Rhonda lost 90 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Rhonda lost 90 pounds. Part of her motivation came from embarrassing situations that made her feel self-conscious and depressed. However, with patience, prayer, and self-determination, she figured out what works for her and changed her lifestyle. She bared her soul and shared with us how she released the weight.

I went to New Orleans, and I was self-conscious the whole time. When I saw a picture from that vacation in New Orleans, I was like, “Who in the hell is that?” It was a mess! Chile, it was Me! I was Huge…no, Big…even with my stomach held in! I was also at a time in my life when everything was crashing in on me. I had low self-esteem, but you wouldn’t believe it because I was still functioning.

I never really liked to look at myself in the mirror because I never liked what I would see. I was my own biggest critic. I admit this started way back when I was younger. I hated wearing glasses, and I hated my dark skin.

At our 1st Family Reunion last year in July 2018, one of my cousins asked if I was pregnant and it blew me away. The rest of the day, I was hiding my stomach. I even tied a shirt around my waist because I was embarrassed. That day I ate so much food because I was depressed and ashamed. The second incident that motivated me was in an elevator. The lady held the door open for me, and she later said I wasn’t going to leave you. Then she said something that reduced to me to tears. “When is your baby due?” I was in awe. I answered her back but I know my voice was shaking because I wanted to cry and I told her I wasn’t pregnant. Once I again, I found a jacket and wore it all day. I hid my stomach and wondered who else thought I was pregnant. I couldn’t eat that day while at work but when I came home I ate and ate and ate some more. My self esteem was at a new low.

I was walking around and functioning at an all-time high, but I was in a depressive state. I didn’t look good in my clothes. I was taking pictures holding in my stomach, and I couldn’t cross my legs. I felt lower than low. At the same time, I was dealing with a lot of other issues that didn’t make any better. I had all these thoughts running through my head. I knew something had to change. I was 50 years old and weighed 268 pounds.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 268 pounds or more. (I lied so much, but I think that is accurate ) My current weight is 175 to 180 pounds. It varies, but right now I weigh 178 pounds.

What is your height?
My height is 5’1″.

When did you start your journey?
I started in July 2018.

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I have the best daughters in the world, my SunShyne Destiny, and my Butterfly Anna. I gave my beautician, Revina Newman, the blues but she loved me through it. These three are my biggest cheerleaders. My Niece Dominique Squires started her dance classes as part of the Vixen Army on Wednesday nights. I was there every Wednesday. She became my trainer and taught me about eating habits and exercise. Her saying was, “One day at a time.” I also have supportive co-workers; Erica, Alexis, Emily, Shawnee, and my boss Gina. Keaira LaShae and Brina K were my best friends because I did not go to the gym. I used Keaira’s work out videos every day and night. Also, I met this man named Curtis, who always has encouraging words for me. He is one of my greatest friends and the biggest blessing in my life.

How did you change your eating habits?
I had to get my mind right first! I couldn’t even begin if I didn’t. I had to simply be real for once and face my demons. I gave up sweets, pop, and fast food. I did not touch that stuff for six months.

My breakfast consists of 2 boiled eggs, a fiber bar, and water. For lunch, I had a very moderate lunch. If I ate a semi-heavy lunch, I would eat a salad with fruit for dinner. I never allowed myself to get full, just satisfied. I didn’t have a set menu; I just cut my servings in half. I did not have a diet plan. I was just feeling my way through. I refused to allow people to tell me what I could or could not eat. I designed my own meal plans and took it day by day.

What was your workout routine?
I found all kinds of creative ways to work out. I work long hours, so I walked at work. I saw two ladies walking the hallway, so I did that too. I used my lunch break to walk the halls, back and forth, for 30 minutes. I did exercises in my desk chair and used the stairs for exercise. I even did squats and crunches while on the elevator. I also took the long way to do everything. I parked far away from my building so I would have to walk.
I was serious about dropping this weight. I worked on weekends, which was my favorite because all I did was walk.

For my evening workout routine, I use Keaira LaShae workout videos every day when I’m off work, and every night before I go to bed. I remember that I woke up on day at 3:00 am and went hard until 4:30 am just working out to her videos. My legs felt like led, but I was so determined that I was going to drop this weight. I was no longer comfortable.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I learned that you can’t lose weight for anyone else. This journey is about self-evaluation between you and yourself. I had to block everything out of mind and concentrate on what I wanted to change. I didn’t allow people to tell me what to eat and how to eat it. I only let my niece give me advice, and then I had to make it fit for me. I had to want to do it, even when I felt like I did not see any results. On this journey, I had to encourage myself. Other people could do it, but if I did not support myself, it would be useless.

What advice would you like to share?
The first and foremost, do it for you! Make your mind up, pray, and do it for you! Never allow anyone to make you feel like you have to do this or you must do that because at the end of the day it’s about you. Trainers and stuff are fine, but you still need to figure out how to make everything work for you. Once you do that and pray, it will all come together one day at a time.

Remember, you didn’t get this way overnight and the weight will not fall off overnight. I had to endure and practice patience. It’s easy to say, but it was sooooo hard!

Instagram: @Blessedisthequeen