Meagen lost 74 pounds. She didn’t let depression or stress eating stop her. She embraced vegetarianism, worked out consistently, and found motivation in other people’s success stories. Check out her journey.
My name is Meagen. I am 28 years old, and I’m from Detroit, MI. I began my weight loss journey in February 2017, when I reached 289 pounds. ( I am 5’2″ tall). I was definitely depressed. Stress eating caused me to gain so much weight. I decided to take action because I had enough of how I looked.
I changed to a vegetarian diet, and I worked out five times a week. I dropped weight and then plateaued for a year. This year, I was helped by a close friend who worked out with me and pushed me to do more. I’ve been able to pass my plateau weight to the picture on the right (above). Finally, at 215 pounds, I am still working hard to get to my goal weight of 180 lbs. It’s been a struggle, but with prayer, dedication, and consistency, I’ve been able to get to where I am today… and exceed it as well.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation came from my friends and family who supported me as well as following likeminded people on social media. Seeing others being able to achieve their goals pushed me to keep going as well. I would look at old pictures, and I could see how hard I’ve worked to get to where I am and where I am going. That gives me enough strength to carry on.
How did you change your eating habits as you transitioned to being a vegetarian?
I changed my eating habits with meal prep and a lot of research. I would study what other people were eating to get the results that they had. Meal prepping has helped me tremendously because it keeps me from overeating and eating things I know I shouldn’t. For the first three months of my journey, I had cut out bread, junk food, and cheese. This helped me lose the bulk of my weight. I started to eat oatmeal, which I absolutely love, for breakfast. I also eat nuts for protein and asparagus.
What did your workout routine consist of?
My workout routine consisted of both cardio and weight training. In the beginning, I would do at least do 45 mins of cardio and maybe 15-30 mins of weight training 3-4 days out the week. Now I do 15 minutes of cardio and 30-45 mins of weight training.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
It takes time to lose weight, and you don’t want to lose weight fast. As fast as you lose it, you can gain it right back. So I don’t worry how long it takes me to get where I want to be. I know that once I get there, I will be able to manage and maintain that weight with what I’ve learned over time.
What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Pack your patience. It is going to take some time to lose weight, so allow yourself that. Consistency is literally the key to losing weight. You will get frustrated, and you will want to give up. Know that on the other side of the mountain is a better you rooting for and waiting on you. As much as you cry, fight, and sweat to get to it, I promise that once you reach your goal, it will be worth it. There is beauty in the struggle, and diamonds form under pressure!
Instagram: @FitxMeg
Jennifer Jones says
you look great.