LaKeya lost 110 pounds

Transformation of the Day: LaKeya lost 110 pounds. Her wake up call came when her doctor told her that she needed a double knee replacement, but that she was too young to have the surgery. He suggested that she lose weight instead. Intermittent fasting, a Ketogenic lifestyle and exercise are the tools she used to change her life. Check out her journey.

From my teen years until now, I’ve always struggled with my weight. I never felt good enough and hated what I saw when I looked in the mirror. I’ve tried so many different diets. From 6 meals a day to starvation… all combined with failures, struggles and disappointments along the way. I knew I had to change my life, so I turned to God to lead me on this path to great health.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My doctor told me 2 years ago that I needed a double knee replacement. He said that the only reason why he wouldn’t perform the surgery at that moment, was because I was too young. He told me to lose weight and see what happens. It was hard finding the right lifestyle for me, but my son is the reason I didn’t give up. I knew he needed me to be healthy and happy so that he could have a happy and healthy life as well.

How did you change your eating habits?
In the beginning of my journey, I tried to do 3 meals a day with 2 snacks and cheat days on the weekend. That did not go very well. I lost weight very slowly. I lost 40 pounds in a year. That may seem great to most, but not me. With my height and weight, I should’ve lost much more. Cheating is never a good thing for me.

I decided to try a Ketogenic lifestyle with intermittent fasting. I have lost 70 pounds since starting. With Intermittent Fasting, I fast for 16-18 hours (including sleep) and eat for 6-8 hours. I do not eat breakfast. I start eating at 12PM and have dinner by 6 or 8PM. No snacking.

What did your workout routine look like?
I work out 5 days a week. I do heavy weight lifting as well as Cardio. I also do Yoga 2 days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 360 pounds. My current weight is 250 pounds. I am 6’3″, which has always been a problem when it comes to weight loss. Reason being, I never look as heavy as I really am. Thus, I didn’t notice that I was heading towards 400 pounds. I am not done and have a ways to go, but I am blessed to have the tools to get me to my goals.

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey 2 years ago. I started my Ketogenic lifestyle a year ago in May 2017. I have not had weight loss surgery. Once I reach my goal, I would like to have excess skin removal surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Is that I have to be my own motivational support system. Losing weight is not always a joyful experience. You can lose friends, family or even your spouse. I learned to push myself, rely on myself and reward myself. So when or if I lost anyone and if no one supported my change, I still had me. I no longer have knee pain. I did my first 5K and I’m running on my treadmill a few times a week. All because I relied on me to support and motivate me.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Research, research and research more. You have to find what works for you. I went through so much to get where I am. My lifestyle may not work for someone else just like all the other diets I tried did not work for me. Learning to lose weight for your body type is trial and error. Never rely on someone else’s progress to determine your success. We are made differently. So set realistic goals for yourself and never give up.

Instagram: @Shrinkingketobeauty