Mishka lost 54 pounds

Mishka lost 54 pounds, going from a size 18/20 to a size 8. She was tired of constant knee pain and high blood pressure medication, so she took action. With the help of a great personal trainer and by making practical changes to her eating habits, she has transformed.

What was your motivation?
I went to the doctor and was put on blood pressure medicine. That did not sit well with me, so I had to do something! Also, I was tired of constant pain due to having too much weight on my knees!

I made myself accountable by starting a weight loss photo album on Facebook. I knew I would get crucified if I quit, LOL. I wanted to finally do something for me! I wanted to get off of blood pressure pills and buy myself more time with my children.

How did you change your eating habits?
My trainer (Hardbody Ronnie) suggested that I give up fried food and sweets. I listened and have not had any fried food since 2013! I’m so proud of that! I’ve also given up pork and sodas. I used to drink 6 brown sodas a day!

Now, I eat sweets occasionally, but only as a reward… instead of all the time like I did prior to this lifestyle change. I gave up alcoholic beverages as well because they are filled with sugar. Letting go of alcohol really helped me get rid of belly fat.

What did your workout routines look like?
My trainer customized a workout that I could do in my condition: beyond out of shape! Again, my knees were killing me in the beginning. I worked out with my trainer faithfully. I went 3 days a week for personal training and on Saturdays for boot camp with a group. He changed up my exercise plans as I got stronger! Eventually, I was able to run up and down the stairs. I could do push ups and I could do squats as well. He really saved my life! Besides my workouts during training, I also ran at the park and did the same workouts I learned from my trainer at home!

Starting weight/Current weight

My starting weight was 225 pounds and my current weight is 171 pounds. My is height 5’5″. I am completely off blood pressure pills! My blood pressure has been perfect every time it’s been checked. Thank you, God! I did not use any surgery or other help besides my trainer and changing my eating habits.

When did you start your journey?
I started in October 2013. Got to my goal by of 165 pounds by February 2014. Shortly after that, I GOT PREGNANT! I gained 17 pounds during my pregnancy but I continued eating right. I’m now back to 171 pounds and working to get back to my 165. My baby turned 1 year old this February.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
You have to have the same attitude that Paul had in Philippians 4:13; You CAN do all things! Most of us love our phones so why not use it to your advantage. Make your “fat picture” your screen saver and hang that same picture on your refrigerator. Another thing that helped me was hanging my goal pants in my bedroom. I was a size 18/20 when I started so I hung up a size 16 and set a goal to get in them… then size 14, then size 12 and eventually I got to my size 8!

There has to be a moment where your light comes on and you just pray your way through! Don’t wait on a “workout buddy”. Do it by yourself for yourself! Make small changes and stick with them! If you mess up, the world will not end. Just jump right back on it the next day and don’t beat yourself up!