LaTonya lost 59 pounds

Transformation of the Day: LaTonya lost 59 pounds. After seeing an unflattering photo, she decided it was time to focus on her health, which led to a pre-diabetes diagnosis. She transformed by committing to the process, changing her eating habits, and using her Peloton bike/Peloton programs for exercise.

Social Media:
Instagram @Majestic_Sistah
Peloton @FlyLaBell
FitOn @FlyLaBell 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?               
On October 22, 2022, I had a severe asthma attack because I walked around with pneumonia for three months and didn’t know I had it. My oxygen was so low the doctor said I most likely would’ve suffocated in my sleep if I hadn’t gone to the emergency care. My weight also played a part in my oxygen level being so low. 

On December 3, 2022, I went to a birthday party, and when I saw myself in a picture from the event (red shirt), I decided to once and for all make a lifestyle change to get my weight under control. I’ve never had any major illness, like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc. So I convinced myself I was “healthy fat, ” whatever that means. It turns out, after extensive bloodwork and other tests, I had reached pre-diabetes. 

For many years, my weight went up and down. I’ve tried every quick fast weight idea out there, but the weight always returned. I would only lose about 15-20 pounds. However, this journey has been completely different. 

As of today, I have lost a total of 59 pounds toward my goal. My weight loss goal isn’t a specific weight number. Instead, my goal is to be in a healthy BMI percentage. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I eat one main meal for dinner, 3-4 protein shakes during the day, and average about 2,000 or fewer calories a day. I still snack in moderation, but I increase my workout minutes on the snacking days. 

What is your workout routine? 
My Peloton Bike+! I also take advantage of the programs included with the Peloton app, Arms (Tunde Oyeneyin), Yoga (Chelsea Jackson Roberts), Strength (Adrian Williams), Core (Rebecca Kennedy), and Meditation (Ross Rayburn). Each day, I focus on a different body part; Arms, core, legs, full body, etc. I also meditate two times a day! (If you can, get the peloton guide that tracks movement progress during each workout.) I also use the FitOn and LoseIt apps. 

How often did you work out?
I work out days a week, but Sunday is my light day/lazy day. On Sundays, I only do a minimum of 30 minutes of something like a quick walk around the park. 

What was your starting weight?
213 pounds 

What is your current weight?
154 pounds as of this morning! My body fat went from 47.4% to 34.9%, visceral fat from 18-11, subcutaneous fat from 41%- 30%, and BMI 37%-27%.

What is your height?
5’2″

When did you start your journey?
December 7, 2023. 

How long did your transformation take?
Still transforming, but so far, I’m almost at four months. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? 
No, but I’m planning to do a tummy tuck and breast reduction surgery once I hit my BMI goal. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
CONSISTENCY! Also, read ingredient labels. Everything that says it’s healthy isn’t healthy for you! 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? 
Take your time. Find out YOUR why. (not your doctor’s, friends’, or social media’s why) 

Please schedule an appointment with your doctor and have an open, honest conversation with them. Ask to have all testing and bloodwork done. By doing this, I learned I was insulin resistant. I started eating foods that work for insulin-resistant people and taking daily vitamin supplements. If your PCP doesn’t listen to or address your weight loss concerns, find a new one! 

If you slip up and have a snack or two, so what….keep going. It will be hard ASF in the beginning, but start with 5 minutes today, 6 minutes tomorrow, and keep increasing the minutes daily when starting your exercise. If you have a “bad eating day”, so what. Increase the “good eating” on the following days. Just keep going. Also, take comparison/progress pictures.