Shelbye lost 76 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Shelbye lost 76 pounds. Weight had become a familar struggle, but after she became a mom, the pounds piled on. Last year, she decided to give weight loss one more shot. Green smoothies, My Fitness Pal and workout DVDs are some of the tools she’s used to create a healthier lifestyle. Check out her story.

My name is Shelbye and in about 16 months I’ve lost over 70 pounds. I struggled with my weight my entire life and used food to cope with any and every emotion. In 2014, I became a mother and packed on additional weight without even realizing the damage I was doing to my body. In January 2016, I decided that enough was enough. I began my weight loss journey with a 20 pound loss, but soon after I lost my motivation.

In October 2016, I had completely given up. I was filling out paperwork to undergo weight loss
surgery at the time. After discussing my situation with friends, family and my wonderful boyfriend, I decided to give myself one last shot at doing it on my own before going under the knife.

I began my second chance with JJ Smith’s 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. The 8 pounds that I lost on this cleanse gave me the kickstart I needed. By working out for 30 minutes per session at home in my basement and eating healthier, smaller portions, I have managed to drop a total of 76 pounds. My starting weight was 260 pounds and my current weight is 184 pounds. I’ve gone from a size 22 to a size 10. I’m 5’4″.

I changed my eating habits by eating a surplus of fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, good fats and starches (like avocados and sweet potatoes). I don’t restrict carbs, I just eat consciously. I track my calories using My Fitness Pal and allow myself a treat almost every day. Following the 80/20 rule, was the most beneficial eating plan for me. 80% of the time I feed myself nutrient dense foods and 20% of the time I allow myself to indulge. The only foods I’ve completely cut out are soda and granulated sugar. I use stevia and other natural sources of sweetness as a replacement for sugar.

My home workout routine consisted of 21 Day Fix workout DVDs, Jillian Michaels’ Killer Arms & Back DVD, and strength training routines provided by Duch Fit. On a good week, I workout anywhere from 4 to 7 days a week. On less active weeks, I workout no less than 3 times a week. My workouts range anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

My advice for people who want to take the plunge into this journey is to be fearless. Try new things, figure out what works for you and be honest with yourself. To truly love yourself means living the healthiest, most fulfilling life you possibly can. Let go of the excuses and give yourself a chance.

I have never felt better. For the first time ever, I can truly be proud of myself. This is a lifelong journey and I am so grateful I started it when I did.