Shakia lost 177 pounds

Shakia lost 177 pounds by changing her eating habits and making fitness a priority. She was tired of feeling sluggish and unmotivated at 407lbs.  Through trial and error, she worked hard to figure out what lifestyle changes work for her. Her story is not a story about overnight success.

I lost over 170 pounds through healthy eating and exercise. It was a journey motivated by my health. I really wanted to feel good in my body. In the past, I would feel sluggish, unmotivated, and tired. I didn’t want to do anything before I made these lifestyle changes. I started at 407 pounds. My current weight is 230 pounds.

How did you change your eating habits?
During this journey, I pretty much became a scientist trying different foods and variations of exercises to see what worked best for my body. The first thing I changed was my diet. I was not excited about this. I loved junk food and hated to give it up, but I had to become this better version of myself. 

I would feel the most full and fueled when I ate greens, so I permanently incorporated them into my diet. Eventually, I became a vegetarian. I drank a gallon and a half of water on most days. I also did different variations of fasting throughout my journey.

Tell us about your workout routine.
I love the gym. I did everything you can think of, including running, bodyweight exercises, weightlifting, etc. As soon as I started working out, I was hooked! I worked out eight days in a row, and then I rested for two days. Once I began to see significant progress and went down several sizes, I switched up my routine to 6 days of exercise and one rest day.

What is your height?
I am 5’5″.

When did you start your journey?
I started this journey in 2016. It took me two years to get the weight off.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I learned was self-discipline.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
The advice I would give is to get out of your own way. The only person holding you back is you. Watch what you feed your body, mind, and spirit. Don’t tolerate the pain you feel from being overweight!

Shakia’s Youtube channel
Instagram: @bigbody_kia
Snapchat: kialoveyou