Update Jan 2017: “Slow and steady wins the race! 661 days later, 105 pounds lost and wearing a Calvin Klein Dress, size Small. I am still being transformed! My transformation has been from the inside-out and has taken time. There have been many struggles spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically, but I am staying the course because I know that I am being changed for the rest of my life. I pray that you find encouragement for your journey. Don’t be discouraged by how long it takes. Be encouraged that you have made the commitment and are taking one step, one day at a time! Keep Believing! Keep Dreaming! Keep Moving Forward!”
Dec 2016: LaKisha has lost a total of 102.6 pounds. That’s 19.6 more pounds since the end of August. “There is NOTHING impossible with God! With God’s guidance and strength, I have lost 102.6 lbs! I give Him ALL the glory for the transformation He has done in my life. In April 2015, it was difficult to see HOW I would be able to achieve this goal. But I knew that if I continued to trust God daily to help heal my pain so that I could make healthier choices, I would be transformed. 599 days later, I did it! Be encouraged, ladies! One day, one step at a time!”
Aug 2016: Transformation of the Day: LaKisha lost 83 pounds. I learned about her powerful story when she shared with us in our Facebook private group. She said, “I knew that my weight loss issues were rooted in pain, rejection, fear, lack of faith, low self-esteem, etc. I had to allow God to heal those wounds in order for me to change my mindset…” She’s got some powerful wisdom to share with us about how she released the weight.
What was your motivation?
I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Depression, defeat, discouragement, disappointment and denial were all on repeat. I was suffocating with hopelessness. After struggling with traditional weight loss methods, I finally surrendered to God to connect my faith with my fitness. I knew that my weight loss issues were rooted in pain, rejection, fear, lack of faith, low self-esteem, etc. I had to allow God to heal those wounds in order for me to change my mindset towards food, exercise and healthy living. I had to change my mindset in order to walk in my freedom!
When I want to give up, I’m reminded that this is a lifestyle change. This is a process where I’m being transformed day by day. Who I am becoming in the process is greater than the pounds being lost. I am becoming free in order to help others become free. This helps me to keep moving forward one day at a time, one step at a time.
How did you change your eating habits?
God has helped me to see the importance in tracking my meals and reading nutrition labels. I really had no clue about portion/serving sizes and overall nutrition. I was an emotional eater. I also felt like I deserved to eat whatever/whenever I wanted to. Now, I’m more mindful of my meals. I use My Fitness Pal to track my meals, water intake and exercise. I drink mostly water now because of the lack of nutritional value in juice and soda. I don’t want to drink my calories!
I prepare more of my meals at home instead of eating processed/package foods. I love Pinterest! I’ve been able to find healthier alternatives for some of my favorite foods that still provide the same satisfaction. Crispy baked wings instead of deep fried wings. Healthy mocha brownies (made with black beans) instead of regular brownies. It’s been a trial and error process. I’m not perfect and I don’t focus on deprivation or extreme restrictions. I’m still trying to find what works best so that I can achieve the results I’m seeking, to burn fat and become more toned. I know that I’m on this journey for the long haul. I’ll keep trying until I figure it out.
What did your workout routines look like?
I knew that I had to work out at home in order to be successful on my journey. I’m a stay at home mom and scheduling workouts at a gym were going to be an issue. At home, I’d only have to answer to myself in order to get these workouts done. So I started my exercise with walking in my neighborhood. For 40 days, I walked or completed a Zumba workout. After those 40 days, I built courage to try and complete BWLW’s July Jumpstart Challenge. I started with what I could do and then gradually built my endurance/strength to complete more rounds. I even completed the BWLW’s August Write it Down, Work it Out Challenge. These workouts showed me that I am stronger than I think. I was able to branch out and try other strength/body weight workout routines 5- 6 times a week. I faced my fears and tried different 21-day and 30-day Ab and Arm challenges. I also completed my first 5K!
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 280 pounds My current weight (as of July 31, 2016) is 197 pounds. My height is 5’4”.
How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on April 20, 2015. As of July 31, 2016, it’s been 467 days (15 months) and counting.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
If you’re struggling with traditional weight loss methods, dig deeper. Your weight loss issues may be rooted in something more than just food and exercise habits. Ask God to help you determine WHY you are making these unhealthy choices so that He can transform you from the inside-out. Be kind to yourself on this journey. Learn to love yourself now because you are already fearfully and wonderfully made. Allow this love to help you receive God’s love to surrender to His process. Then you can trust Him daily for the results, even when they’re not what you can see or expect. There IS hope! Slow and steady wins the race!
Blog: www.sharemyworldshow.com
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Periscope: www.periscope.tv/LaKishaRiddick
Ann says
Love this story! You look great, LaKisha. Congratulations on your weight loss. Through God, I know your story will help others.
LaKisha Riddick says
Thank you Ann! I do pray that others seeking success on their journey will find hope in God too! Thanks for following my journey!
De Bolton says
Every time I see your post I can’t help but smile. You have walked us through this amazing transformation (inside) and to see it manifested onto the outside is absolutely amazing! Thank you for being candid and transparent with your journey.
LaKisha Riddick says
Thanks De!!! I am grateful that God is guiding me every step of the way. I am truly being transformed from the inside-out!