Shirele lost 25 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Shirele lost 25 pounds. She is 51 years young and a mother of three. While dealing with several health challenges, she saw the scale go up and down. Eventually, she found that a Pescatarian eating style works best for her.

My name is Shirele, and I’m a 51 years old black woman with three children. My weight loss journey has been a roller-coaster. This has been a long process for me – 10 years with all the stopping and going. I began my journey in 2012.

Motivation: My health, my children, and my family are the factors that contributed to my staying focused. My biggest regret is not taking care of myself first before the health issues. 

My starting weight was 265 pounds. However, because I’m tall (5 feet, 10 inches tall), I carried it well. I had so much confidence, and I felt gorgeous. However, health issues were right around the corner. 

I fell ill, and the weight dropped. But, I was feeling and looking so unhealthy. So I gained the weight back, and then some. Also, I was still feeling horrible. 

Eating Habits: First, I stopped eating meat. I’ve been a Pescatarian for seven years, and I will never look back. Today I weigh 240 pounds. 

Workout Routine: Now I’m back in the gym, and my co-worker is training me and showing me what to do. I work out 4 to 5 days a week for about an hour and 15 minutes. Two days a week, I work legs. Then, I work my back, triceps, biceps, and chest for the rest of the week. 

It’s hard, and sometimes I want to quit, but I can’t lose myself again. Sometimes I want to cry, but I keep on pushing. 

I’ve learned that weight loss journeys are not created equal. I’m imperfectly made and beautiful. My weight loss is for health reasons. The encouragement, advice, research, and watching/reading stories I see give me a confidence boost and let me know that I can do this. 

At times I did consider weight loss surgery, but I wanted to push myself and do it the healthier way. It’s hard work, sweat, and tears. But, I see the payoff, and I have more energy.  

I’ve also learned that I can do more than I thought I could. It’s been ten years, but it’s okay to fall off or even stop. However, never give up on yourself. 

Advice: 

• Create a plan that fits you. 
• You can have a cheat day. 
• Don’t starve yourself. 
• Stay active, and stay hydrated. 
• I never skip a meal. 
• Stay focused. 

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