Shannon lost 46 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Shannon lost 46 pounds with clean eating and exercise. After the passing of her beloved grandparents, fitness helped her deal with the grief. Working with a trainer and joining a local group fitness class helped her to transform her body and her mindset. Check out her story.

What was your motivation?
I began my fitness journey one year ago to manage my grief after the passing of my grandparents. I found sanctuary in my group fitness classes and at the gym.

I also dealt with my own health matters, such as inflammation and swollen legs, feet, and ankles. I was borderline diabetic with fibroids and poor metabolic numbers. I decided that I did not want to die from illnesses that can be prevented and reversed with clean eating and exercise, so I choose to commit to the work of being healthier.

How did you change your eating habits
I worked with a trainer, and we implemented a meal plan that consisted of lean proteins (chicken breast, white fish, lean ground turkey), green leafy veggies, limited fruit (berries, melons, etc.), limited dairy, almond milk, egg whites, steel-cut oatmeal, brown rice, and sweet potatoes. I used intermittent fasting, sugar detoxing, and meal prepping as well. Meal prepping is key to prevent impulse eating. Sugar detoxing yielded the most weight loss, and intermittent fasting helped to boost my metabolism.

Tell us about your workout routine.
I work out seven days a week, which includes fasted cardio (complete cardio before breakfast), strength training, and HIIT. I generally work out early at 5 am and after work, 2-3 times a week. My cardio is done on the treadmill, outdoor walking trails, or the elliptical. I attend group fitness classes with Bootcamp Cincinnati.

Starting weight/Current weight
My beginning weight was 257 pounds. My current weight is 211 pounds. I’m 5’7”, I was wearing a size 22, and now I wear a size 14/16.

When did you start your journey?
I started a consistent fitness journey in May 2018. My transformation took about a year, but I’m still going.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I’ve had no surgeries.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
There is nothing more powerful than a changed mind. If I want to change, I have to do the work.

What advice would you like to share?
Just know that no one is going to call you or wake you up to get out of bed to go workout. The ‘why’ has to come from within. We are much stronger physically than what we give ourselves credit. Often, we have to get out of our own way mentally, to conquer a seemingly challenging workout or to eat clean.

Instagram: @iam.shannondenise