Shanisha lost 42 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shanisha lost 42 pounds. She was dealing with a number of health issues, including endometriosis, and wanted to be a healthy and happy new wife and mother for her family. Clean eating and regular exercise are a big part of her story.  Here is what she shared with us…

I suffered from chronic migraines and high blood pressure. My doctor kept switching medications but nothing worked. I also have the autoimmune disease Endometriosis. I was always in pain and my life was miserable. I had recently gotten married and I felt my husband and stepchildren deserved a healthy wife and mother. I decided to give up on doctors and give healthy healing a try. After losing my first 25 pounds, I was able to come off of all of my medications and working out even helped with pain from endometriosis flare ups. My blood pressure is now always regular and I have not have a migraine since November 2014.  Before I started eating clean and working out my days were spent in bed on a heating pad or in a dark silent room, because my migraines were so bad. I was so depressed and I was an emotional eater. I finally decided to take control of my life and health. I knew their had to be more to life. I knew Christ didn’t want me living that way.

I starting clean eating and eating more meals. I eat about 5-6 times a day, having 3 meals and 2-3 snacks between meals. I used the 21 day fix meal plan and portion containers. I replace one meal per day with shakeology. I became a vegetarian for a while and now I have started eating fish, turkey, and chicken. I cut out all fried foods and sweets. I only drink water, about 200 oz a day. No soft drinks or energy drinks. I only drink juice when I juice my fruit myself. Besides that, I only drink water.

I workout 5-7 days a week for at least 30 minutes a day. I starting doing the 21 Day Fix workouts, 7 days a week. After I lost 25 pounds, on the 21 Day Fix, I starting working about doing Insanity Max 30, 5-6 Days per week. When I have endometriosis flare ups and cramps I do PiYo (a blend of Yoga and Pilates) because it is less impact on my body, but it still gives my a high intensity workout. I occasionally walk or run 2-3 miles in addition to my Insanity workouts.

My starting weight was 255 pounds and my current weight is 213 pounds. I am 5ft 9in tall. I started my journey in October 2014.

My advice to others: Believe and yourself and take it one day at a time. Don’t get too focused on your overall goal. Make a lot of small goals that lead up to you overall goal. Making and reaching small goals will keep you motivated and ensure that you will reach you will reach your goal. It’s kind of like a doctor. His overall goals is to become a doctor, but he has to master several small goals before reaching that point. Elementary school, Middle school, high school, college, medical school, tons of exams and certifications, but if he sticks with it and cherishes each small victory one day he will reach is dream of become a doctor. I know that is not the best analogy but that’s honestly how I think about it. Keep your eyes on the prize, give yourself time and celebrate small victories along the way. Also, it helps to surround yourself with people who have the same goals.

I have a Instagram page: @happy_healthy_survivor. I also have a FB like page:  www.facebook.com/shanishacrawford2