Monique lost 22 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Monique lost 22 pounds in 5 weeks. This petite mom went from a size 14 to size 10. With the help of her awesome coach, Terry Starks, her body has been transformed with exercise and clean eating. Check out her journey.

I’m a seasoned, 47 years young, youthful Queen. I gained 70 plus pounds twice with both of my pregnancies, in 1993 and 2003. This was due to gestational diabetes. My motivation to gain control of my weight and be a healthier me was driven by a family history of hypertension and diabetes. I understood that in order to not continue to repeat the cycle. I had to be an example for my family and for the next generation by encouraging them and teaching them to do better, eat nutritious food and exercise regularly.

I never wanted to give up at any time during my journey to being fit. I always knew that in order to be my best version of myself it would take determination, patience, love and believing that I could. I was in it to WIN IT!

My eating habits changed once I started to research “Clean Eating”. I had no clue what that entailed or meant at that time. Later, I was directed to Terry Starks aka “The Diet Doctor” on Facebook. He’s helped thousand of around the World to become a better version of who they were intended be through clean eating with his healthy, custom meal plans for weight loss. I became a client in 2009 and in 5 weeks I dropped 22 pounds. My starting weight was 165 and I got down to 143 pounds. I also went down 3 dress sizes, from a size 14 to a size 10. I’m 5’2″.

I cut out all fast foods, sugar, processed and fried foods. I would occasionally have a cheat meal from time to time on the weekends. I no longer had a craving for the foods that weren’t apart on my current daily nutrition plan. The foods that helped me to get into shape and take control of my health at the start of my journey were: lean protein (ground turkey, ground chicken, chicken breast, salmon, and tuna) and simple carbs such as (oatmeal, sweet potatoes, brown rice, white rice, and quinoa). I also only ate dark green veggies. I limited my fruit to blueberries, strawberries and apples. I drank over 80 oz of water daily and had no other beverage other than 1-2 cups of coffee daily.

I was only required to do a minimal of 30 min of cardio and 5 days a week on the plan. I’ve tried almost every diet or program ever thought of. Terry Starks’s “Lifestyle Detox Meal Plan” was by far the easiest, most affordable and most effective plan I’ve ever tried. He was extremely supportive throughout the plan.

In 2013, I entered my first bikini bodybuilding competition at the age of 44 yrs old, with my Coach IFPA Pro Terry Starks and I’m looking to compete in the Figure division in the near future.

7 yrs after the start of my journey, I continue to keep the weight off. I’m in the BEST shape of my life. I fell better at 47 than I did in my mid 20’s. Like a fine wine, It just get’s better with time! Currently I am a Vegan (I don’t eat meat) and my nutrition consists of plant based proteins, carbs, fats, beans and nuts. I’ve watched my body change on the daily in a short time and I’ve never felt better!

The best advice that I give to those sitting on the sidelines wanting to change and watching others become healthier and fit: DIETS don’t work! A diet has an ending and is temporary. Stop dieting and focus on good, healthy nutrition. Move your body for 30-40 minutes, 5 days a week. Drink no less than 60 oz of water daily, cut out all sugar and eat more veggies/berries. Have a positive mindset about your journey and take it 1 day at a time.

I’m committed to living a healthy lifestyle and doing what ever I can to inspire and motivate others to get HEALTHY FOR LIFE. Be blessed my Queens!

Instagram: @soounique_sexy_vegan_queen