Rokecia lost 47 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Rokecia lost 47 pounds. She was dealing with high blood pressure and PCOS, and was put on hormone replacement therapy and blood pressure meds. Subsequent weight gain led to depression and more meds. At the advice of her doctor, she started her journey by reducing her calories and exercising regularly. Now, she is on the right track toward greater wellness. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Hi, My name is Rokecia C. I’m 37 years old and I’m from Miami, FL. I’ve had several years of failed reproductive issues, with the most recent being diagnosed with PCOS. I was also prescribed blood pressure medication, along with starting hormone replacement therapy. I gained weight without even eating, became depressed and then was prescribed an antidepressant. That just added to more pills and no solution. I visited my doctor and expressed my desire to get off the blood pressure medication. She said, “You’re going to have to put in the work to get healthier.” She placed me on a 1500 calorie diet and on that day, Aug 14, 2014, I began the change.

Mentally, I had to be actually ready to change and I was. I went to the gym that evening and began meal prepping my meals. Candy was my biggest problem. I liked the horrible kinds, like skittles and starburst. I had to balance my portion sizes because I really love rice and beans and I’d over do it. A typical day would be…

• A bottle or two of water as soon as my feet swing out of bed.
• Breakfast: Cereal (proper serving size). Handful of almonds and a hardboiled egg.
• Water and carrots and a apple or another fruit for a snack.
• Lunch: I start with water. Spring mix salad with tomatoes, Balsamic dressing (if any). Fish steamed with cabbage, red pepper flakes and a small helping of brown rice.
• Water or a Arizona green tea (45 calorie grab n go ones)
• More fruit and tomatoes or small cucumbers
• After the gym: Apple or oranges and few bottles of water
• Dinner: Salad with chicken breast Or Cereal w almond milk.

I work out at least 3-5 days a week. I do a 10 min warm up with cardio full blast. I also do 30 minutes in the weight room working a specific muscle group, then 20 minutes of cardio activity at full blast before going home. I drink lots of water and I do eat whatever I want within my calories limits, but know certain foods will cause harder workouts, lol. I’ve also incorporated yoga into my exercise regime and I meditate daily to assist with getting on track mentally and staying on track.

I started off at 224 pounds (height: 5’1 1/2″). To date, I weigh 177 pounds. I’m currently looking to lose a little more weight to reach my goals and still be healthy. I started a healthy, private Facebook group to help others to get started too. It’s called Healthy You, Healthy Me. We share our struggles, workout together, start challenges and posts pictures of our progress. I worked for Jenny Craig a few years ago and I learned that the scale wasnt the only way to track your progress so I shared information on doing measurements in inches to help show progress.

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