Meskerem lost 44 pounds

Meskerem lost 44 pounds. Our Ethiopian sista wrote in to share her success. Being diagnosed with pre-hypertension, she knew that she had to make some lifestyle changes. Healthy eating habits and working out on a regular basis really made the difference. Check out her journey.

Meskerem D. from Ethiopia
Age 28
Height: 5’5″
Starting weight: 180.4 pounds
Current weight (September 20, 2016) 136.4 pounds

I started my weight loss journey six months back. I was diagnosed with pre-hypertension and it was a real wake up call. Through health eating habits and fitness training I’ve lost 44 pounds.

I crafted focused, measurable and sharp goal for 100 days and posted a tracking chart one in my bedroom and office. I review the chart every 4 weeks. It served as one motivation every time I woke up and felt tired. I looked at the chart and would say, “I have a goal to achieve for myself”. I joined and followed groups on social media, like BWLW, so every morning I read a story that indeed uplifts my spirit and inspires me to move on. My friends, family and colleagues’ encouraging and kind words were also a motivation to keep on going.

To achieve my goal, I joined fitness center six months ago. I began with swimming almost every day. Then, I began working out 4 days a week for one hour in the gym with a personal trainer. Initially, it was tough decision. I had to wake up early in the morning to go to the gym before office hours. Even tougher that ,I have to give up the things I liked for a while (like enjoying time with friends after office hours) to achieve my goal.

I got together with my personal trainer and we designed a diet plan. I was also expected to write down my daily food consumption in a monitoring table and review the progress every month. I kept up with a eating plan with less salt, carbs, fat and sweets (which I like the most). It is high in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Was it easy? No, it was a new process and new challenge. At times, you work hard in the gym but you don’t see results. It’s also hard to quit what you like. I had to ask why I put myself in such situation and there were times when I wanted to give up. But, the motivation, feedback and success stories I read kept me going ahead. Eventually, dieting and working out became like a habit or an addiction, for me. I even miss the gym while I am not there. The more I work out and see results come, I see my feelings grow to go for it more and more.

Today, though I am happy I’ve gotten here, I am not yet satisfied. My inner voice is asking me to go for it more. I look onward and forward for more achievements. I want to be better than yesterday.

My firsthand advice to all the women out there is that all you need is a willing heart, inner desire for a change and commitment. “When you want something you have never had, you have to do something you have never done.” If you want to lose weight and get fit, ACT Now! Set an ambitious goal that can be achieved in short period of time, like 100 days or less. Work hard and add up your commitment. Most importantly, enjoy the process and love what you do. Nothing is impossible. I did it and you can do it too!