Lanitra lost 115 pounds

Update: Shout out to Lanitra! She has released 133 pounds, she can fit into one pant leg of her size 24 jeans and she no longer has to use her cane.

Letter to my cane: 2 years ago, I was relying on you to hold me up as I walked around. You take the pressure off my knee, but not off my mind. I made a decision to stop treating the symptoms and deal with the root of the problem. The power of choice is yours! In December 2017, I decided to take action.

I am standing here today in one pant leg of my size 24 jeans which I could not fasten before. I used to put a rubberband through the button whole and wrap it around the button so I could wear it. Now, I pose with my cane as a reminder of how far I have come! No longer do I need to lean on you for support.

I’m here today, 133 lbs lighter, 67 inches slimmer, and 37% less body fat healthier. Stop leaning on your crutches in life, get up and do something. I can walk, run, jump, crawl…whatever I want to do without my cane.

Cane, You went from a need to a prop!

I’m so grateful and I’m determined to go all the way to 150 lbs! I’m encouraged and motivated! It’s possible! It’s happening! It’s working for my good!

In March 2018, Lanitra shared with us how she lost 57 pounds. Since then, she’s released another 58 more pounds for a total of 115 pounds gone. Check out her updated story. 

I’ve gone from 344 pounds to 229 pounds. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come since I started my program at Body Wisdom Wellness with LA Graham 1 year ago. I’ve lost 115 pounds, 32% body fat, and 57.5 inches. I’m truly grateful.

What was your motivation?
My motivation is that I want to be at a healthy weight so I can conceive and carry my own children. The weight loss is preparing a way for me to achieve my goal. I watched Janelle, another weight loss warrior, lose a lot of weight, and I came in with a made up mind, determination, and focus.
What inspired you to keep going when you felt like giving up?

What inspired me when I wanted to give up was knowing that there are others before me who have successfully completed their journey. I knew that if they can do it, I can do it. I also wanted to be that example to others and let them know that it is possible. I didn’t know anyone that lost over 100 lbs naturally that I could ask questions about their journey. It has been remarkable to be able to share my journey with others to let them know what to expect and encourage them along the way.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by having an exact list of foods to avoid and foods allowed. I had to change my mindset about food and focus on what I can have vs. what I can’t have. Cooking my own meals helped out as well. Learning how to stick to the plan when I’m at a restaurant asking the facility staff to put some vegetables on the grill. I had to learn to stay focused on my goal and not what was surrounding me.

What did your workout routine consist of?
My workout routine consists of walking around my development for 60 minutes, three times per week. I also walk around campus, at the mall, and to the grocery store just to walk.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on 12/26/2017, and I achieved this 115-pound weight loss in one year.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I learned is to stick to the plan. Do not deviate! Don’t add too or take away. Why is it important to stick to the plan, following instructions without taking away something or adding to something? Often, I found my self wondering why I am not further along than what I expected to be. I had to stop and reevaluate myself to determine whether I was applying the knowledge that I have been given to my life. I want to experience life and not just exist in life.

I actively attend church and read the Bible that gives instructions and wisdom that contribute to my utilitarianism and virtue ethics theories. In the Bible, the book of Habakkuk 2: 2-3 it talks about writing the vision and make it plain. I wrote out my vision for myself: where I want to be, what I want out of life, what income I want to make, what weight will give me a better quality of life, what does this look like, etc. I gave myself permission to dream and follow the plan to guide me on the journey of life that I want and stick to it.

Also, you have to get rid of stinking thinking, which is negative self-talk. Learn how to reaffirm your self and be confident in who you are, and you will be successful! Trust and believe you can do it and that God will see you through! Once you get past 30 days, it becomes a lifestyle, and you are not gonna want to cheat yourself out of accomplishing your goal. It happened for me, and it can happen for you too! Discipline and consistency is the key! You can do it! It’s possible, and it’s happening!

I can literally fit my whole self in one pant leg of my pants I wore the day I started my journey 1 year ago. I’ve gone from a size 26/28 to 12/14 naturally, no surgery!

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
My advice to others: You can do it! No matter how many pounds you want to lose, you can do it! And you will, as long as you follow the instructions, stick to the plan, stay positive, encourage your self and surround yourself with positive energy!

Psalms 37:4 – Delight thyself also into the Lord; he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Stick to the plan! Write it, speak it, believe it. It’s possible. It’s happening. My dreams are becoming my reality, and it can be your reality too!

Instagram: @nitratellem
Facebook: Lanitra Shentelle