Salma lost 48 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Salma lost 48 pounds, going from a size 14 to a size 6. Seeing how weight and illness affected her family members both motivated and inspired her to change. Embracing a low carb diet and working out at home really worked for her. Check out her story.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
It’s terrible to say, but my motivators were my unhealthy friends and relatives. For years, I thought being unhealthy was okay unless a doctor told you otherwise. I knew I was gaining weight, but to me it didn’t seem like a health issue. Once I became overweight and realized that simple things, like climbing one flight of stairs, were difficult, I knew I had to change. I didn’t want to start complaining about how big I was or how I can’t lose weight, because that’s what I heard from the people around me.

My older sister, who is 30 years young, suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. She is the one who inspires me to never give up. She was extremely unhealthy until she became ill. Her sickness stems from issues with her immune system and proper diet is key when facing this condition. She instantly had to make the hard decision to become 100% vegan in order to restart her immune system and be able to do simple things like getting out of bed by herself. If she can become healthy and stick with her new lifestyle, I knew I could too.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started researching foods that are unhealthy vs. healthy. I found that a low carb diet was best for me. I stopped eating processed foods and drinks, red meat and pork. I limit myself to only one cheat meal (not day) per week. I’m more of a social drinker. So instead of going to bars, I picked up new activities for my weekends. Noticed that I am fine with a glass of wine at dinner or hard cider. I don’t drink much though now, maybe 2 times out of the month. (Binge drinking in college probably helped me get that out of my system as well…lol.) I also incorporated more fruits, veggies and water into my diet.

What did your workout routine look like?
I started by taking 30 minute walks everyday. Later, that turned into 30 minutes of walking and jogging. When the winter came, I researched online for at-home workouts and found thousands of FREE workouts on YouTube. Eventually, I started working out 3 times a week at home. Now, I work out 4-5 times a week at the gym.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 198 pounds and my current weight is 150 pounds. My height is 5’5″.

How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in the Summer of 2012. It took me one year of full dedication to loose 40 pounds at home. Eventually, I lost the rest and gained more muscle in the gym.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Patience and persistence is key.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Never compare your journey to anyone else’s. We are all different, especially when it comes to our bodies. Take your time and stay on track. Find someone who is already healthy and/or works out. They will help you stay on track. They have been where you are and can guide you.

Instagram and Youtube: @slayedbysalma