Lakeyta lost 60 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Lakeyta lost 60 pounds. After her daughter’s father passed in 2020, she knew that she had to make health a priority. By transitioning to a plant-based diet and working out at home six days a week, she is keeping her commitment and reaching her goals. 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My name is Lakeyta J, and my motivation is my daughter. She lost her dad in Aug 2020 due to health issues, and it made me think that I’m all she has now. 

What’s keeping me going even when it’s hard is knowing that my daughter needs me here and that if I don’t take care of my health, she could be left in this cold world all alone. It also makes me feel good knowing I’m making the best choices for my health and future. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I started making small changes in May 2021, like trying to eat smaller portions. I ate chicken and turkey products, but I was still eating everything I liked and drinking my favorite drink (which was Pepsi).  

In November 2021, I got sick with Covid and was quarantined for ten days, so all I did was watch TV. I stumbled upon a documentary named “What the Health.” It scared me and made me think about what I was putting into my body. So on November 5, 2021, I went cold turkey. I stopped all meat and dairy and went Vegan. I now consume a lot of fruits and vegetables, and I prepare about 80% of my food. I also indulge in some Vegan “junk food” 1-2 times a week. 

I do eat bread and potatoes, but I choose healthier options. I also cut out all pops and juice. The majority of what I drink is water. If I have juice, I make it at home from fresh fruits. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How many days a week did you work out?November 17, 2021, was the first day that I “moved.” I don’t like the word exercise, lol. But, I told myself if I wanted to be the best version of myself, I had to move. So I started to move every morning with an 11 min warm-up video on YouTube. Then I do 25 minutes on my treadmill (that I’ve had for years, lol). So, I “moved” six days a week, and I rest on Sundays. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 308 pounds (November 2020), and my current weight is 248 pounds (weighed January 10, 2022).

What is your height?
I’m 5ft, 6 inches tall.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I would say this is about nine months’ worth of progress and definitely not perfection. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I didn’t have any surgeries just started to give my body the foods it deserves.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is to stop believing what my mind says. My mind told me I couldn’t be a healthier me for years, and I believed it. I now believe that I can. My faith has grown tremendously, and my mind is becoming stronger with prayer. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice to other women would be to shift your mindset and believe in yourself. I tell myself DAILY to quiet those thoughts and keep moving. It all starts with our thinking. 

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