Rutendo lost 33 pounds. She wanted to be the best version of herself, so she commited to self-love and healthy habits. As a college student, she’s figured out how to eat healthy on a budget. Along the way, she was blessed with a great support system of friends and family. Check out her story.
What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I was motivated to start working out because I wanted to see the best version of me. I was sick and tired of feeling like the way I looked was standing in the way of self-love. I began to work out consistently and eat better. I realized that when my body was well taken care of, my mind worked better too. I actually received support to keep going from my friends and family. I began to post my work out sessions on Snapchat. When I did not post something, my friends would write me and ask why I was not working out. This made me realize that there were a lot of people rooting for me, so I was motivated to keep going. My nephew and niece would join me when I exercised at home and were always excited about me, sometimes even more than I was. This also kept me going even when I did not want to.
How did you change your eating habits?
I began by completely cutting out soda and sugar from my diet. Then, I lowered my carbohydrates and only ate carbs for breakfast only. Increased my protein, by eating meat and egg whites. I also got more vitamins from fruits and vegetables. I initially followed a strict Paleo diet, because I was in a country where healthy food was the norm and cheap to attain. When I returned to campus, in the USA, I had to adjust a little bit. I find that egg whites, meat and vegetables make a easy, healthy meal for a college student. I mostly have oatmeal for breakfast for a dose of complex carbs that slowly provide energy throughout the day.
What did your workout routines look like?
In the beginning, I did a lot of cardio and HIIT to increase my endurance and burn some fat. I have since added weight training to my routine. I work out 4-5 days a week.
Starting weight/Current weight
Starting Weight: 198.4 pounds (90 Kgs)
Current Weight: 165.3 Pounds (75 Kgs)
Height: 5.2 Feet (160cm)
How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in June 2016 and it has been about 8 months. I am still on my journey. Fitness is not a destination, but a never ending journey. It is a lifestyle.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
It is mental as much as it is physical. Begin from a place of self love and discover what your body is capable of. There will be times when you do not feel like it is worth it. In those times, remember why you began. There will be times when you will hit a plateau. Step back and “restrategize”. There will be times when people will not see the difference. Do it for how it makes you feel and the physical changes will follow.
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