Transformation of the Day: Melina lost 45 pounds. After years and years of being overweight, she just reached the point were enough was enough. She went full speed ahead into her lifestyle change, committing to eating right and exercing. Today, she is a personal trainer and health coach in Montréal, CA. Check out how she did it.
I’ve always been overweight, but in 2013 I decided that enough was enough. After realising that I weighed 245 pounds, something clicked and I thought, “Never again”. I completely changed my way of eating and decided not to go on a diet, but to change my lifestyle instead.
I just decided to empty my fridge. I removed everything and made sure there were only vegetables and fruits in it. Next, I started meal prepping and taking my time to eat. I cut all processed and sugary products. Stopped buying manufactured foods and bought natural instead. It’s really the sugar that was a big problem for me, since I had a very big sweet tooth.
I started working out 5 days a week, doing a lot of cardio and strength training, and I lost 43 pounds as a result over the course of 4 months. My current weight is 200 pounds at 5’9″.
What inspired me to keep going? Knowing that this time was the right time, and that I had to do it for myself, not for others. Knowing that this victory would set up the mindset of a warrior in me, and prove that I can achieve anything in life, if I really want to.
In 2015 I decided that my love for fitness had to be shared with others, so I created my own fitness classes. I did my training certification and today I even give classes on Facebook Live. I really feel like I have to share my lifestyle with others and inspire them. Being able to do stuff that you could never do before, to wear clothes that would never fit before… that is a real victory. People need to understand that beyond the shed pounds and the nice appearance, what matters the most is how you feel on the inside.
It’s a mental journey more than a physical one. Today, I focus more on wellbeing and taking care of my health more than trying to lose some weight. I feel liberated and more motivated than ever to go through this beautiful journey that is life. I want to convey the idea that this has got to be a lifestyle, not just a quick fix.
I would tell anyone who wants to lose weight to not give up. I would tell them to think about the results and to make a decision every day that you are worth it. I would also say that it’s all about mindset. You just have to do it. Asking yourself how bad do you want it, and not giving up whenever it gets tough is important. Just keep pushing even when you dont see results, because you won’t notice the changes (not at first anyways) but other people will.
Instagram: @melinanesta
Facebook page: Afro’fit
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