Update 2020: Shout out to Sinaya! She has lost 114 pounds.
Transformation of the Day: Sinaya lost 100 pounds. After finding out that her cholesterol was dangerously high, she worked with a nutritionist to lower her cholesterol. Becoming a pescatarian, practicing intermittent fasting and committing to regular exercise has changed her life.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
What initially motivated me was finding out that my cholesterol was dangerously high. I was also having chest pain, and the doctor couldn’t figure out why after doing a couple x-rays. These two things combined were scary. I decided I needed to take control of my life. I was referred to a nutritionist to work on the high cholesterol, and this initially became my primary motivation.
I was also motivated by pictures I have of myself when I lost around 56 pounds back in 2015. Life started happening, I got lazy, and I gained all the weight back… plus an additional 12 pounds. I was feeling very unhappy with myself, so I started by taking a Tae Bo class 3 times a week for a month. Then, I started going to the gym again. When I wanted to give up, I was inspired by my own progress. Seeing my body change and not wanting to go backward kept me going.
How did you change your eating habits?
When I started seeing a nutritionist, I went on a “plant-based diet.” I say that in quotations because I wasn’t vegetarian or vegan. I followed a 70% plant-based/30% lean meat diet. In September 2018, I decided to become a pescatarian. I usually go for salmon or another fish with healthy fats when I have seafood.
I also do intermittent fasting. I’m not sure how much this has aided in my weight loss because I was already dropping the pounds by the time I started, but if nothing else, it has taught me discipline around food. I don’t have a specific plan for my diet other than intermittent fasting. I basically work with my nutritionist to make sure I’m eating the right foods to correct my cholesterol and to make sure I’m getting the proper nutrients.
Other than that, I’m not on a specific diet that tells me what I can or can’t eat. That doesn’t work for me because I won’t stick to it. I’m a firm believer that I can eat the “naughty” food too, in moderation. Depriving myself will only result in a binge. I also count calories and track what I eat.
As stated above, I’m a pescatarian now, so I’ve recently cut out meat and most dairy. The only dairy I still eat is cheese in moderation. I found a couple of brands of vegan cheese that I like as well. I also switched to nut milk and coconut milk. I’ve limited my intake of refined carbs, like white pasta and white rice, and increased my vegetable and fruit intake. Now, I eat zucchini noodles, brown basmati rice, and yams. I very rarely have fried food, and I completely stopped eating fast food. In addition, I cut out all sugary drinks and only drink water, unsweetened green tea, and La Croix. If I’m going to have an alcoholic beverage, I try to stick to red wine or vodka and soda water.
What did your workout routine consist of?
I work out 5-6 days a week. I like to work out in the morning because after work I get lazy and just want to go home. Morning workouts have served me well. I did a 3-month workout program by Results by Enics over the summer that really got me into using weights more. I’m still using some of the exercises from that program. In my current routine, I start with a warm up for 15-20 minutes on the elliptical or stair master. I then do 30-45 minutes of strength training focusing on specific areas (i.e., chest and back, arms and shoulders, or legs and glutes) or I’ll do a full body strength training workout. I also use Aaptiv, which is a great app that basically has a trainer coaching you through a workout while music is playing in the background. I always go for strength training, HIIT, and Stairmaster workouts with Aaptiv.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting Weight was 286 pounds, and my current Weight is 186 pounds. My height is 5’3”.
When did you begin your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on October 7, 2017. It took me about 1 year and 2 ½ months to lose 100 pounds (slow and steady wins the race). And I’m not done yet. I don’t think you’re ever done when it becomes a lifestyle.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I didn’t have surgery.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
That I don’t have to cut out carbs to lose weight. Carbs get such a bad rap, and I wanted to cut them out, especially with the whole Keto craze happening right now. After discussing it with my nutritionist, I learned the issue is refined carbs. Incorporating complex carbs, such as sweet potatoes, and choosing a long grain color rice has made all the difference. In all honesty, I love mac and cheese and french fries too much to be cutting out carbs like that. Everything in moderation. Find healthier alternatives when you can.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Don’t fall into the trap of following some specific diet. Diets come and go; there’s always a new one that’s all the rage for a little while. If you can, see a nutritionist or dietitian who can help you figure out what works for you and your goals. Create eating habits that you can stick with for a lifetime is key.
Also, take a lot of pictures along the way. When you feel like you’re not making progress like you expected, putting together a quick before and after collage can help you see the changes that you may not see when you look in the mirror.
New Instagram: @healthwithnaya
Naturalgal4u says
This is an amazing story. I’ve read many on this site throughout the years and while I commend every sister who has figured out what approach works for them, this one resonates with me the most. As I consider the approaches I am going to have to take to get started with my own journey, I read the different testimonies to get motivation but also to get ideas based on individual experiences. I know everyone’s path to wellness is different, but this approach, as far as food choices, is one that I can rock with. I always felt that carbs get a bad wrap too. And, if trying to incorporate toning, and exercise with eating healthy, you need a certain amount and type of carb. I am going to try this approach since I am about 60% vegan/vegetarian and only eat organic poultry and wild caught fish when it comes to meat. If my body tells me I need to make additional adjustments, I will cross that bridge when I get to it. Thanks for sharing your journey Sinaya. I’m blessed and inspired to get started.
Naturalgal4u says
This is an amazing story. I’ve read many on this site throughout the years and while I commend every sister who has figured out what approach works for them, this one resonates with me the most. As I consider the approaches I am going to have to take to get started with my own journey, I read the different testimonies to get motivation but also to get ideas based on individual experiences. I know everyone’s path to wellness is different, but this approach, as far as food choices, is one that I can rock with. I always felt that carbs get a bad wrap too. And, if trying to incorporate toning, and exercise with eating healthy, you need a certain amount and type of carb. I am going to try this approach since I am about 60% vegan/vegetarian and only eat organic poultry and wild caught fish occasionally when it comes to meat. If my body tells me I need to make additional adjustments, I will cross that bridge when I get to it. Thanks for sharing your journey Sinaya. I’m blessed and inspired to get started.
Maureen says
You’re story is so motivating for me as well as many others… Girl you look fabulous. Thank you for sharing