Lisa lost 66 pounds

Update 2017: Over the course of one year, Lisa has released 94 pounds and gone from a size 24 to a size 8. For her, this journey has been about finding herself, letting go of limits, setting new goals and being in the best shape of her life.

You guys featured me back when I’d lost 60 pounds. I celebrated my one year fitaversary on May 16th, and I’m so excited to share that I’ve lost 94 lbs since I started the journey last may! 

I have tried everything. That has helped me to not get bored along the way. I want to keep things fresh and keep going. I learned what works with my body and what doesn’t. I started measuring, counting and weighing everything I ate, but I found a better balance and food freedom as the months went by. I started to study nutrition and what foods made my body react in various ways. I found that I feel better and have more optimal performance and energy when I follow a more Whole Foods, plant based diet. The most empowering experience along the way was that I was always “big” or the “fat sister.” I realized that I don’t have to be that. I can do anything and be anything I want to do or be!

This journey has really been about finding myself and setting new goals and not limiting myself. When I started, I just wanted to be at my pre-baby weight. I had no idea I would be where I am now. I wanted to be able to shop at regular stores. I never imagined that I would push myself to get into the best shape of my adult life. I’m healthier and smaller now at 32 years old than I was at 22, by far! I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to if I focus and make the decision to do so. This journey has turned into something so much bigger than just weight loss. It’s a metaphor how hard work and determination allows you to set new goals and not focus on what you thought you could be or do.

I continue to switch up my workouts and to push myself to do more every month. I went from a size 24 to an 8 in one year and I can’t wait to see what the next 365 days hold. I’m so grateful that I’ve adopted a lifestyle that is taking me toward a lifetime of health and fitness. My fitness instagram is: @sroufewellness

Transformation of the Day: Lisa lost 66 pounds. A number of factors contributed to her decision to release the weight, including significant weight gain after pregnancy and seeing the effects of years at a toxic, stressful job. Finding a passion for fitness has been a major game changer for her when it comes to getting results. Check out how she did it.

On May 16, 2016, I went to my younger sister’s college graduation in Atlanta and it was the 3rd occasion where I was mortified about how much weight I gained post pregnancy. I’d just been laid off from the most stressful, toxic job ever. During my time there, I gained 60 pounds in a year from all of the stress and dysfunction. Getting let go was actually the biggest blessing, because I got my peace and my joy back!

I left the graduation and immediately decided that night that I was going to turn my health around. I stepped on the scale and I was mortified to see the number. It scared me into putting in the effort.

I tried Beachbody programs, but the scale wasn’t moving because I was eating too much junk. I started off slowly by working out everyday and cutting portion sizes. I recently adopted a vegan lifestyle and my body feels so much better now that I’m not putting so many processed foods, meat products and dairy into my body.

I credit God and purchasing a Fitbit Blaze for my success. The Fitbit has helped by;

• Allowing me to participate in challenges with friends who are into fitness
• Helping me see how much movement I’m getting each day
• Letting me set a goal of reaching at least 10,000 steps
• knowing where my heart rate is

All of these things have helped me tremendously in understanding how I’m doing.

When I stared, I could barely even finish a walking workout. I worked my way up to trying to finish a Cize workout (a Beachbody program I ordered that was sitting on a shelf). I recently signed up for my first 5K. I work out about 6-7 days a week. I primarily do a kickboxing workout called TurboFire. It’s an older Beachboy program. I started out walking to Leslie Samson’s Walk Away the Pounds DVDs.

I’m proud to say that 66 pounds later, I’m on my way to a happier and healthier life. I’ve got an amazing new job and I’m getting my health on track. Size 24 was my clothing size when I started this journey in May, now I’m wearing a size 12.

I finally feel like my body is working at its optimum level! I have increased my strength and endurance with exercise. I can now complete workouts that used to tire me out in my living room. My favorite fitness quote is “Once you see results, it becomes an obsession!” I can’t wait to keep going and see where I am in 3 more months!

My advice for others looking to lose weight is to just start. Start where you are. If you make one step toward weight loss, the rest will follow. Also, remember why you started. I had a traumatic experience that made me take the leap of faith. If you believe in yourself, you are half way there.

I am currently studying to get my certification in personal training! I also started a weight loss collective called Sroufe Wellness in the hopes of leaving my career in marketing behind and going into fitness full time!

Instagram: @lisanthecultjam

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