Sheila lost 151 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Sheila lost 151 pounds. This hard working mother of 3 battled diabetes for 20 years, along with high blood pressure and sleep apnea. At over 360 pounds, she set a goal to lose the weight, get off medication and improve the quality of life for herself and her family. She shared with us about what she’s done over the last 2 years to change her life.

I had been battling diabetes for 20 years, along with high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I woke up one morning in 2013 and couldn’t get out of my bed without rolling on my side. Once I got up, I took a shower and I couldn’t reach my back… not even with my bath brush. I was so ashamed. I had to ask my 17 year old daughter to wash my back and that was so embarrassing. I weighed my self afterwards and saw that I weighed 317 pounds. I thought to myself, “No way!” So, I got online and signed up with the French Riviera Spa Fitness Center.

I was doing good, until August 2013. That is when my best friend, my brother, suddenly died. He was my motivation and he exercised EVERYDAY. So, I went back to unhealthy eating and I ate more than ever. In January 2014, like everyone else, I set a goal for the new year, but NOT A RESOLUTION. I weighed myself at the time and the scale read 361 pounds!

My motivation to change came as I looked at my twins, who were growing up so fast. I also looked at my 18 year old, who use to wash my back. She was about to graduate. I also was determined to get off all of my meds!

On day one, I changed my breakfast from 3 fluffy pancakes, 3 scrambled eggs, 3 sausages, and orange juice, to a small bowl of oatmeal with raisins, 1 boiled egg, 1 small banana and 1 bottle of water. I had a protein bar for a snack before lunch. No more Popeyes chicken for lunch. Holidays Deli has a Lean Light Lunch, which is a half sandwich turkey on wheat, small Ceasars salad, a small bowl of fruit, and 32 oz cup of water. I would also snack on granola bar or a peanut butter sandwich after lunch.

I left French Riviera Spa Fitness Center and kept hearing Planet Fitness ads. I decided to join and I love it! I went in for my 3 month follow up check up in March 2014 and weighed in at 340 lbs! I was down 21 lbs down from January! That’s when I made it my goal to workout in the time between going to both my jobs. I would focus on different body parts; my arms on Mondays, cardio Everyday, Tuesdays abs, Wednesday legs, Thursday butt and Friday FULL BODY.

I’m so thankful for the dedication and determination I’ve developed. I currently weigh 210 pounds and I’m aiming for 170 pounds. My height is 5’7″. It’s great that I’m almost at my goal and I’m OVER 40 years old. I pray that my story has helped another black woman whose life is similar to mine.

Thanks to my cousin Lakesha Cathey-Hughes for introducing me to your website. God bless.

Instagram: @Creamycupkakezz