Patricia lost 59 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Patricia lost 59 pounds. She was tired of having swollen feet and ankles, knee pain, and feeling winded while climbing stairs. Her results came from intermittent fasting, adhering to specific eating goals, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was for health reasons. I’m inspired to keep going by the positive results I see and feel.

How did you change your eating habits?
Initially, I just went on a low carb diet and exercised. As my journey continued, I started to fast for 12 hours a day. My meals consisted of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and lean meat. I don’t eat pork. I mainly ate chicken and occasionally a nice steak or a grilled sirloin burger. I was on a 1700 calorie a day plan, but I recently changed to a 1200 calorie a day to give myself the results I’m looking for. I’m still 30 pounds away from my next goal weight. I often challenge myself.

What did your workout routine look like?
I didn’t have a formal workout routine. I work two jobs, and I walk quite a bit because I don’t have a car. Some days, I walk about 5 miles. Other than that, the only other exercise I do is squats and leg raises.

How often did you workout?
I walk daily, 7-days a week. I find that an active lifestyle coupled with healthy eating and drinking the appropriate amount of water helps me drop the pounds.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
When I started my weight loss journey, my weight was 289 pounds. My current weight is 230 pounds.

What is your height?
My height is 5’7″, so 289 pounds was too much for my height and frame. I used to have swollen feet and ankles. My knees hurt, and climbing stairs took my breath away.

When did you start your journey?
I began this journey in August 2018.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I often thought about weight loss surgery, and I know people who’ve had it, but I couldn’t afford it. I had to do it on my own. I do plan on having a tummy tuck once I reach my goal weight to tighten my skin up.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned that everyone needs a plan specific that works for them. Just because something works for one person doesn’t mean it will work for you.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
You have to be disciplined. Don’t keep starting over. If you cheat or overeat, pick up where you left off. Allow yourself to have the foods you love in moderation and set a specific day of the week to do this. I love ice cream, and if I allow myself some ice cream, I eat a specific amount and only on my cheat day. This way I don’t feel the urge to cheat because I know I can have my favorite food on my cheat day/free day.