Transformation of the Day: Shawana lost 100 pounds. At a doctor’s appointment, she realized that her weight was approaching a number she wasn’t comfortable with. By doing practical things, like cutting fast food and weight training, she has maintained her impressive results for several years. Check out her story.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was visualizing the body I wanted. I went to the doctor, stepped on the scale, and I saw 270lbs. My weight was usually between 180 pounds and 220 pounds. The fact that I was now close to being 300lbs scared me.
The only part of my journey when I felt like giving up involved food, and it’s still a struggle. However, I indulge when I think it’s necessary, and I try not to dwell on it.
How long did your transformation take?
It took me about a year to drop 100 pounds. It’s been about four years, and I’m still trying to maintain and lose a few more pounds.
How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating a lot of fast food. I only cycled between Subway, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Chipotle. I cut out a lot of sugary drinks and drank more water.
What did your workout routine consist of?
I work out five times a week (sometimes twice a day) doing HIIT training and yoga. What also really helped me was building muscle. When I first started working out, I worked out every single day and would feel like s**t if I didn’t. Going through this journey, I now realize how vital resting is.
What is your current weight?
I try not to weigh myself because it’s discouraging. However, the last time I did, I weighed 175 pounds.
What is your height?
I am 5’8″.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that losing weight isn’t hard once you are able to stay consistent. The most difficult transformation is the mental one. There’s times I still see the person on the left no matter how much weight I drop.
What advice would you like to share?
The advice I would like to give is about rest. Rest, rest, and rest. It’s just as important as eating well and working out. Your body needs to recover, especially if you’re lifting weights. Don’t be afraid to build muscle. In my opinion, Lifting weights will help you drop a lot of weight even faster than just doing cardio.
Instagram: @Valoheart
Angela says
Thanks for sharing. You are awesome!!
Lynette says
thanks for the advice about lifting weights being a big help. I didn’t know that . I thought only diet and exercise would do the trick and I didn’t know about sleep being important too. Thanks for the valuable advice. I am 66 years young and still learning.