Transformation of the Day: Solange lost 55 pounds by committing to a active and healthy lifestyle. For years, she wanted to be healthy and fit, but she didn’t have the knowledge or tools to reach her goals. In 2018, after getting separated and making a career change, she started her journey. She shared with us what she did to get results.
Social Media:
Instagram: @solange.wellnesscoach
What was your motivation?
I’ve always been the big one in my family. Growing up, I was picked on constantly because of my weight, whether it was in school, at home or when I went to restaurants or bakeries.
I’ve always wanted to become a fit, happy, and good-looking woman. I pictured that in my mind all the time, but for 15+ years, I didn’t have any nutrition knowledge. I weighed 231 pounds (height: 5’6″)and tried my best to achieve my goal, but I struggled to maintain the small amount of results I achieved.
In 2018, after a career change and a separation, I decided to take my goals to the next level and commit to transforming my mind and body.
I started a nutrition plan, and weight trained consistently 3-4 times a week. I opened my mind to new ideas, like meditation, and learned to manage my emotions to avoid returning to my old ways. Having the physical and mental sides align created a real change in my habits and my now better choices.
How did you change your eating habits?
I cut out junk food and sweets and stopped having only 1 or 2 meals daily (they were primarily carb-based). I also increased my protein intake and learned how to create healthy balanced plates with healthy carbs (like sweet potato or bulgur). I eat enough protein (eggs, tofu, and hummus are my favorite), greens, healthy fats (avocados and nuts), and veggies to reach a high amount of fiber each day.
I stopped consuming white sugar years ago, and I’ve never been a consumer of fizzy or sugary drinks. My water intake was low when I started my journey. Now I drink around 3 liters of water daily, which I like to add lime juice to. Drinking water has speeded my transformation tremendously.”
What is your current weight?
In four years, I’ve lost 55 pounds and built abs, which is something I’ve always dreamed of having. I currently weigh 176 pounds and feel the healthiest I’ve ever been. However, I’m just getting started.
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
I realized that working on my body is truly training my mind. I learned that the most important transformation is not the physical one. It’s the one that we cannot see in pictures.
It’s the awareness, the increased confidence, and self-love. It’s being a happier person, respecting my body more, and seeing others benefit from the positive change I initiated for myself.
What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Looking back, if I had some advice for someone who wants to start losing weight, it would be to write down all your goals, no matter how small., and picture them realized. Then, anticipate the emotion you’ll feel when your goals are achieved. Also, make it a fun journey, not a punishment.
Finally, realize that if you want it, you deserve it. Know that you can do it and aim high because there’s no mountain too high to climb!
April says
Great read. Thank you for sharing your journey.