Shimere lost 50 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Shimere lost 50 pounds.  She wanted to make health a priority and as someone in the medical field, she wanted to practice what she preached.  With the help of a great nutritionist and trainer, she got the accountability and direction she needed to take her weight loss journey to the next level.  Here is what she shared with us about how she did it…

Starting waist: 47.5 inches
Current waist: 33.5 inches
Total inches lost off waist: 14 inches
Starting weight: 250
Current Weight: 200
Total weight loss: 50 pounds
Height: 5′ 8″
Representing: Chicago, IL
Zodiac sign: Pisces

What was your motivation?
There were several things that motivated me to lose weight.
1.  Being healthy had to become priority for me. I was at a point in my life where the way I was eating and my weight was affecting my health. High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer run in my family, so I wanted to do what was necessary in order to decrease my risk for those disease.

2.  For my career: I am currently switching careers and moving into the medical field. I feel in order to effectively educate patients, I have to live what I preach. It would be hypocritical of me to encourage individuals to eat better and exercise when I am not taking the necessary steps to do so myself. Health and wellness must be priority in our lives, because if we are not healthy it will affect all the other areas of our lives.

3.  I wanted to feel good about myself. Now, this may sound strange because there are people who believe no matter what size you are, you should have great self-esteem and love yourself. For some people, not all, being overweight can affect the way you see yourself. I was not happy with my size and what I saw when I looked in the mirror. It was hard watching me let myself go because I knew that I could take better care of myself. I do not know when things begin to spiral out of control, but I do remember when I decided enough was enough and that something needed to be done. I no longer wanted to look in the mirror and not like what I was seeing. I wanted to look at myself and see a beautiful, confident, and healthy woman.

What inspired you to start your weight loss journey?

There wasn’t one thing in particular that motivated me. Seeing the testimonies of the other women who are part of Fitness on Fire was motivating, but to be honest it was a conversation I had with a friend that helped me to make the decision to start the journey. I would always ask people if they thought I was too big and needed to lose weight. I would get the same response, “No, it’s in your height”. I never understood that. Tall people can die from strokes and a heart attack too, so my height has nothing to do with it. Talking to one of my male friends, he finally told me the truth, “Shimere, you need to lose weight. You have to get healthy.” And so the journey began.

How did you change your eating habits?

The first thing I had to do was start counting the calories I was consuming. I would just eat and not pay attention to labels to know how many calories was in something. During my journey, I had to let go of fast food, fried foods, pasta, and sweets. Now, letting go of sweets was a struggle because I love cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream, and anything that contains sugar.  One of the good things about working with my nutritionist is that she helped me to understand I can find healthier versions of the things I love.

What did your workout routines look like?

My workout routine consists of HIIT training 4-6 times a week. I developed a love/hate relationship with the gym. LOL. I did not always want to go but I loved seeing the results. Now, during this time I was not always consistent. There were times I did not go for a week, sometimes two weeks and during those moments I had to make sure I monitored my food really closely.  There are some people who fall in love with working out but that is not my story. It is definitely a struggle for me, but my nutritionist and trainer constantly push me to keep going and I think that is key. You may not always want to go but it’s necessary in order for your body to transform.

How long did your transformation take?

When I first signed-up, Phase One was 90 days and I lost a total of 40 lbs. I went on vacation for my 30th birthday and gained about 12lbs back. I rejoined Fitness on Fire and did not follow through. I actually signed up a few times and did not go to the gym. Now, I made sure I was not eating recklessly but I was not working out. In April, I signed up for Phase II again, and for the first 60 days I was not following the program like I should. My trainer called my on June 1st to give me a prep talk and encouraged me to push, and I did. So I can’t give an exact time frame. My journey has been on and off, but when I am consistent, the pounds fall off!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?

My advice for others wanting to lose weight is, believe that you can do this! Believe that you can transform your life and be healthy. Believe the results will be worth the pain, the struggle, and the tears. Believe your changing even when you can’t see the results. I can tell you to be dedicated, committed, exercise, eat right, etc. but if you don’t believe you can do it, all those other things are pointless. You will either be your greatest enemy or biggest cheerleader. I am cheering for you so I hope you choose to cheer for yourself. You can do it!!!!!

Why did the Fitness on Fire program working for you?
I have tried many things to lose weight. Smoothie challenges, juicing, military diets, boot camps, various fitness class, running, and countless other things. For me, none of those things worked. There were times I would see some change, but I was unable to maintain it. When I first ran across Fitness on Fire I was shocked by the images I saw and wondered if the program really worked. I spent two months talking to the nutritionist and some of the members before I decided to give it a try. Let’s just say I am hooked! This program works for me because I needed the personalized the one-on-one accountability.  Before I started this program, I did not know how to properly eat or how to utilize the equipment in the gym. Having access to a nutritionist and a trainer 24/7 has been so beneficial and has helped me to not only lose the weight but to keep it off. Being a part of Fitness on Fire has helped me to understand this journey is not just about transforming my body but being transformed in every area of my life. I can have a nice body and still be miserable. While on this program, I have had to ask myself some hard questions and address some things that were hindering my progress. It was painful at times but so worth it. I believe I am a better person because of it. Everyone has to find what works for them, as for me, FITNESS ON FIRE is where it’s at!!

Shimere’s instagram: @sassy_shimmer
Fitness on Fire Blog: www.facebook.com/fitnessonfirenewyork
Fitness on Fire online nutritionist instagram: @Nutritionistguru