Sylvia lost 129 pounds

 

 

 

 

 

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Jan 2019 237lbs Vs May 2019 217lbs 💪🏾💪🏾#TUESDAYMOTIVATION#FITNESS#

A post shared by Lyvi (@mz_naijasfinest2u) on May 21, 2019 at 6:19am PDT

Transformation of the Day: Sylvia lost 129 pounds. Back in 2013, she made a commitment to lose weight by the end of summer, and she has been on a health and fitness journey ever since. She’s achieved excellent results with healthy eating habits and exercise, while also inspiring those around her to change their lives. Check out her story.

Here you have a young woman who just wants to be “HEALTHY.” I started my weight loss journey in 2013. My starting weight was 346 after having my daughter. I’m 5’8 and wore a size 22. At that weight, I was very confident in myself. I always thought I looked good, but I got tired of not being able to find things to wear at the last minute. My friends never understood, due to them not having that issue.

I worked at a call center making a lot of money, meaning we ate out every day at work! Not only did we eat out often but I would spend money on the vending machines daily. I also took trips to fast food restaurants where they knew me on a first name basis.

Before summer 2013, my friend was turning 30. She invited me to Panama for her birthday. I specifically told myself, “I’m not going to anyone’s beach until I lose weight.” I refused to go out anymore and see everyone else looking better than me. One day, I woke up and made a vow to myself that I would lose 50 pounds by August 2013. I told my co-workers to hold me accountable while at work (due to spending more timeat work than at home).

From that day on, I changed my eating habits altogether. I immediately stopped eating out or eating after 7 pm. I only drank water. Changing my eating habits was hard and required a lot of discipline. No fried foods, no sodas, no sugar, and a lot of smoothie king meal replacements. I started cooking my food, which saved me money. I also took my breakfast and lunch to work every day.

I incorporated exercise into my daily routine, working out at least 5 days a week. I started off with just cardio every day for at least 1 hour. I wasn’t ready for the gym mentally, so I used my neighborhood parks, gym, and my home. I would always ensure I had my gym clothes with me, so I could workout immediately after getting off work or else I wouldn’t do it. This same routine has worked for me up to this very day.

After the first 30 days, I noticed a difference in my clothes. When I saw the changes in the way my clothes fit, that motivated me to keep going. My co-workers took notice as well. Eventually, I formed a workout group with my co-workers. We held each other accountable. We all would bring in fruit and a variety of healthy snacks to eat while at work. For months, I coordinated workouts… going up the mountain a few times during the week. We also did workouts at our homes after work together. Honestly, having a support system is what kept me going and going.

By June 2013, I passed my goal of losing 50 pounds. I lost 63 pounds before my friends birthday trip. I felt so much better with my weight loss. By August, I was down 100 pounds and wearing a size 12. The feeling of looking good and feeling good was amazing for me. I never thought I could do it, but yet to this day I still keep crushing my goals.

After the first year of weight loss, I still kept going even stronger. I was determined to be my own motivation, and an inspiration to others as well. Today, I wear a size 12, and I weigh 217 pounds. Now, I’m working on toning and maintaining. I just hit 30 years old, I’ve met my goals, and I have new goals to crush.

Before, I wasn’t comfortable with going to the gym, but now you can’t tell me NOTHING! I’m a work in progress. I’m far from where I would like to be, but I’m still going strong. I will be starting to train in 2019, that way I can help others achieve their goals while reaching my own goals as well!

My honest advice would be, do it for yourself! You and only you can get it done! No one can tell you when you’re ready. Also, find a routine that works for YOU, not the next person. Don’t beat yourself up, because as women we’re our own worst critics. Don’t quit, and never give up! I promise you, all the hard work will definitely pay off at the end of your journey.

Good Luck on your journey. WE GOT THIS!

Updated Instagram: @Isioma.Chanel