Update June 2015: Sabrina sent in an update. She’s lost 100 pounds. “I have consistently maintained my vegan and vegetarian regimen. I love to juice as well and/or make smoothies. I have learned to eat smarter and make it a sustainable lifestyle. I also do a mix of strength training, cardio, martial arts and recently incorporated belly dance. I just find every reason to stay active whether in the gym two to three times a day or even yard work. My mantra is: NO EXCUSES!”
Sabrina wrote in to share her 3 year+ weight loss journey. She’s lost 60 pounds and found that a vegetarian/raw vegan lifestyle works for her, along with strength training. Here is what she shared with us about her journey:
I love my results and you all are an inspiration. I am still on my journey. I have been a vegetarian for over 3 years and now eat 80% raw.
What was your motivation?
My motivation was the sickness I saw in my family. I saw myself going down that very same path. People are not dying of old age anymore but of disease.
How did you change your eating habits?
I started dealing with my relationship with food in 2010. I focused on the emotional aspect of it all. It was like a full blown divorce. I cried when I deprived my emotions and didn’t eat. I was going cray – cray. Really! I said to myself, “Sabrina, Food ain’t that good. You can’t eat to the point of unhealthiness.” Then at that moment, I knew once I believed that, I would be fine. Here is a quick glimpse of my journey with food;
1.) No red meat
2.) Turkey, Chicken, Fish Only
3.) Chicken & Fish Only
4.) Fish Only
5.) Vegetarian/Vegan/Raw
I am comfortable with these changes. I challenge myself with straight juicing on occasion and going full vegan or raw vegan. This is my journey. Yours maybe different, but we may have the same goal in mind. Do what works for you. That is the true secret to long term weight loss! If you can’t do it short term what makes you think you will be able to do it long term.
What did your workout routines look like?
I LIFT weights! Women do not want to lift weights because they think it will make them look like a man. Not so. Lifting builds muscle and burns fat while you sleep.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I do not focus on weight loss per say but overall transformation deduction in BMI (fat loss) and build muscle. The scale lies especially when you lift weights you lean out. That being said, I have lost a total of 60 pounds.
How long did your transformation take?
I am still on my journey but started this lifestyle change in 2010.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Be consistent, have intensity and integrity! Stay off that scale it will discourage you. Keep making improvements daily for it is a lifestyle change not a short term one. I would say eat and exercise according to your lifestyle. (i.e … you cannot have a lot of carbs if all you do is sit all day … turns to fat)
Serenity says
Very useful post. Being specific about how weight was lost rather than “God Blessed me”
Akilah says
Stay off that scale it will discourage you
^5 So true!