Transformation of the Day: Shana lost 105 pounds. She started her journey seven years ago after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. She has faced some ups and downs, but she learned what habits are essential for maintaining weight loss long-term. Check out her story.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at a young age in 2012. That diagnosis shook me to my core and made me take charge of my health, and become more aware of what I put in my mouth. I lost 50+ pounds, and BWLW featured my story in 2013.
Stress and life put a halt on my weight loss journey in 2016. For three years, I didn’t lose a pound. I actually gained 20lbs back! In 2017, I lost my aunt to colon cancer, and in 2018, I lost a very close friend to sickle cell. Though his chronic illness was different than mine, it hit me very close to home and reignited my fire for fitness.
I went to see an endocrinologist, started eating properly again, and lost another 50 pounds in 2019. Now, my weight loss is 105 pounds. When I wanted to give up during my seven years of fitness, my health and seeing how a person’s life can be gone so soon is what keeps me going.
How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by tracking calories on MyFitnessPal and addressing my sugar intake (which is where my addiction lies). I started to limit and then eliminate drinking soda and juice. Then I moved on to limit and eliminate boxed sweets. The trick is, if you don’t buy it, you won’t eat it.
What did your workout routine consist of?
I follow Jamie Eason’s 12 Week Livefit Trainer program featured on bodybuilding.com. You have to subscribe to the app for the All-Access pass, but it’s totally worth it, and I highly recommend it. You can track your workouts, and it tells you exactly what you’re doing for the day. On my rest days, I do “active recovery” where I’ll go for a walk in the neighborhood or ride my bike for about 20 mins. I work out five days a week for 1 hour – 1 1/2 hour.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 282 pounds, and I currently weigh 177 pounds.
What is your height?
I’m 5’9″.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
As I stated before, I started in 2012, lost 50 – 60lbs through 2015, and kept it off. Then I plateaued and gained 15 – 20 lbs back in 2016. I lost 50+ pounds in 2019.
My transformation took seven years. It’s a marathon not a sprint for sure.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I did not have weight loss surgery. I lost weight with proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise. I did have a tummy tuck on 1/6/2020 to remove excess skin from my 100+lb weight loss.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Comparison is the thief of joy! Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. It may take a while but never give up on yourself, ever.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
There are no shortcuts that are long-lasting. Proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep are the only ways you will maintain success. Fad diets, pills, saran wrap, and tummy teas do not work. Hard work and determination will work.
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