Shashana lost 77 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Shashana lost 77 pounds. Her wakeup call came after she was hospitialized due to extremely high blood pressure. Motivated by her love for her family and empowered by her faith, she changed her eating habits and made exercise a regular part of her routine. Check out her awesome transformation.

In November 2016, my doctor told me that I was overweight and that I had high blood pressure which was at a stroke level. At the time, I thought he was playing and trying to scare me into losing weight, but I had to be admitted in the hospital. The next day he came by and said, “Shashana, you are very young and you need to change your lifestyle.” He also gave me some pamphlets to read about high blood pressure. When I got home, I still did not care about my situation, but I did take the medicine that my doctor gave me.

I went back to the doctor in December 2016. During that visit, I saw how much I weighed and I finally said, “Enough is enough. I’m tired.” On February 13, 2017, I started my journey at 244 pounds at 5’4″… which is my heaviest weight ever.

As of today, I’m off my medicine for high blood pressure because God is a good God. My current weight is 167 pounds. I got down to 155 lbs, but gained weight from stress. I’m still working and my goal is to lose 20 pounds. My transformation took 210 days/7 months.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was my health, my kids and my family. I asked God, “Please help me. I can’t do this without you.” I gave myself back to him, read my Bible and just focused on the good.

How did you change your eating habits?
I had to do a big 360 when it came to eating. I gave up soda, fried food, sweets, rice, bread and most of all alcohol. I only drink water now. I ate green veggies, chicken and turkey. I tried to stick to my plan to not eat after 6pm, but sometimes I would have a snack between 8pm-8:30pm.

What did your workout routine look like?
I exercised 3 to 5 times a week. My routine was very easy. I walked 5 miles. I also jumped rope, did jumping jacks and did squats. I did this for about 2 months and then I signed up for a gym. Now, I exercise 1 hour a day, 3 times a week.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson I’ve learned is to never take life for granted. Your health is very important and you have to take care of yourself.

What advice would you give to other people who want to lose weight?
My advice to others is please stay away from the scale because you just don’t lose weight you lose inches. Never doubt yourself always believe and take it one day at a time. I’m a living witness to how you can change your life style and do it on your own with the help of God. I was on the verge of a stroke with high blood pressure and now I’m set free.