Lisa lost 55 pounds

Lisa lost 55 pounds. Over the years, she saw her body change, gained pounds and eventually developed high blood pressure. She didn’t want to be on blood pressure meds, but she also wanted to be a healthy, active example for her daughter. She took action with clean eating and exercise. Check out her journey.

My name is Lisa and I am 26 years old. Growing up, I was always small, weighing anywhere from 110-120 pounds. I knew that once I had my child in 2008, I would snap right back. That was NOT the case. I gained a total of 95 pounds during my pregnancy. After pregnancy, I lost most of it . A few months down the road, I noticed that I had put some of that weight back on but didn’t try to change my habits.

Fast forward a couple years to 2013. I was my heaviest at 200 pounds. I began to change my eating habits a little (no sodas, chips, more fruit, etc.) and I noticed I had lost a little weight (10 lbs) but not as much as I wanted. I got comfortable and slowly but surely I went back to my old habits and gained it all back. The end of 2014, I went for my annual exam and and I was weighed. I weighed 200 pounds and my blood pressure was extremely high, especially for my age and height (5’5″). My doctor told me that if I didn’t start losing weight I would have to be put on high blood pressure medicine. I knew right then at that very moment I had to CHANGE.

I began to do research on eating clean and exercising. I also bought a journal and began to write down everything I ate. I got a gym membership and decided it was time. On January 1st, 2015, I began my journey. It was hard but I maintained. My starting weight was 200 pounds and my goal weight was 145 pounds.

I weighed myself every Sunday and worked out 3-4 times a week for a hour and 30 minutes. Before I actually got in the gym, I would walk 30-45 minutes a day. Once I was comfortable enough to go in the gym, I would watch other people. When I got the hang of how things worked, I’d start with stretching, then cardio (walking, jogging, biking), then weight training (the easy stuff),
and finally a cool down. 30-60 minutes after my workout I’d have a protein shake.

I would eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. My day would look like this;

• Breakfast- Fresh fruit smoothie & toast or boiled eggs
• AM Snack- Plain Greek Yogurt w/ fruit & granola
• Lunch- Grilled Fish w/ Steamed Veggies & Brown Rice
• PM Snack- Carrots, Apple & Celery w/ Almond Butter
• Dinner- Grilled Chicken W/ Steamed Sweet Potato & Quinoa
• Post Workout- Protein Shake

I would make sure I was drinking at least 64 oz of water. I now drink more. I cut out everything that was BAD, sweets, chips, sodas, juices, alcohol, processed foods, fast foods, etc. I made sure I was taking all my natural vitamins and supplements. I switched my oils and began cooking with olive oil and coconut oil.

Working out wasn’t hard for me because once I got in the gym and got the hang of how to use the machines I sometimes didn’t want to leave. The eating part is what got me. So many people want to dive right in and change their habits (it can be done), but me, a person who had no clue, I started slow. I began swapping different items out. Instead of eating candy, I’d freeze grapes, instead of juices I’d drink fruit infused water.

I began to use the MyFitnessPal app to log my foods. I didn’t understand the whole calorie thing at first but I soon learned that in order to lose weight you have to feed your body good things, get moving and burn the calories you eat off. I also found people who were in the same boat and wanted to become healthier. We would have partner/group workouts. I’d have days where I would have a cheat meal, and once I met a weekly/monthly goal I would treat myself out.

It took me 9 months to reach my goal, which was 145. I lost a total of 55 pounds!! My daughter is what kept me motivated, I knew that I had to get and keep myself together in order to see her grow up. I now can run and play without being out of breath. When I go shopping, I no longer get upset in the dressing room. I look and feel amazing. I continue to maintain my weight by doing exactly
what I started doing. I realized this wasn’t just a diet, it was a total lifestyle change.

My number one tip to anyone wanting to lose weight, is to determine what you want,  look at the bigger picture and never give up. It can be done. Surround yourself with people who get it, people who want to see you at your best. Make a plan and stick to it. Don’t let your fear of being in the gym scare you. I used to be terrified until I realized that these people are all trying to reach one goal, and that is a healthier lifestyle.

Instagram: @lisamonay_