Transformation of the Day: Solstince lost 105 pounds. She felt tired, sluggish and didn’t like what she saw in the mirror. High blood pressure was also an issue. Learning how what she ate either hurt or helped her body, and educating herself about what she was eating changed her life. She became a vegetarian, and later transitioned to being vegan. Check out her journey.
What was your motivation?
My motivation was myself. I wanted better for myself. Looking in the mirror at 280 pounds, I didn’t like what I saw or how I felt. I felt heavy, tired and sluggish. I constantly had high blood pressure as well.
How did you change your eating habits?
I have always been a big eater and I still am. I never thought about the amount of food I was eating, so the weight gain happened and I didn’t really notice it. I’ve been an athlete almost all my life, so I’ve always been active but that didn’t stop me from gaining weight.
I was a vegetarian in the beginning of my journey, then switched to being plant based. I was an unhealthy vegetarian though. Veganism doesn’t work for everyone and I understand that. While I do believe it helped a lot with my weight loss, it was more because of me becoming aware of what I was eating. I’m not the healthiest, but I try to make healthier choices each day and I think that’s most important. Understand that change does not happen overnight and if you REALLY want something start with baby steps.
I think it’s choosing to eat better and substituting the unhealthy for the healthy that helps a person reach their desired weight. I did not have a meal plan or program that I followed. I educated myself and experimented. Because of that, I have no problem helping people who are stuck and in need of guidance. It’s not about just cutting out meat and dairy. It’s about eating for your body and understanding your body’s needs. I’ve been using the knowledge that I’ve helped myself with to help other people (meat eaters as well).
How did exercise play a role in your transformation?
I was an athlete for the first year of my weight loss, so I did team workouts. I was at my heaviest at my most active and still didn’t lose as much weight as I did since I stopped being an athlete. For exercise, I really just walk and dance. I’m currently coming up with my own plan to start toning up my body. I’m trying to make it as efficient as possible so I can help others who don’t want to do lengthy workouts.
Starting weight/Current weight
During the first year of my weight loss, I was very active and lost about 40 pounds. The second year, I started to eat more consciously and I lost another 50 pounds without being as active. I have lost another 15 pounds since the 2 year mark. My starting weight was 280 pounds. My current weight is 175 pounds. I’m 5’8″.
How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in November of 2015. My transformation took a little over two years. I didn’t take any weight loss pills or do any calorie restricting diets. (I did not get any kind of surgery and I do not plan to.) I learned how what I ate either hurt or helped my body, and educated myself about what I was eating. Eating consciously is what helps me keep my weight consistent.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to do it for yourself and not for others.
What advice would you share with other people who want to lose weight?
My best advice would be to have patience and always, always, always educate yourself.
I really wanted to share my story because there have been so many times when I felt like I couldn’t do it, or I didn’t the support I needed. I was there. If anyone needs help figuring out what to eat, let me know. I would love to help anyone who needs help adjusting their diet.
Instagram: @solstince
Deidre says
You look amazing. Send me a diet plan. I’ve been trying to lose weight with no success. I’ve even start taking adipex which still seem not to be helping. I was told I’m not losing because I don’t eat enough and because of it my body is storing FAT. I was told to only eat when hungry but I rarely have a appetite so I would eat maybe once a day only to avoid getting a headache which I was later diagnosed with migraine headaches. My blood pressure is always good, never had that problem. I am 5ft 6in wearing 255lbs. It seems like no matter what I do I can only get down to 250lbs and that’s it. I walk a lot while at work where I am 12 hours most days. I rarely eat fried foods because it doesn’t agree with my stomach and no fast foods. I eat vegitables especially green leafy. I love broccoli. I’ve cut back on rice, don’t do much carbs. I am a meat lover which I bake or broil if I eat it. I love fish mainly salmon which is grilled when I eat it. What am I not doing right? What do I need to do more? I want to lose at least 100lbs. I am always tired even after a good night sleep. I can’t lose weight No matter how hard I try. Please Help!!! Thank You in advance