Rhonda lost 90 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Rhonda lost 90 pounds. She began her weight release journey as a pre-teen and over the years her weight went up and down. Eventually, this Delta Sigma Theta soror figured out that by putting God first, eating healthy food and focusing on fitness she could break the cycle of losing and regaining the weight. Check out her journey.

My weight loss journey has been up and down since I was about 12 years old. I was a “chubby” girl growing up. I did little to no physical activity. My daily routine was playing with dolls and eating. I eventually lost interest in playing with dolls. I wanted to play jump rope with the teenaged girls. I ventured outside and learned to jump Double Dutch like a PRO. Then, I started riding bikes, running, playing dodge ball and dancing. The weight fell off.

I did not realize it, but I was not eating as much as I normally would. Without my knowledge I was changing my lifestyle. I lost so much weight that people thought I had been ill or hospitalized. Soon I was in High School, and again I was doing little to no physical activity. I gained weight. I went to college where I gained the Freshman 15 and then some. I lost about 40 pounds during my second to last year in college by exercising and giving up beef and pork. Although I lost weight, I did not have the knowledge to truly make a lifestyle change.

Later, I started my career and I developed some horrible eating habits. I ate only about 1 to 2 times a day, but my meals were HUGE. I also ate a lot of sweets. By the time I was 28 years old, I weighed 250 pounds. I gained over 100 lbs from the time I graduated college up to this point. I really thought there was no hope for me, but I found a personal trainer who worked me physically and spiritually. It took over a year, but I lost 100 pounds. Well, about 10 years later, dealing with a marriage and falling in my spiritual growth, I found myself at 230 pounds.

I noticed a vicious pattern in my life. Whenever I put GOD on the back burner, I would fail in all the other areas in my life. I had to work at being serious about placing GOD in 1st place. I had to learn that whatever I seek to do, it has to be done with the sole purpose of honoring and Glorifying HIM. I had to learn what my priority should be.

My most recent weight loss journey began in May 2011. Today, I weigh 140 pounds. I’m getting involved with a ministry at church and investing in my spiritual growth.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating junk food (chips, sweets, etc). I stopped eating fried food and started baking my food instead. I do not eat beef or pork, and I’m allergic to seafood. I only eat poultry (chicken or turkey). I eat ALL the vegetables. I absolutely love cauliflower, zucchini, cabbage and broccoli. I’m pretty simple with my cooking. I don’t use a lot of different recipes, but I’m working on adding more of them to my routine for variety. There are times when I do get bored with what I eat, and that is usually when I slip up and over indulge with rice cakes and hummus.

What does your workout routine look like?
My workouts consist of cardio. I run at least 5 to 6 days a week for 4 to 5 miles. I also workout on the stair master, treadmill or elliptical for at least 50 minutes 1 day of the week. I incorporate strength training into my routine 4 days a week. I’m working on adding stretching in the form of Yoga or Pilates. I never thought I would say this, but I love running. I think I love it because I never thought I could be a runner. It feels good to be able to clear my mind and body when I’m running.

What advice would you share with other people who want to release the weight?
I would advise others who want to lose weight to put GOD first. Be patient and trust the process. Do not become disappointed when you don’t see the weight loss you want to see. It really takes about 3 to 4 months of consistently being committed to lifestyle change to see results. Do not compare yourself to others. That will only cause frustration and possible setbacks. Stay informed and keep yourself motivated.

Weight loss is a very small part of my being. As long as I make glorifying GOD my main focus, he will supply according to his will. Eventually, I want to work with others who struggle with obesity and being overweight. I especially want to help young girls who struggle with low self-esteem. I want to use what I have learned to glorify God and help others.

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