Shawanna lost 80 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Shawanna lost 80 pounds. As a teen, she was molested and would hide behind food in an effort to appear more unattractive, hoping the abuse would stop. Weight gain, pregnancies, being a single parent, and the ups and downs of weight loss didn’t stop her. She realized that her journey and her struggles were bigger than just her. She learned to love and affirm herself, as well as others who need encouragement. Check out her story.

For me losing weight has been, and still is, a life journey. I realize that at different stages of my life, I lost weight for multiple reasons. Please allow me to touch the surface of where the issues around weight in my life began. By the age of 13, I had been molested by multiple people. I would hide behind food in an effort to appear more unattractive, hoping they wouldn’t try or want to touch me. So, my initial start in terms sof weight loss wasn’t until the age of 20. At the time I weighed 240 lbs or more and this was before I had my first child. I wore a size 20 at the height of 5’2″. I got pregnant at that weight, not to mention gaining additional pregnancy weight. I felt that life was going to be tough enough being single and now becoming a single parent. So, psychologically being obese most certainly wasn’t going to help me relationally. (or so I thought) I did it then for me and my baby.

And as life and time past, I would lose a little to gain some back… and then lose it again. I have always been optimistic and kept the belief that our words have power, even when I wasn’t always speaking them to myself. I am a firm believer in affirming and declaring things over my life. #iAffirm. I now undoubtedly and undeniably do it for ME first. God because he gave me this temple, my husband, my children and my family. Honestly, I know a large percentage of what we go through is so much BIGGER than us and hase to do with the lives of others as well.

I have to admit that I am my own biggest critic. However, I am one of my top encouragers as well. I do a lot of self-talk and what comes with that is me realizing and knowing my beauty from the inside out. I am a 49-year-old wife and mother of three beautiful children. Despite childhood molestation and mental abuse, I know that it’s not even about me! What inspires me is that I know I can help someone else by sharing this portion of my story. What inspires me? Knowing some people need to hear what only I can say, which means have to share it! My WHY became BIGGER than my past. What inspires me? Knowing that
I do truly want to live “Full” and die “Empty”.

I made the decision! This time I started in my mind, coupled with much prayer and a lot of (out loud) self-talk. I read other inspiring weight loss stories and watched weight loss TV shows, listened to motivation and tons of inspirational music, and I meditated. I then did a couple days a week with no meat. I also limited my beef and pork intake. I also planned the occasional special event to motivate me further.

I added fruit and veggie smoothies along with Herbalife nutritional shakes days, making them a part of my breakfast regimen and sometimes lunch. I also ate more fish, turkey, loads of salads and green vegetables. I had plenty of water, green tea and was more mindful of my daily vitamins.

I did 30 to 60-minute aerobic workouts, including 10-15 on elliptical or 10-15 on stationary bike. I also did floor work (sit-ups, high knees, burpees, squats, planks, and jumping jacks). In an effort to motivate myself and others, I created what I call the #15N15: 15minutes/15 days challenge. For this challenge, you do some form of exercise for at least 15 minutes a day for 15 days straight. I publicly encourage and invite people to join me quarterly and I post daily during that time to stay motivated and accountable.

My weight loss journey has been a lifetime which mean over time you name it I probably tried it. I continue to be mindful of my food intake and currently workout two days a week. I do 60 minutes aerobics, work my arms with 10lbs weights and use the medicine ball to work my midsection.

I weighed 240 pounds prior to having children. From the age 20 years old to nearing age 49 this July, I lost a total of 80 lbs. And as of February 2016, I weighed in with my medical doctor at 208.4 pounds. Now, as of February 2017, I am proud to say that I reached my personal goal of 160 pounds and counting. I’ve lost the weight and gained a more iAffirmed me with the desire to continue to positively impact and inspire others to love themselves from the inside out.

When defined, a diet suggests a special course of food to which one restricts oneself. But, on this journey why not DIE TO IT! Die to doubt. Die to excuses. Die to what commercialism says. Die to generational curses. Die to any and everything that enables you and I. The determination to be positive and grateful for all that life has left for me to experience and embrace. Also during this page of my journey I created a nonprofit organization to assist youth and adults alike who may suffer from low self-esteem or a lack of self-confidence, www.iaffirmimpactfoundation.org.

Advice: Do it for yourself first. I always think about my children, but it has to be about YOU. Mind, body and spirit. Be sure to enjoy every small victory along the way.  I used to be upset when I would only see one pound in a week. I had to quickly shake it off, do a self-analysis and ask myself what I did that week. ALWAYS be honest with yourself, talk it out, walk it down, pray about it but get back up to ACTION. Realize you are your only competition. Measure your own success. Remember, it’s a lifestyle. And… please STOP calling it a diet! I call it a “Live it!”, because “I am” not dying to do anything. I am going LIVE! As a matter of fact, Live while I’m living. I am CONFIDENT of this.

Instagram: @shawannakennedy @shawannaksays

Twitter: @iamshawannak