Tamarra lost 35 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tamarra lost 35 pounds. This proud mom of 8 was able to keep her weight off over the years, even with multiple pregnancies by being active. When she was diagnosed with asthma and unable to exercise, she gained weight. She had to make the decision to change her lifestyle and in doing so she’s helped others change their lives too. In believe that her story can give hope to other busy moms.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

I’m a 36 year old mother of 8. I started my journey to a healthier lifestyle shortly after I had my fifth child. I was 21 years old and weighed 196 lbs. I was able to get my weight down over the years, even after having three more children. In July 2013, I was diagnosed with asthma. This changed my life completely because I was use to being very active and had managed to keep my weight under control. At the time my weight was 153 pounds.

Taking the medication and being unable to do any exercise I gained 43 more pounds. I was very unhappy, none of my clothes fit and I had lost my confidence. In August of 2014, I had a conversation with myself. I knew what I needed to do and I decided to gain the courage to make a change in spite of my asthma. I started taking action when my children started back to school.

Firs,t I did Dr. Ian Smith’s 9 day dextox. After the nine days, I decided to stay on a no meat detox plan for the rest of the month. I start going to the gym everyday and would workout for at least 1 1/2 hour. Then, I decided to have one carbohydrate meal per day and that was normally oatmeal. I minimized my fruit intake and increased my vegetables.

I took whoever wanted to join me along for the ride in terms of support. I had always had a passion for fitness and I had trained my friends in the past. So, I started offering that service and it kept me in the gym and accountable for myself and others. I include weight training in all of my routines. I have toned up in a major way. I even started taking Zumba two day a week back in March.

I have lost a total of 35 pounds so far and I’ve helped others lose weight. My current weight is 161 pounds and took me 9 months to lose the weight. I was motivated by my will to be happy and not be defeated by my asthma. I want to always be able to run and play with my children and hopefully one day my grandchildren.

I’m hoping that my story can inspire other moms that it’s never to late to change your life and your body. I believed after having kids that I could never have a fit stomach again. I have be able to tone my stomach in major way and I have even been able to bring my stomach muscles closer together. I use to have a large whole right at the navel which was the result of giving birth.

My advice to other women that want to lose weight is that everyone starts somewhere. Don’t be afraid to try a video if you are intimidated my the gym. Make small changes to your eating habits and continue to increase the changes you make over time. Always think about the positive and if you fall off, don’t be discouraged. Tomorrow is always a new day to try it again.

Instagram: @after8fitness