Transformation of the Day: LaToyia lost 70 pounds. She’d been plus size and proud her entire life. She developed high blood pressure at a young age and even experienced stroke level blood pressure a few years ago. Her doctor’s words and a look at her own chart eventually provided the wakeup call she needed. As a medical professional, she knew that it all starts with nutrition. Check out her journey.
My name is LaToyia. I’m 36 and single, with no children. I’ve been plus size all my life. I was a 9 pound baby. Regardless of my size, I’ve always had high self esteem and confidence. I was definitely a proud BBW.
I’ve also had high blood pressure since I was 18. By the time I was 34 years old, I was on 3 different medications for my blood pressure. One particular time I had to be sent to the hospital by ambulance from my job. My blood pressure was 219/111. They thought I was going to stroke out, but by his grace I didn’t. They gave me me Nitro 3 times and my blood pressure still hadn’t dropped. I’m very blessed to be here!
You would think that would’ve scared the fat out of me, but it didn’t. I continued to eat what I wanted and didn’t exercise at all. Just got bigger. At my highest weight of 263 pounds at 5’8″, my doctor looked me in my face and asked “Do you want to die before 40?” Looking over my lab work, I saw that my triglycerides were 500+. This scared me, because I’ve lost 3 family members over the last few years to heart attacks. I told him I would make a change starting that day.
I’ve been in the medical field for 15 years and I knew that changing the way I was eating had to be the first change. I contacted a nutritionist. I had to pay out of pocket because my insurance considered the visits “cosmetic “, which was weird to me. I would consider it preventive, because I’m trying to save my life! The nutritionist totally changed the way I was eating! I absolutely hated her, lol! She gave me a set amount of
calories, fats, carbs, etc… that I could consume daily. I was not to go above those set amounts.
I started with a 1200-1400 calories per day. My goals were 120 grams of carbs, 30 fat grams and 120 grams of protein. I logged my food intake into the free MyFitnessPal app. I stopped drinking sodas and some juices. I also stopped eating bread, fried foods and fast food. Occasionally, I would make my own fresh squeezed juices. I drank water literally 24/7. I had to learn to eat more and have small healthy snacks in between my meals. Boiled eggs are my go to, because they are easy to carry around in my purse. I also snack on power bars. I keep a can of peanuts on my desk at work.
I started going to Zumba 2 times a week. Before I knew it, I had dropped almost 30 pounds over a 5 month period. Once I started seeing progress, I was hooked! I went into beast mode and started utilizing the fitness center in my apartment complex. I did a mile on the treadmill 2-3x a week. Now, I do 2.5 miles on the treadmill, with up to a 7.0 incline at times. I’ve become addicted to working my core and my legs. I can now push 120 lbs with my legs and I started with 40lbs! I’m now working out 4-5 days a week and I’ve got my best friend on board as well!
I’m down 70 pounds total now at 193 lbs. My goal is 180 lbs. That goal is so close that I can touch it! I’m no longer on 3 blood pressure medications. In fact, I’m just taking one. It’s the lowest dosage and my doctor kept me on that for precautionary reasons. My blood pressure is perfect and I feel awesome! Overall, it took a year and 4 months of hard work to accomplish what I have so far. I haven’t really changed my diet going forward. I just allowed myself a little more on the calorie and carb side, because I’m working out more and focusing more on toning.
Don’t ever give up on your goal! If you fall off that wagon, chase it down and jump back on! You’re amazing! It doesn’t matter if you’ve lost 1 pounds or 200, it’s a victory for you! Keep pushing your goals are very reachable!
Instagram: @redbonebeauty13
Sharna says
You did an amazing job. This is my issue also. I have high blood pressure and I too am on 3 different meds. However, I believe if I can loose a considerable amount of weight, this will help me.
Continue the great work!
Shan says
Great job! Many blessings on your journey!