Shannon lost 76 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Shannon lost 76 pounds. This 26-year-old mom and Information Tech student overcame postpartum depression and domestic violence. She began by counting calories and sticking with a specific calorie goal. She also found healthier alternatives for her favorite foods and cut back on sugar and carbs. Check out her story.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I think my motivation was…
1) My happiness after the birth of my children. I suffered from postpartum depression along with domestic violence which completely took my joy, confidence, and self-esteem. As my postpartum got better and I was out of that abusive situation, I wanted to find me again – my happy place within Shannon!
2) My boys and knowing how much energy they have. I wanted to be able to keep up with them.

When I wanted to give up, I just sat back and remembered why I started.

How did you change your eating habits?
I was never really a fan of sweets, like cookies and cake, but I LOVED juice and sweet tea (with all the sugar, lol). I really didn’t drink much water. So, my first thing was to cut out sugar. I also cut out all starchy carbs, like rice, pasta, bread, and potatoes.

I started drinking 1 gallon of water a day and incorporating more vegetables into my diet. I found healthy alternatives for the things that I liked to eat. Don’t get me wrong, there were times when I had a sweet tooth (because I am human) and I would have a small piece of cake or a donut, but that was it. After that, I got right back to my daily routine.

In the beginning, I did count calories and track all my food. I ate 1,650 calories a day for about four months. Then I stopped counting because I became used to the routine.

What did your workout routine consist of?
Honestly, I didn’t really work out! I can probably count on my hands how
many times I have worked out over the last 6 ½ months.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Start: October 10, 2018 – 292 pounds
Today: April 17, 2019 – 216 Pounds

What is your height?
5’7″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started on October 10, 2018. It took me 6 ½ months to lose 76 pounds, but I’m still not done. This journey is not over yet! The crazy part is that my goal was 215 pounds, but that’s not good enough for me. I have a little more work to do.

Today I feel so much better about myself. My confidence is there, and I’m happy all around. I’m not where I want to be and this journey still goes on, but I am far from where I started. I hope that I can one day be a coach and help Black Women who are just like me!

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I did consider surgery, but I didn’t go through with it for a variety of reasons.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I learned not to let anyone push you into the journey of weight loss. You will only be successful if you are ready to do this for YOU and nobody else. I believe now that’s why I failed so many times in the past. I wasn’t ready. I only was doing it because it was what someone else told me to do.

Also, this journey is about trial and error. Don’t deprive yourself of anything. Instead, find alternatives for your favorite foods and drinks. If
you want something, just have it, enjoy it and then get back on track!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
– Only do it if you are ready
– Never forget the reason why you started
– Keep your eye on the prize (BOMB BODY)
– Imagine how you will fill after all your hard work!

Instagram: @iamshann_