Shana wrote us to share how she lost 57 pounds by eating right and exercising. She also embraced running. Check it out!
What was your motivation?
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in February 2012 and that’s when I decided enough was too much. I challenged myself to lose 100 pounds and I’m almost there. I hope to be off medication soon.
How did you change your eating habits?
It wasn’t easy! It took me a few months to get into clean eating and planning my meals out, everything was smooth sailing. I’m currently on a strict carb and sodium diet where I’m keeping my daily carb intake below 150 mg and sodium below 2000mg. Water is a must if you want to stay the course and continue to lose weight. As far as meat goes, anything with a “loin” on the end, I try to stick to. Chicken, fish and shrimp are my main sources of protein. I try to cook all of my own meals and incorporate a fruit & veggies into every meal. One thing I learned was to keep your meals the same each week. That was hard for me because I like variety but if you keep your meals the same, you’re able to adhere to a stricter diet. Not saying that I don’t cheat because once a week. I throw in a day where I eat whatever I want…ALL DAY. I live for cheat days! I believe that if you eat strict all week, a cheat day is only fair.
What did your workout routines look like?
I belong to a gym in our apartment complex so I hit the gym 5 times a week and run the Couch to 5K program 3 times a week. The weekends are off limits unless I’m running a 5K on a Saturday or something like that. I love to go to classes because it holds me accountable if I’m with a group of people and I can’t “cheat” if other people are watching me. I’m attempting to run a 30 minute 5K by April 2014. Wish me luck.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I was 280 pounds when I decided to go on my journey. I currently weigh 223 pounds and am aiming for 170 pounds for my goal weight.
How long did your transformation take?
I’ve been working on my weightloss on and off for 1 1/2 years. I want to be finished and toning by the end of this year.
Pamela says
You look great, what a transformation. I’m curious about your cheat days….did you include these cheat days after you lost or was it along the way? Much continue success as you reach your weight loss goal and running 5K in 30! All things are possible to them that believe!
Shana says
Thank you Paula!,
Yes, those cheat days happened along the way. I realized early on there was NO way I would lose the weight denying myself days to eat what I wanted. I’m currently trying to reach my mini goal of breaking 200lbs and it has been tough lately because training/lifestyle change is no joke!