Shanti lost 60 pounds

Update July 2021: Shout out to Shanti! She lost 21.6 more pounds for a total of 81.6 pounds gone. She continues to work out five days a week and eat healthy balanced meals.

What is your current weight?
I currently weigh 156.4 pounds.

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I continue to work out five times a week (strength training and/or cardio 30 min to an hour). In addition, I eat healthy, balanced meals the majority of the week (M-Th) to maintain my weight. (protein – meat/seeds/nuts, vegetables, and healthy carbs – whole grains, etc.) 

Of the lessons you’ve learned on your journey, which one stands out the most at this point?
The lessons that stand out the most at this point are that the mind is very powerful, and learning new, healthier ways of living is a process. Learning yourself is the best thing anyone can do to make necessary healthy changes. Everyone is different. Every journey is different, but you must thoroughly understand and be honest with yourself to elevate to your greater self. 

Would you like to offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?
My advice is to get your mind and spirit right. The rest will follow. Also, “You can’t cheat the grind. It knows how much you’ve invested. It won’t give you anything you haven’t worked for.” – Unknown. So grind! 

Instagram: @Tae_707

Shanti lost 60 pounds. Depressed and tired of the yo-yo cycle of the weight loss roller coaster, she decided to use the pandemic as an opportunity to focus on herself and her health. By changing her mindset, working out, and cutting out unhealthy food, she has transformed. 

Growing up, I was never overweight. I was somewhat physically active, ate balanced meals, and had a cool little shape (slim thick). Eventually, I started to gain a lot of weight in 2015/2016 due to an unhealthy lifestyle (plus other factors). I’ve been battling to lose it ever since, but I wouldn’t completely change my lifestyle. 

I would lose a little and gain it right back. Then I’d lose a bit more and gain back even more. I was on this constant yo-yo cycle and felt depressed about my weight. However, I hit rock bottom when I took this picture on May 24, 2020. I weighed myself and realized I was 2 pounds away from being the weight I told myself I would never be again. At that moment, I knew I had to make a lifestyle change and stay dedicated. I recognized that there was no time like the present. I decided that I should seize the moment and use the pandemic to my advantage because this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I knew I wouldn’t ever get a chance to focus on myself at this level ever again (social life on pause…globally ). 

Therefore, I started my weight loss journey on June 9, 2020, and OMG! I’ve battled so many things along the way, everything from my own personal issues to my loved ones’ (family) serious health concerns. Right now, we are still battling, but I have not given up on myself or anyone around me. I’ve stayed consistent, and I continue to pray for strength. 

So far, I’ve lost 50 pounds (no stretch marks or loose skin), and my weight-related health issues have subsided/vanished. I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been, and I feel it. I am currently 7 pounds away from the goal I set in May, and I’m going at it full force, all gas, no brakes. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by cutting out fried food, fast food, and the majority of processed foods. I mainly eat healthy (low carbohydrate): vegetables and proteins (chicken, fish, lean steak/beef, nuts, and seeds). I drink water, tea, smoothies, and sometimes carbonated water. I do not drink soda or juice. 

I do not use a specific plan or program. I do what works for me. For instance, I do not count calories or weigh food. I just eat healthy.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
My workout routine consists mainly of strength training and cardio, but some HIT (High-Intensity Training) as well. I work out at least five times a week for 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Highest weight: 238 pounds – Clothing Size: XL-14/16. 
Current weight: 178 pounds – Clothing Size: M/L-9/10.
I lost a total of 60 pounds, and I plan to lose another 10 pounds and then focus on maintaining. 

What is your height?
5’4″ and a little more, not quite 5’5″

How long did your transformation take?
Nine months

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No. All-natural.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned myself in a way I never knew before. I had a spiritual experience. I learned that there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do once I gained complete control over my mind. I learned that anything worth having is worth working hard to get. I learned patience.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice to women that want to lose weight is to prepare your mind before embarking on this journey. Do some soul searching. Learn yourself. Love yourself and focus on becoming the best version of yourself. Envision it. 

Most importantly, understand that weight loss is truly a journey. There will be a lot of high and low points, but persevere because a change will come, and you’ll be glad that you never gave up. Stay strong, keep the faith/have hope, stay focused, and grind (put in work).

Anybody out there trying to lose weight or trying to accomplish any goal, I want you to know that you can with hard work and dedication. Get your mind and spirit right first, and everything else will follow.

Instagram: @Tae_707