Myla lost 70 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Myla lost 70 pounds. After sudden passing of her mother, she made the decision to live her best life. She wanted to be mentally, spiritually and physically healthy. Check out how she took action to change her life.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 230 pounds and my current weight is 16o pounds. I am 5’4″. I went from a size 16/18 to an 8/10.

When did you start your journey.
I started this journey in June of 2016.

What was your motivation?
Like many, I’ve struggled with weight much of my life. However, I felt good about myself for the most part. My transformation was less about my appearance and more about my health. When my mother suddenly died last year, I knew I needed to make some changes. My role in my family’s life became huge. I needed to care for others in a way that I hadn’t in the past and I knew I needed to be healthy to do that.

I sweat, I cried, and in some ways, the process became part of my healing from the loss of my mother. I know she’s looking down at me proud of what I’ve accomplished. Not because I look better, but because I’m a healthier version of the woman I was. Every time I wanted to give up, I would think about what else I was potentially giving up on; honoring my mother, caring for my son and my grandmother, being a good partner and lover, living a full life with friends, etc.

How did you change your eating habits?
I have been gluten free for four years now, but the major change was practicing moderation. I love FOOD! I love all types of food. I realized I could still love food and eat what I want, but I had to do it in moderation. I can still have ice cream and chocolate, but I don’t need to eat an entire pint or the whole chocolate bar in one sitting. I did not use a specific plan, I simply slowed myself down and learned what was right and wrong for me.

What did your workout routine look like?
The elliptical machine became my best friend. I sweated on it, but I also cried, sang and laughed. I loved it and I hated it, but I worked it! I got on it and I sweat A LOT! I worked out on the elliptical 3-6 days per week for an hour each time.

What advice do you have for women who want to change their lifestyle?
My advice for other women is to focus on what makes you happy and makes you feel good. For me, being the best me possible is what makes me happy. I focus on being the best me mentally, spiritually and physically. It’s all part of a journey and sometimes journeys are tough. Sometimes you think you’re on the right path and then you get thrown off. That’s cool. Either get back on the path or find/create a new one.

There is no secret recipe for this. One plan works for one person and another works for someone else. Find what works for you. Work hard, be determined, but mostly, be kind to yourself. Look in the mirror regularly, no matter your size, and love what you are and what you see. Take time to look beyond what you see physically, because that will change with time. Look at what’s below the surface and learn to love yourself. If you do this, it will be much easier to work on the physical.

Instagram: @ohmymy1