Shannon lost 38 pounds

Shannon lost 38 pounds by working out and eating whole foods. A few years ago, she experienced weight gain due to health issues and medication. This author restarted her fitness journey in 2019 because she wants to be healthy for her family and look great.

A few years ago, I gained some weight to do health reasons and medication. I didn’t like how I began to look and feel, so I decided to restart my fitness journey. Before the weight gain, I was pretty active while serving in the military. However, life happened, and I didn’t work out as much. At 40 years old, I feel spectacular, and I’m almost where I want to be. I love my new style and my journey!

What was your motivation?
My motivation for starting my fitness journey was seeing so many black people dying from health issues. I want to be as healthy as possible so that I can live a long, healthy life. My family is my biggest motivation. 

In a nutshell, my goal in life is to look great naked (as well as in clothes) and be mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy.

How did you change your eating habits?
I have stayed away from fast food for a few years now. I rarely eat fried foods. I eat more vegetables, baked or grilled foods, and fruit.

What does your workout routine look like?
I try to work out 3 to 5 days a week. On Mondays and Fridays, I focus on legs and glutes. Tuesday and Thursday are my upper body and HIIT training days.  

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Due to health issues and medication, I went from weighing 135 pounds to 199 pounds in a year and a half (back in 2015/2016). I restarted my fitness/health journey in early 2019. Currently, my weight is 161 pounds, and I am happy with this weight. 

What is your height?
I am 5 feet, 2 inches tall.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
The advice that I would give to someone who wants to live a healthier lifestyle, whether their goal is losing weight or changing their eating habits, is to never give up. On the days when you want to throw in the towel, rethink the reason why you started your journey in the first place. 

Also, try not to compare your fitness/journey with someone else’s. Everyone’s body is different, and sometimes it can be discouraging to compare yourself to someone else’s experience. Stay motivated and dedicated to your journey. 
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