baggage I carried inside. At 242 pounds (height 4’11”), my weight was a reflection of what I was fighting inside. It was in that very moment I decided to first change the inside that I was able to allow change to take place on the outside.

I apologized to myself for hurting my body and neglecting my health, I forgave everyone who hurt me, and then let it all go. I remember as if it was today. I looked in the mirror and forgave myself for allowing my health to be my last priority. Then, I declared from that day forward I would treat my life, my body and my health with the upmost respect.

I took baby steps as not to get overwhelmed. I started by simply drinking water for a week and not drinking anything else. I accomplished that goal all while adjusting my diet. I cut out all junk foods and eating only fruits, veggies, healthy grains, chicken breast and salmon. I began to eat clean. I transformed my eating habits while beginning to exercise.

I started working out 5 days a week by walking, and walking and walking more. Soon, I began jogging. Oh, how I love to jog! With confidence and courage, I stormed in group fitness classes. I’ve now added resistance training 3 times a week, in addition to cardio exercises 2 times a week. To my surprise, I’m taking and loving spin class… something I dared not do in the past!

It has taken a little over a year to accomplish my weight loss of 63 pounds and I’m still working towards my final goal. I took and still take a lot of pictures at every stage. I’ve captured the good, the bad, the ugly by doing so. Comparing my pictures has been my motivation. I didn’t do it to be a certain size or have a certain look. I did it for me, to become a better me and
now to be the best me I can ever be, both INSIDE AND OUT! Is it hard? Yes. Does it hurt at times? Yes. Can you do it? Yes! And when you do, you will love it and love YOU!

My advice to others is to take baby steps. If you try to implement too many weight loss rules at once, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Keep a good food journal… whatever goes in your mouth also goes in your journal. Instead of comparing yourself to other people, stay inspired by
looking at pictures of you at *your* healthiest weight for inspiration and motivation. You are in competition with only yourself. Reward yourself for even the smallest victory, every victory is a closer step to reaching your goal. I wish you the best success!