Soléil lost 45 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Soléil lost 45 pounds with healthy food and exercise. She experienced weight gain after the loss of her close friend and her mom. Adding to that, she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma a few years later. Determined to regain her health, she started her wellness journey and hasn’t looked back.

Social Media:
Instagram: @sosotheplug_

My name is Soléil A. I shared my journey back in 2015, I believe. I had dropped 50 pounds and was doing pretty well with maintenance until 2019, when I lost a close friend. A month later, lost my mom. I stopped eating and was dealing with depression. I actually gained about 60 pounds. 

I ended up going through the pandemic at my heaviest, 268 pounds. Then, I ended up with COVID in December 2020. Once that was over, I thought things were getting normal again. However, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma in August 2021. I went into treatment and finished by the end of 2021. I also have PCOS and fibroids, and I’m borderline diabetic. 

I decided enough was enough, and I wanted to change my life so I could live and not die! 

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut all soda and immediately did my best to cut sugar (not perfect). I stopped drinking juice and went to strictly water. I started juicing my breakfast (fresh veggies) and added coconut water to my diet, drinking that first thing in the morning. I also cut red meat and moved to hormone-free chicken, veggies, salad, and salmon. 

Tell us about your workout routine.
I also increased my movement, making it a goal to walk at least two miles per day, seven days a week. Most days, I walk almost 5 miles! I have a Yorkie who is full of energy. I used him as my walking partner, and we hit the ground running. 

Every now and then, I do at-home workouts using YouTube or trainers that I find on Instagram, but my main exercise is walking. I walk a lot at my office, and when I go to the stores, I park far away to get more steps. 

Last, I pray a lot and talk to God. I ask Him to help me be strong and to help me heal. I listen to old-school gospel to keep my mind clear. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 268 pounds, and now I weigh 223 pounds. 

I have to stay as healthy as possible so that when I start cancer treatments again, I won’t have other medical complications. 

My ideal goal is to get down to about 160 pounds, but I’m in no rush because I want this to be a permanent, life-changing process. I’m also moving to more of a plant-based diet. 

What is your height?
I’m 5’1″.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Stay focused, remember the goal, and compete with yourself! You are the only one that matters!