ShaWanda lost inches from her waist and improved her A1C

ShaWanda lost lots of inches from her waist and improved her A1C. This worship leader and mother of five was tired of being asked if she was pregnant. She also wanted to avoid the long term effects of diabetes. Check out her story.

I am a gospel recording artist, worship leader, and a married mother of five. I was tired of looking like and being asked if I was pregnant. I also have type 2 diabetes. My medicine is becoming expensive and a huge inconvenience. I want to live well and look good in a bathing suit!

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? Diabetes runs in my family. I didn’t want to end up losing limbs or my vision because of the disease. I value my life and want to live to see my great, great grandchildren!

So, I just made up in my mind that I really wanted this, and I was going to keep at it no matter what. My husband and kids encouraged me, as well.

How did you change your eating habits?
I began eating small, healthy meals every few hours. Even if I traveled, I packed my prepped meals and took them with me. I stopped eating lots of sugar, (baked cookies, Starbucks drinks, cakes, etc.) fast food, and I stopped drinking juice. I eat less salt and more portioned controlled meals. I have always loved veggies, so that wasn’t a problem. The problem was my portion sizes and frequency of when I ate. I love coffee, so I switched to black coffee with no sugar. I used almond milk instead of cream or regular milk. And I drink water, water, water!

I worked with Terry Starks. He developed a meal planned just for me, based upon my body type.

What did your workout routine consist of?
My routine is 30 minutes of cardio. I work out every day, no matter what. Honestly, Sunday was the hardest since I am a Worship Leader. I arrive at church early, and we have several services. I’m extremely active on Sundays. However, a few Sunday evenings, I still got some extra cardio in.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 208 pounds, and now I weigh 205 pounds. I didn’t lose much weight, but my body began to transform in the mirror. That was the biggest thing Terry talked to me about. Stay off the scale and look in the mirror. The mirror doesn’t lie! When I went to the doctor today, my A1C levels have dropped 2 points!!!! I was at 8.3 in January, and now I’m at 6.5. Praise God!

What is your height?
5’2″

When did you start your journey?
I started in March of 2019, and I’m still on my journey! I saw the change in 5 weeks. I didn’t notice until I took another picture and placed them side by side.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
That I can do anything if I’m focused, and if I don’t tell anyone until the timing is right. Trust God! I prayed so much for my willpower to be strong throughout this. He’s been helping me!

What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
Start with a plan that works for you, and consult with someone who is CERTIFIED. Don’t share your goals with others because they may discourage you. When you share prematurely, folks sometimes act like they are health or fitness coaches all of a sudden, or they will not be supportive.