Penina lost 86 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Penina lost 86 pounds by making healthy choices and committing to the journey. She is determined to break the cycle of disease present in her family line that includes diabetes and kidney failure. As a result of her transformation, she began to teach spin classes and became a certified yoga instructor. 

What is your motivation?
I have so much that I want to accomplish in this lifetime, and I must stay alive to achieve my goals. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney failure are just a few of the lifestyle diseases plaguing my family tree. I want to break the cycle. 

How did you change your eating habits?
In order to be healthy and to build a business around healthy habits, I started eating smaller portions of the foods that I always enjoyed. I also added more fruits and veggies to my diet. I limited the amount of fried foods I consumed and cut out artificial sugar. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I have implemented weightlifting, yoga, spin, dancing running, and barre classes to my workout regiment. I work out 5-6 days a week for at least 45 minutes per day. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started my journey at 263 pounds, and now I weigh 177 pounds. 

What is your height?
I am 5’5.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in April 2018. It has taken me two years to lose 86 pounds. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I have learned that consistency and patience are the most important factors in any journey. I also learned that living a healthy lifestyle has to become a habit for me if I want to find and keep success. Success is a balancing act, and I am forever redefining what it means to be me. 

What advice would you like to share with people who want to lose weight?
Don’t give up when bad days come up. Start today! Don’t wait for tomorrow. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination. 

Today, I am a certified yoga instructor with a Virtual Yoga Studio,
www.shivasaum.com. Before the pandemic hit, I started teaching spin classes at a local Spin Studio, which has helped me remain active. 

You can find me on Instagram: @nanakapvibe, and on my yoga page: @shivasaum.