Sasha lost 72 pounds

Update July 2021: Shout out to Sasha. She created a workout routine and adopted an eating style that works for her. After losing 80+ pounds, she is back in school, but she is still working toward her fitness goals. In her update, she stressed the importance of consistency and discipline.

I’m still going with my fitness journey! Back in school now, and it is kicking my a**, BUT I am NOT losing sight of my fitness and health goals! I’m still going strong!

I haven’t been on a scale since last year. Instead, ‘ve been gauging my progress with the help of my waist beads (beads by @adinkraexpro). I initially dropped 80+ pounds naturally. I track my progress by the fit of my clothes, taking pictures, and monitoring the fit of my waist beads.

I’m very consistent with working out at least 4-5 days per week. I have been practicing Intermittent Fasting for years (it’s just second nature for me at this point). I fast anywhere from 16 to 20+hours per day.

 I am also still following the Keto diet. I drink TONS of water and try to sleep at least 6 hours per night. I just can’t stress enough the importance of consistency and DISCIPLINE!

Instagram: @mental_W8

Update July 2020: Sasha lost more than 80 pounds and she’s worked to keep the pounds off.

The pandemic came through and honestly threw a wrench in most people’s plans. I couldn’t let it stop me or delay my progress. So, Sis has been eating right. Sis has been working out 5-6 days a week. Sis has been drinking water, her green juices, and minding her business. Sis has been loving on and catering to her hubcakes and soncakes (per usual). Sis has been focusing on her goals. Sis has obtained her Life Coach Certification. Sis has flourished during this pandemic and quarantine. Sis is me. I am Sis.

I was featured before and just wanted to provide more motivation for people who may have fallen off the wagon during these trying times and those looking to get started. It’s a process but giving up only delays your progress. I don’t weigh myself anymore. I just take my measurements every few months. I’m excited to now have a 27.5 inch waist! – @mental_w8

Sept 2019 – Transformation of the Day: Sasha lost 72 pounds. This Mental Health Advocate used fitness to deal with grief and anxiety of losing several close family members in the span of 2 1/2 years. A low carb lifestyle works best for her, coupled with lots of exercise. Check out her story.

I’m a former Mental Health Specialist, turned Fitness Enthusiast, and Mental Health Advocate. At my heaviest, I tipped the scales at 242 pounds, and I’m only 5’2″. Over the course of the past 2 1/2 years, I lost my cousin to suicide, my aunt to heart failure (my cousin’s mother/my mom’s twin sister, ) and my grandmother, who was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at 82 years old. I wanted to cave in. I wanted to give up, but God wouldn’t allow it.

Today, I stand tall (well, figuratively because I’m only 5’2″!) having utilized fitness as a way to cope with the grief and anxiety that resulted from such tragic circumstances. I’ve lost 65 pounds total, and I’ve done it NATURALLY over the course of 4 years.

My journey started in 2015, but I fluctuated and went back and forth in terms of consistency until more recently. God, fitness, meditation, and a strong support system are the only things that have kept me going. I thank God for my AMAZING husband and son! If I can do it, SO CAN YOU!

How did you change your eating habits?
Initially, I was on a very STRICT Keto diet. I also practiced Intermittent Fasting (16:8). I used the MyFitnessPal app and tracked EVERYTHING I ate, even if it happened to be a piece of sugar-free gum!

Currently, I am low carb, staying below 35 grams of carbs per day. I’m still intermittent fasting on a 16:8 schedule as well. However, sometimes, I’ll fast as long as 20 hours.

Tell us about your workout routine.
My workouts have been pretty consistent throughout my journey. I do cardio 4-5 days per week for at least 30 minutes and strength training three days per week. I have a stationary bike, but I also love using the elliptical at the gym.

What is your current weight?
My current weight is around 170 pounds, but it fluctuates 5lbs or so from week to week. I don’t weigh too often as I find it can be discouraging based on things like my monthly cycle, water intake, fruit and vegetable consumption, etc.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
If you aren’t genuinely happy with yourself, your heart, your spirit…no matter how much weight you lose, you still won’t be happy until the internal “you” has changed. Love yourself at your highest and lowest. Everything else is just a bonus!

What advice would you like to share?
Lose weight for yourself, for health, and for peace! Not for a man, revenge, or any other superficial reasons. Focus on your quality of life! Once your perspective changes, you’ll be amazed at not only your level of determination and consistency but your results will be that much sweeter!

Instagram: @mental_w8

Update Nov 2019: Shout out to Sasha! She’s down 83 pounds.

I started my journey in 2015. I started being consistent in 2017, using fitness to deal with grief and anxiety after losing several close family members in a short period. Intermittent Fasting, Keto and working out is how I dropped the weight. I’m at a total of 83 lbs down! @mental_w8