Syreeta lost 115 pounds

Update: Syreeta lost 115 pounds and improved both her physical and mental health. This mother of 3 overcame several significant challenges, including an abusive relationship and postpartum depression. We have followed her journey since 2021 and we asked her to give us an update and share some insights into her journey.

Social Media:
Instagram: @justsyreeta__

What is your current weight? 
Although I do not weigh myself often, and I started focusing on my strength level and endurance, my current weight is 169 pounds. That is a total weight loss of 115 pounds. 

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight? 
I have continued to lose weight by remaining in a caloric deficit, weight training, cardio, proper recovery, and prioritizing strength. Also, I drink a gallon of water every day, and protein is a dear friend, Lol. 

Of the lessons you’ve learned on your journey, which one stands out the most at this point? 
The lesson that stands out to me the most is that I had to do the internal work as well as the physical work. I had to adjust my mindset and learn how to love myself through the process—learning to love the body I have after gaining over 100 pounds, nursing, and carrying three children. And I am still learning. It’s a journey of reclaiming who I was and embracing who I am. 

Would you like to offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?

• Please be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey! 
• Take pictures! LOTS of them! 
• And when you feel like you’re not doing enough, look at how far you’ve come. 
• Find your why and post it somewhere you’ll always see! 

I’ve tried to lose weight numerous times over the last five years, but I was doing it for a reason that didn’t serve me. I wanted to prove everyone wrong. This time I asked God to carry me through this journey, and He did not fail me! 

September 21, 2021 – Transformation of the Day: Syreeta lost 58 pounds and improved both her physical and mental health. She overcame several significant challenges, including an abusive relationship, postpartum depression, and losing her mother to cervical cancer. With healthy eating habits, exercise, and patience, this mom of three is thriving.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
First, I’ve been on several weight loss journeys that ended with me giving up and going back to my old eating habits. I always struggled with body dysmorphia ever since I was a little girl. I was very shapely, even as a teenager. I thought being shapely was a bad thing since everyone commented on my weight. 

I was also in an abusive relationship where I had to be perfect all the time, which led to starving myself to stay smaller (even during pregnancy with my first son). After getting out of that relationship, I began dating my coworker, who is now my husband. I didn’t care about how I looked. I overindulged in many unhealthy foods, and when I gave birth, I suffered from postpartum depression. That’s when everything went downhill. 

When I turned 28 yrs old in April 2021, I realized that I did not recognize the person I had become. I lost my mother to cervical cancer in 2019, my aunt to diabetes in 2020, and my other aunt to a heart attack in 2021. All of them were in their 50s. I knew I wanted better, and I knew they wanted me to be happier. Not just for my family but myself. 

My inspiration came from watching my progress over the last months. My endurance is better. I no longer feel that stabbing pain in my back when I walk. I breathe better. I sleep better. My overall mental and physical health is just better.

How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits changed through discipline. I’m not sneaking into the kitchen for late-night snacks or craving junk food anymore. My issue consisted of binge eating and binge drinking. I’ve learned to be in control of what I put into my body. 

I stopped eating fried foods and high-calorie snacks. Instead, I started eating more vegetables and fruits and more lean meats.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out? My workouts consist of 35 minutes of treadmill running/walking, thirty minutes of weight lifting and functional strength training, and 30 minutes of step aerobics. If I get a chance, I go for an outside run. I try to work out 4-6 times a week. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 284 pounds, and my current weight was 226 pounds. My goal is to get to 164 pounds. 

What is your height?
I am 5’4”.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on April 27, 2021, and I lost 58 pounds. I am not finished with my journey yet, but I am in love with my transformation. 

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

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your journey is just that. YOURS. I’ve learned that I am a strong-willed woman, and once I’ve set my mind to it, I can do anything. Also, there is no shame in taking care of yourself. As a mother of three, I thought it was selfish to put myself first. However, if I cannot be there for my children, who will.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? My advice for women who want to lose weight is to be patient with your body. Focus on the reason why you are not happy with your weight and change it (Whether it is to maintain or lose anything). 

It’s your body. Don’t look at anyone else for anything other than inspiration because they also needed to do precisely what I’m asking you to do now.