Shanika lost 48 pounds

Update Oct 2020: Shanika lost 48 pounds in 2018, but in 2019 she regained 30 of those pounds. In June 2020, she decided to restart her journey and let go of the unhealthy habits and mindset that were sabotaging her. She has shed 18 pounds. 

I wanted to share my story…again. Lol! I started my weight loss journey in January 2018. I lost 40 pounds, only to gain 30 lbs back in 2019. This year, I decided to focus on my habits and mindset so I can understand and truly change my sabotaging habits. I am down 18 pounds since June. I currently weigh 195 pounds.

I was out for the whole month of July because I had COVID, but now I’m back and ready to accomplish my goal of competing in a fitness competition. I work out three days a week, and I do cardio daily. I feel so much better about myself when I work out! I still have a long way to go to compete, but I do plan on sticking to the course this time around! 

I know what it feels like to lose a lot of weight. I focus on the mindset I had before while adding in the reality of why I gained it back. I also work to remain consistent with my workouts and cardio. Even if I have a bad day, I don’t/won’t throw in the towel! 

I am a classic binge eater, so I had change what I do in moments of stress. I had to learn not to choose food to “make me feel better” because it doesn’t! I always felt guilty after eating all that junk. Then I would be lethargic, my head would be in a fog, and I would feel awful until I cleaned up my diet. Why continue that cycle? 

My advice for anyone who wants to lose weight is focus on today, not tomorrow, or your end goal. If you do your best daily, it will add up and you will see results! Consistency > Perfection. 

April 8, 2018 – Transformation of the Day: Shanika lost 48 pounds. After years of admiring fitness competitors, she decided to start training for a bikini competition. Being consistent with her diet plan and working with a trainer were key factors that led to her success.

I’ve always admired fitness competitors and decided that I wanted to give it a try! I’ve tried several different diets and programs in the past, but I always gained the weight back. This time, I changed not only my exercise and eating habits but I also changed my schedule to make health my first priority! There is no turning back!

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up or when times got tough?
When I started seeing results, it inspired me to not give up. My hard work was paying off and I wanted to see myself at my best.

How did you change your eating habits?
I decided to do a bikini competition, and the diet is pretty restricted. That helped me to not eat bad, unhealthy foods. I had moments of weakness but I didn’t give up and leave the plan. I still ate accordingly. I basically started carb cycling. I cut out sweets, sugar and dairy.

What did your workout routine look like?
I got a personal trainer. I really think this was key to my results. I thought I knew how to work out and eat healthy, but I was wrong! Get a trainer. It will be the best investment you make on this journey. I workout 6 days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 225 pounds, my heaviest weight ever. I currently weigh 177 pounds and my height is 5’5 1/2″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started on my own in September 2017 and got a trainer in January 2018. My transformation took 7 months.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. You may have a weak moment and you think that you messed up everything, but in actuality you didn’t. Just don’t keep making the same mistake. Stick to the plan and results will come!

What advice do you have for other women who want to lose weight?
Remain consistent. Consistency is a must, perfection is not! We are human. We have desires and want to indulge, but you can’t quit the plan. Have your moment and keep moving forward. You will get stronger and be able to resist the temptation!

Instagram: @Shanika_manifested