Steffanie lost 54 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Steffanie lost 54 pounds. Instead of hitting the gym, she walked every day, working up to an average of 7 miles per day. She also cut out a lot of junk food and began cooking and prepping more meals at home. Her husband and kids were supportive by keeping their snacks out of sight.

What was your motivation? What inspired you, even when you wanted to give up? I got tired of seeing the tire around my midsection. It just wasn’t pleasing to me. My kids were too big to blame it on baby weight, lol, which made that light turn on in my mind tell me I needed to pay attention to what I was putting in my mouth. Just because it tasted good didn’t mean I needed to eat it. I still love food. I’m just more aware of what I eat. On the days I wanted to quit, I remembered why I started: to be the best version of myself. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut out a lot of junk food. Yes, I still have chips, but nowhere near the amount I ate before. Yes, I have cake but only on special occasions. I stopped buying and bringing junk food in the house to control what I consume. When my boys or hubby purchase junk food, I ask them to put it away. You know, out of sight, out of mind. My sons keep it in their rooms, and my hubby will tell me no (but he will share if it’s necessary). 

Also, I realized that the amount of money I spent on DoorDash was crazy, so I started packing meals and cooking my lunch every day for work. 

I try to eat fresh food, like chicken and fish (beef rarely). I try to stay away from processed foods. I even stopped buying pork hotdogs. Now I only eat turkey hotdogs (the hubby doesn’t eat pork). I completely cut out pop, and I only drink water now. Before I changed my lifestyle, Pepsi was my addiction. I would get migraines if I didn’t have it as soon as I woke up.

What did your workout plan consist of? How often did you workout?
My weight loss journey took place outside of the gym. I did this all by walking everyday and hiking. I eventually started running, which was a goal of mine. Exercise comes easy for me. (Like Nike… “Just Do It!”). There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed, but I’m up and out when that alarm clock goes off. Posting on my social media about every workout helped keep me accountable too.

Over the summer, I walked 4 miles before summer camp (still got to work on time) and walked 2-3 more after my workday. I was averaging 7 miles a day walking. It was a lot, but it was therapeutic. It was my time to myself. During those walks, I didn’t worry about bills, disagreements, work schedules, or anything else. That’s when I focused on my relationship with myself. With that came working on me from the inside out. Fitness and weight loss don’t just affect your physical body. It’s mental as well.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 212.6 pounds, and my current weight is 158.6 pounds. 

What is your height?
My height is 5’3″. 

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on May 20, 2020. This transformation took me about 6-7 months total. However, since it’s a lifestyle, it’s a lifelong journey.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
Weight loss surgery was not part of my weight loss journey.  

What was the biggest lesson you learned?
I learned about being consistent. I also learned that diet is the most important part of my journey, as well as my relationship with food.

What advice do you have for other women who want to lose weight?
Celebrate every small victory. If I lost a few pounds, I’d buy myself new workout pants or a top. I also created a weight loss chart. When I dropped a significant amount of weight, I would treat myself to a new pair of gym shoes. I’d also remind them to love themself along the journey.

Instagram: @mrs.walton2019