LaChristin lost 31 pounds

Transformation of the Day: LaChristin lost 31 pounds and gained lots of lean muscle. After having children, the weight did not come off. She knew that she needed a mindset change to make it happen.

She lost her mother to Graves disease at a young age. The memory of her mother’s strength and commmitment to self care and family was a source of inspiration. Check how she achieved this awesome transformation.

What was your motivation?
My motivation stemmed from witnessing my mother pass away from complications of Graves disease when I was 8 years old. She was only 30, and appeared to have her whole life ahead of her. Although the disease was beyond her control, she always made it a point to take care of herself and her family. Her strength and determination serve as a constant reminder for me to be cognizant of the things that matter most and cherish my health. I want to be here for my family and make her proud. I made a commitment to myself that I would do what is necessary to achieve that goal (within the limits of my power).

What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
The thought of throwing away all of the hard work I’d put in to achieve my weight loss. All the hours I logged in at the gym and at home. I just couldn’t squander that away. Don’t get me wrong, I do fall off from time to time. Life happens. One thing I don’t do is give up. I’ll will myself back into the fight by looking at my before and after pictures. Then I give myself a honest pep talk.

How did you change your eating habits?
I grew up a very active child who never had issues with weight and ate whatever I wanted. This was the same attitude I brought into adulthood. After having children and gaining weight that didn’t fall off, I knew then I had to change my mindset.

I had no concept of portion control or what healthy eating looked like. I slowly started cutting back on sugar, white starchy foods and eating out. I began to educate myself on food labels, portion control, and healthier alternatives.

When I first started my journey in 2007, I used Weight Watchers online. It served as my food journal. The program was based on a point system. You were allotted a certain number per day based on your goals and activity level. When you entered in your daily meals the points were deducted. As long as you stayed within your points for the week you’d lose weight. I didn’t purchase there foods, because I didn’t want to become reliant on them. I wanted the plan to function with my lifestyle.

I lost 30 pounds using this tool combined with exercise over the course of 6 months. I cancelled my subscription and decided to try on my own using the knowledge I acquired. I lost 11 more pounds bringing my total weight loss to 41 lbs.

What did your workout routines look like?
Initially, I started working out at home to Jillian Michael’s DVD’s. I would workout early in the morning or late in the evening. A mat and light dumbbells was all that was required. After a few months of at home workouts, I started to do cardio at the gym. Then, I moved on to weight training at the gym under the guidance of a good friend of mine who was very knowledgeable in resistance training. I was well on my way to now chanting the shape of my body by adding muscle definition. I gained healthy muscle weight and a new found love for fitness.

I worked out 5 days a week. I would train different muscle groups on different days. For example. Monday, I’d work chest, triceps, and abs ending with 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity. In 2015, I competed in my first bikini bodybuilding competition at the age of 34. It required 5 months of intense training and dieting. I placed 1st place in novice and 2nd in open. It was an incredible experience. I learned so much about my body and fitness industry.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 181 lbs. My current weight is 150 lbs. My height is 5’4″.

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey in 2007. My weight loss transformation took 1 year.

My advice to those trying to lose weight?
1. Set small realistic goals for yourself. We often put pressure on ourselves to lose x amount of weight by a certain deadline. If we fail to meet it, it could be devastating to our progress. Weight loss is a lifetime commitment. It takes time.

2. Educate yourself. I read a ton of books, articles, and magazines on health and fitness. I would seek advice from personal trainers and nutritionist. I was eager to learn. Knowledge is power and the more you know the more confident you are.

3. Learn your body. I went through a lot of trail and error with food and exercise. As you age your needs and body change. I discovered I have several food sensitivities that were impeding my fitness goals. There is no a one size fits all plan.

4. Surround yourself with a positive support system. Support is vital to ones success.

5. Be patient and stay consistent. Even if you don’t see results right away. If you’re 100% committed to your plan the pay off will come.

6. Enjoy every phase of YOUR journey and celebrate your victories no matter how small. Doing so will allow you to appreciate all of your hard work once you’ve reached your goals.

Instagram: @fit_digitalcurls @lachristin.danyal