Lisa lost 37+ pounds

Transformation of the Day: Lisa lost 37+ pounds. After being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and having two strokes, she had to figure out what works for her when it comes to nutrition and exercise. She shared with us how she’s taken action to change her life since 2012.

My journey started when I found out I was a Type 2 Diabetic. (I also have high blood pressure) I was exercising before the diabetes diagnosis but had a stroke in 2013 and another in 2019. It was scary as heck. I gained some weight and wasn’t working out. So I took my medication, changed my diet, and exercised.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was knowing I was overweight. I also got tired of my clothing sizes going up and up. 

What kept me going was knowing where I could be as far as my weight was concerned. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I didn’t know much before I started changing my diet. However, My food choices didn’t change much because I already ate healthy. I don’t follow a specific plan or program. I was in the military before, so I picked up on healthy habits. 

The weight began to come off, but I decided to eat ten times healthier after I got sick. 

No meat (except fish), no bread, no pasta, no sweets, no sodas, or dairy. I just eat/drink fruits, veggies, fish, oat milk, water, fresh fruit juice, etc. I admit that I have my cheat days but what I eat on those days is still limited. My intake of sugar and sodium is carefully monitored. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I worked out every day, even at work. I worked at a university and got to work early. So I would run around the campus 2 1/2 miles (I’m doing 1 mile now). I also did weight lifting, sit-ups, push-ups, squats, and stretching at home. 

Now, I still run and do sit-ups, female push-ups, squats, and weights. I changed because of my two strokes and my living environment. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Back in 2012, I weighed 183 pounds. In 2015, I was 144 pounds. I gained some of it back when I was in Colorado. I moved back here, and I was 167 pounds. 

Then I had another stroke which really changed me. My left side is weak, but I’m making it strong. My current weight is 130 pounds. 

What is your height?
I’m on 5’3″. I’m short, so I had to lose the weight. 

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started back in 2012. It’s a continuous process with speed bumps. 

Back then, it took one year to see results. More recently, It’s taken a few years to get to where I am now because I had a pause due to having a stroke.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No surgeries. Just a lot of sweat, pain, and diet.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson is eating healthier and exercising has their advantages. It’s not just for cosmetic reasons but survival.