Transformation of the Day: Nikeya lost 52 pounds with healthy food and exercise. After having twins via emergency C-section in 2020, she continued to experience very high blood pressure. She joined a local transformation camp program and put in the work to improve her health.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? I gave birth to my twin daughters via emergency C-section on March 15, 2020, due to severe pre-eclampsia. Prior to that, I had never had high blood pressure. I was plus-sized (a fit and curvy size 16), but I exercised regularly, so my blood pressure was never an issue. (I taught 5 to 8 1-hour group fitness classes per week for five years)
However, after having the babies, the high blood pressure did not immediately subside. I was triaged a couple of times last summer due to VERY high blood pressure and had to be on medication for three months after the girls were born. I decided that enough was enough! Pills and hospital visits were NO LONGER going to be a part of my life! Having lost my mother when I was just fourteen, I know firsthand the trauma of losing a parent early in life, and I didn’t want that for my three children!
How did you change your eating habits? Near the end of July 2020, I joined the Travis Garza Fat Loss Camp. Travis Garza is based out of Oklahoma City, but they have camps in the Chicagoland area, so I joined a camp near my house in Chicago’s South suburbs. If you cannot make it to camp physically, they also have the option to do the challenges virtually.
I cannot give out the exact meal plan because it’s proprietary information. However, essentially it involved cutting out carbs/bread/sugar (we had two high carb days per week, and even those included a limited amount of carbs), drinking 128oz of water daily, and BUTT-KICKING workouts! Each challenge is six weeks long, and the goal is to lose 20 pounds by the end of the challenge. After my first challenge, I actually lost 22 pounds! I was hooked after that! I kept signing up for challenges back to back, and by the end of December, I was 50 pounds down!
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out? The workouts were 40 minutes long and consisted of various cardio and strength moves. We only used 5 lb dumbbells and a mat, but BOY, do we do a LOT with just those simple items! I worked out five days per week.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? My starting weight was 246.9 pounds (Size 2X 18/20). My current weight fluctuates between 195-200 pounds and I am wearing a size L/12/14. My next weight loss goal is to shed another 40 pounds.
What is your height? I am 5’7″.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? My journey started in July 2020, and within five months, I lost 50 pounds.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? Breaking goals down into small chunks is very helpful! Especially when you have a lot of weight to lose. Sometimes when you look at the large number of pounds you need to lose, you become too intimidated to even START.
I knew when I started that to achieve the healthiest weight for my height, I would need to lose anywhere between 90-100 pounds. Well, that’s a LOT! I stopped focusing on that and just set my eyes on 50 pounds. Now that I’ve cleared that goal, I’m going after the next 40 pounds this year.
Another HUGE lesson that I’ve learned is not to underestimate the power of accountability. Do not try to “go it alone.” One of the reasons the Garza program has been so effective for me is the accountability. We have access to a Facebook group and a Care coach. We also are required to change our profile pic to the challenge logo while we were doing the challenge, post our workouts each day and tag our trainers.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? Having a very strong “WHY” is key! That’s what’s going to sustain you when the going gets tough! Also, change your perspective on weight loss. Think of it as a constant journey instead of a “destination.” After all, once you’ve hit your goal, that’s only HALF the battle. Maintaining weight loss can be just as hard as achieving it in the first place! Make fitness a lifestyle instead of just something you do to get to a certain size.
Instagram: @nikeyafitnessdiva
www.nikeyayoung.com
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