Weight Loss Story: Shanelle has lost 23 pounds since July. She says that fitness saved her life and gave her relief from stress, pain, sadness and anger. This Masters student is still transforming and working towards her ultimate goals, but she wanted to share her progress with us. Check out her story.
My name is Shanelle and I started my fitness journey in July 2016. I have struggled with my weight since elementary school. I had my moments where I did lose a little weight. However, I would eventually fall back into old habits and gain it all back, plus more. At the time that I took the picture on the left, I was at the highest weight I had ever been.
During the summer of 2016, I became incredibly ill with no identifiable cause (My family thought it might have be been lupus). I was determined not to let poor diet and exercise choices be the cause behind any illness I experience in my life again.
Once I was in better health, I completely changed my diet and started a serious fitness routine. I eat clean. For me, that means no processed foods, almost no sugars, no soda and minimal carbs.I exercise 5-6 days a week, doing weight lifting, HIIT and cardio.
So far, I’ve lost 23 pounds and plenty of inches in a little over 3 months. By the way, I’m 5’9″ tall. I am still transforming. I hope to reach my ultimate fitness goals soon.
When I first began this journey, I wanted to give up everyday. I knew that if I did, my health would be in serious danger. Now, fitness is an important part of my life. I use fitness to counteract the stress, pain, sadness and anger I experience. To be honest, fitness saved my life in more ways that one.
Although I’m at a high weight in all 3 pictures (due to weight training and high muscle mass), I am in the best shape of my life in both of the pictures on the right. I want to show women that weight, although important, doesn’t exactly matter most. Being physically fit and in good health is what is most important.
To women who want to lose weight, I say that the biggest key is to choose every day to be better. This decision is made with every meal you eat and every exercise you do. Set small goals eveyday/week to eat a certain amount of clean meals and to do a certain amount of exercise. When you accomplish these goals (or pass them), embrace the victory. Your transformation will take time, so don’t focus too much on the end goal. Keep making the right choices and before you know it, you will see a new you!
Instagram: @shanelle_olivia
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