Monique lost 82 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Monique lost 82 pounds.  She began her lifestyle transition as a way to recover and heal from a very abusive marriage.  Working out allowed her to process her anger and frustration. Eating right allowed her to overcome sugar addiction.  Now, she is becoming an avid runner and continuing on her weight release journey.  Here is what she shared with us…

I’ve lost a total of 82 pounds over about a two year period. It took a long time to achieve this goal, because I was determined to lose weight slowly so that I wouldn’t gain any of it back. When I began working on myself it was in a effort to battle back from an emotionally abusive and crippling marriage. My self esteem was completely destroyed to the point where I almost committed suicide. When I began to exercise, it helped me to begin to feel better. It gave me a place to work out all of my frustrations and anger. It also made me stronger and made me look better!  I started at 297 pounds and I currently weigh 215 pounds. I am still a work in progress.

I changed my eating habits by admitting I was a sugar addict. With that admission came the conscious decision to severely limit my sugar intake as well as my carb intake. My diet consisted mainly of proteins, fruits and vegetables. I also changed my portions by consistently only eating half of every meal. This would turn say a dinner plate into dinner and lunch for the next day.

I also began working out in the gym in my complex. I worked out doing cardio and strength training at least four times per week, but I wasn’t consistent. I would often start and then stop, which made the weight loss process take much longer. Whenever I would fall off of the proverbial wagon, I would get right back on and continue my regimens. I’ve recently started strength training on a regular basis.

My transformation has taken about two years and I am not done yet. At 5’4″ tall, I would like to lose another 50+ pounds to get to the goal weight I have for myself. I am currently a new runner. I have a running coach and a host of new running and fitness friends who give me advice daily. My favorite piece of advice is “No matter what you’re doing, no matter how bad your run or how horrible your workout, you’re still a winner because you got up off of the couch!” So, to people who are new to this I say, “Keep getting up daily, be encouraged and most of all enjoy the journey for fitness is not a destination. It’s a lifestyle!”

My motivators are people like Ernestine Shepard and my very special friend Marcus G. Williams III. They are my motivators because they remind of how possible it is to achieve that which is deemed impossible. Their examples show how possible it is to have a fitness goal and achieve it no matter your age, your size, how much money you have or how much you don’t. They remind me that the only obstacle in this fitness journey is your mind and the limits you put on yourself.

I am putting no limits on what I can achieve. I intend to be stronger and more fit everyday. I recently ran my first 5k and I am a member of National Black Marathoners Association, because within a year I am going to run a marathon!