Tameika lost 70 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tameika lost 70 pounds, going from a size 16 to a size 6. She was dealing with blackouts from high blood pressure, lots of stress and depression. To take her life and her health back, she started with intense exercise and switched to healthier eating habits. Check out what she shared with us and a video she created about her journey.

My name is Tameika P. and I am a 34 years old. I’ve successfully lost 70 lbs with exercise and healthy eating. In June 2013, I started my weight loss journey after an Emergency Room visit scare in May. I was diagnosed at 32 years old with high blood blood pressure and I kept going to the neurologist for blackouts. I was highly stressed and depressed, weighing in at 223 pounds. I’m 5’7″ tall and my heaviest weight was 226 pounds.

In order to fight depression and understand the stress causing my blackouts I decided to start working out. I started with the INSANITY Workout and I committed to 60 days (June 2013). When I saw my results and how strong I was getting after the first 30 days I was motivated to continue. I wanted to be healthier and fit by the following summer! I lost my first 20-22lbs and several inches with Insanity. Once I completed INSANITY, I wanted to continue with a workout routine that would challenge me, so I joined a local boxing and boot camp gym and worked out 5-6 days a week, sometimes twice a day!

Earlier that year, I won Beyonce tickets on the radio! This was very motivating! I am a HUGE BEYONCE FAN, and I won two tickets to her Charlotte, NC show in July 2013. I knew I had to keep working out before and after the show! Whenever I doubted myself I would say to myself “Would Beyonce Quit? No she would not!” She did inspire me (we were born the same year 1981).

I didn’t want to sabotage my workouts with my eating habits so I made changes. I completely cut out fast food and began drinking 4-5 liters a water a day (16-20 cups). I also incorporated more fruits and vegetables. I also started carrying my lunch to work 3-4 times a week. It gradually got easier to choose better options.

Today, I have been able to maintain my weight of 156 pounds. All of my weight loss (90%) is in my upper body; arms, face, chest, back, and stomach. I started off in 2013 at size 16 and today in 2016 I’m a size 6. I can wear Small shirts and I still can’t believe it! I am currently working with my trainer on weightlifting and strength training so I will have more pictures showing my progression soon! I want to tone up! I work out 4-5 times a week and I still drink a lot of water!

I was inspired by the women who posted their stories on your Facebook and Instagram. I am still inspired by the numerous women on their journey as this lifestyle change doesn’t come easy! It has made me mentally and physically stronger as this journey made me realize I can do anything I set my mind to!

I posted a YouTube video about my journey (below) and in it I have a slide encouraging people to keep going! It’s titled “How Bad do you Want It”. It is easy to QUIT, but why would I give up on me? I was on the journey alone and I was motivated by the fact that people doubted my commitment. People told me to slow down and to not lose too much weight, but those were the people who gave up on themselves. I wanted to cheat on my diet but then I reminded myself that’s how I gained all of the weight and the health issues in the first place. When people noticed my changes they started depending on me to help keep them encouraged. Needless to say I lost a few “friends” along the way, but I gained some really great support as well.

Instagram: @Meikphilz_81