RoyRee lost 62 pounds

Transformation of the Day: RoyRee lost 62 pounds. This amazing mom not only transformed her own habits and health, but she took the whole family along too. Postpartum depression, the loss of her father, sadness and comfort eating are just some of the things she had to overcome on this journey. Now, she is “standing in her power” and helping others to thrive as well. Check out her story.

My journey of transformation began in January of 2012. At this time, my family was going through a transition and adjusting to a few life changes. My husband began to work out town during the week, only coming home on the weekends. I was caring for a newborn daughter and two older children, ages 5 and 14. I was also battling postpartum depression, anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. I began to turn to fast food and sweets for relief because that required no effort.

So, whatever I ate, my kids did too. The worst of it all is that I began to isolate myself away from my children and only interacting with them when I had too. When I began to see how my bad choices and decisions were impacting my children negatively, I knew I had to make a change. It was my responsibility to change and my children became my motivation. I wanted to give them the best version of me.

Then, in November of 2014, my father passed away. That sent me into a dark place and I began to gain weight again and slide back into a state of depression. I knew in my heart that it wasn’t healthy for my kids to see me in this state. I began going to grief therapy for one year and restarted my journey.

Changing my eating habits was not as challenging as I initially thought it would be. My goal was to take my family on this journey with me. I embedded in my mind that it was not a diet, but a lifestyle change. I wasn’t going to be the mom preparing five different meals every day. I wanted us to make a healthy change as a family and acclimate my children to eating healthy on a consistent basis.

The change started with cleaning out our cabinets of the unhealthy junk, processed box food, juices, and sodas. I utilized the resources I had available to me from watching food documentaries and reading books that varied from nutrition and exercise to researching healthy menus for families. As a family, we no longer eat fast food. I made the time to commit to meal planning weekly, which also lowered my grocery bill every month. I made sure to always have healthy snacks on hand. We began to have green smoothies in the morning for breakfast. I also prepared the children’s lunches with healthy replacements, including fresh fruit and vegetables, and they have a healthy meal for dinner.

I started my initial workout routine by walking. Walking is one of the best exercises anyone can incorporate into their lifestyle. I walked 5 days a week in the beginning. Because I was home alone with our children daily, I had to use other tools to help me. I turned to YouTube and there I found hundreds of thousands of free workouts that you can do at home. It made exercise a non-negotiable decision or excuse. It was convenient and can be done anytime of the day.

My height is 5’2″ and my starting weight was 198 pounds, wearing a size 14. I am now a size 6/8 at 136 pounds. Overtime, my exercise regimen has grown with hiking, HIIT Training, strength training, piyo, yoga, and meditation. Currently, I work out 5 days a week with some form of cardio three days a week and strength training for the other two days.

I want to let anyone who reads this that NOW is the time to take charge of your life. Your journey begins with you. Start out by replacing one bad habit with a good one. Make exercise apart of your everyday life and you will grow to love its benefits and so will your body.Hydrate daily with H2O. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Sleep like you get paid to do it. Utilize the resources available to you to help you along the journey.

You will face obstacles and challenges that will get in the way, but you have the opportunity to choose how YOU respond. YOU control your life and do not need permission from anyone to stand in your power and create the life of your dreams one step at a time. This journey has led me to my passion of standing in my power and giving my gifts as a Holistic Wellness Coach.

You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram (@RoToomer), Twitter
(@RoToomer), Snapchat (Iamroyree) and my website www.royreetoomer.com for recipes, workouts, and inspiration to guide you on your journey to health!