Latoya lost 62 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Latoya lost 62 pounds and lots of inches. After years of caring for others and putting their needs first, she realized that she needed to make her health and wellbeing her top priority. By working with a trainer and committing to healthier eating habits, she has transformed.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I got to a point in my life where I realized that I was caring for others more than I cared for myself. I put the needs of my family and friends before my own needs. That’s what we do, right? I sacrificed a lot of years and a lot of happiness. I faced personal setbacks for a bunch of ungrateful people, and as a result, I became an emotional eater who would rely on food to make me happy.

My breakthrough came when I figured out that people will treat you how you allow them to treat you. So I decided to finally be selfish and take care of myself. So when my Stimmy Stim Stim came in, I spent some on it on a personal trainer, bought some equipment (jump rope, weights, and a mat) for the house, and cleaned out my pantry and refrigerator. I also dedicated time to working out. I didn’t put the needs of others over me taking the time for me this time! It was my time! 

When I wanted to give up, I reminded myself of why I started. When I began to see a difference in how my clothes fit, that motivated me even more. I have wanted to lose weight for such a long time, and now I am finally going to get it. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I’m a Type 2 Diabetic, so I already knew what foods were good for me and what foods were bad for me. I mainly eat low-carb (not no-carb), high protein, and high fiber foods. I don’t use the word diet or plan because these are lifestyle choices. I pick nutritious foods that I like to eat because I know I will stick with them. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I worked out with my trainer three times per week. She incorporated strength training/weights and core training with a cardio mix into my workouts. God sent me a trainer who wanted to see me get healthy and not just get my money. She was encouraging but also challenged me, which made me want to go harder.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My highest recorded weight was 250 pounds in 2014. My starting weight on this last go-around was 216 pounds. I currently weigh 188.6 pounds. I lost more inches than weight, and I am okay with that. 

I started working with my trainer on May 2, 2021, and my last day with her was October 16, 2021. In 5 months, I went from 40DD to 40D in bras, size 16 to size 12 in undies, from size 2X to size Medium in dresses, and lost 28 pounds. Weight loss from my highest weight is 62 pounds.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
For most of my adult life, I have been on the weight loss/weight gain rollercoaster, and I am 47 years old. When I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2014, I was scared straight for a while. However, I was not having complications that I could feel, no pain, no loss of vision, no numbness. So, I fell off track and continued the same eating patterns with no exercise. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned to celebrate the non-scale victories. They are what will keep you going. Your non-scale victory is what you decide it is. My most significant non-scale victory was being able to shop on the Junior side of my favorite clothing store instead of the Plus side of the store. I was totally shocked!

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Take photos and stay off the scale! Document your journey with pictures because the scale will betray you, and there will be times when you feel like all your efforts are not paying off. Your photos (front, back, each side) will show that you are losing inches versus weight. Also, don’t compare your journey with someone else’s. It’s not a race. That’s why it’s called a journey.

You will have to cook! Preparing meals will keep you on track. If you have a family, be prepared to eat separately from them. I have eaten salad while my family eats pizza and wings in my face. Deal with it. It’s your journey, not theirs.

Instagram: @big_baby_007