Natasha lost 95 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Natasha lost 95 pounds/44kg. Our sister from Australia was the “big girl” of the group since the age of five. She leaned on her faith for strength and learned to stop comparing herself to others. Cutting carbs and working out a home worked for her.

What was your motivation?
I have always been the ‘big girl,’ since the age of five. As I grew up I would get this comment, ‘At least you have a pretty face.’ Mind you, my decision to live a healthier lifestyle was not influenced by people. It was more so about me taking the time within myself to find out how I wanted to live as I was entering into womanhood. I want to be fit. I do not want to create limitations for myself as I had been doing so in the past. I was basically existing but not really living. Now, I choose to love myself as I am and as I become.

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My relationship with God. My faith is of central importance to me, and that has been a pivotal part of my fitness journey. Many times I’ve wanted to quit, and that was always as a result of me comparing myself to other people. My insecurities would flare up, and I would find myself going the opposite direction. I always have to check myself. I have to refocus and remind myself that I’m not doing this for anyone but for me. It is still not easy at times, but for good habits to come into fruition in one’s life, persistence is vital… regardless of feelings. I am intentional about not living my life being led by emotions. Instead, I choose to act in faith and take steps forward towards the goal set before me.

How did you change your eating habits?
Carbs! Bread, in particular, has always been my weakness as I don’t possess much of a sweet tooth. For me, it was simple in the sense that all I had to reduce was my carb intake.

I stopped eating bread for months, and now I can do without it. Also, I used to be addicted to soft drinks, so I had to remove them from my diet completely. Since I started my journey, I have not had one soft drink. I try to eat small meals throughout the day and always have breakfast, which is not easy for me. I also avoid eating late at night. I drink at least 1.5 liters of water, and that has helped a lot. Ultimately I try to focus on nurturing my body with the food I eat, and that has helped me build a healthier relationship with food.

What did your workout routine look like?
One of my strengths is I enjoy exercising. I find it to be a stress reliever. At the beginning stages, I worked out three times a week. With time, I have gradually increased that time to one hour and thirty minutes of exercise four/five times a week. I go for a walk early in the morning for at least an hour before I head to work. I also try to do thirty minutes of cardio or strength training at home. I was going to the gym at one stage but found that it was a waste of money because I was unable to commit to going as frequently as I would like, so I have been exercising at home.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 140kgs/308 pounds, and my current weight is 96.9kgs/213 pounds. My ultimate goal is 85kgs/187 pounds as I think that would be ideal, manageable and comfortable for me (but secretly I would like to get to 80kgs/176 pounds) My height is 5’7″.

How long did your transformation take?
I started at the end of November 2017, and I’m still on the journey. I am not yet at my goal, but I’m so thankful to God that I am no longer where I used to be. I WILL never go back there again! This journey has not been easy, but I’ve come to understand that it all begins with the mind, and from there action is required. There is no quick fix.

What advice would you like to share?
Trust your journey. Surround yourself with people who can encourage you but don’t be dependent that. Be your own cheerleader. Choosing to lose weight and care for yourself was never for others. Be inspired by others, BUT do not compare yourself to anyone.

Since losing the weight, I’ve had mixed reviews, but ultimately I know this lifestyle change has enabled me to embrace life and to live instead of merely existing.

Instagram: @nataziooo