Tameika lost 90 pounds

Shout out to TameikaG! She is still going strong and inspiring the masses with her story. Scroll down to read her story. Also, check out the awesome guest post she wrote for us on how she keeps health and fitness a priority despite having a busy schedule.

 

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Everyday I am asked “How did you do it?!” . The answer is always the same… I ate well and exercised – all while remaining patient, consistent, and determined. . While that answer doesn’t excite most people, it’s the truth. And I wish I could tell you it was a secret pill, formula, or surgery that helped me on my path. But in actuality, it was just good ol’ fashioned hard work. . What I will tell you is what I encourage you to stay away from. Stay away from extremes. When approaching this journey – no matter how big or small – ask yourself…. This approach I’m taking, can I do this for the next 5, 10, or 15+ years? If the answer is no, then my friend – you are likely entering the glorious cycle of yo-yo weight loss. . I’ve kept this weight off for 11.5 years now because of one thing and one thing only – I’ve built a lifestyle that works for me… long term. . I can’t go to the gym 7 days per week – so I don’t I love carbs – so I eat them I hate counting macros – so I don’t I love wine – so I drink it . You see, when you approach this lifestyle realistically, only then are you able to see true long-term success. Am I binging, eating all the carbs and drinking all the wine daily – No! But I am not neglecting the things I love from my life completely, knowing that they’ll inevitably re-enter at some point down the road. Instead, I enjoy everything in moderation – so I never feel without. . Will the journey take longer? Yes. You may not shed as much while eating a balanced diet vs. being on Keto. But, with the right amount of consistency, patience, and determination… you’ll get there. And, you’ll stay there 🙌🏾 . So that’s my number 1 advice for people entering, re-entering, or on this journey. Make the lifestyle work… FOR YOU. Stay away from following what you see on social media and create your own masterplan ❤️ . . Be sure to follow my other pages! For Health Retreat Updates in Bali, Thailand, South Africa, and Colombia – follow the @Whole_Experience. And to join my Travel journey, follow @tameikagtravels

A post shared by Tameika Gentles (@tameikag) on Oct 10, 2018 at 4:45pm PDT

Transformation of the Day: Tameika lost 90 pounds.  Her initial transformation took 9 months and she’s kept the weight off for 9 years. After being overweight for her entire life, this Canadian fitness diva lost the weight by eating clean and training hard. Now, she wants to inspire and help others to do the same. Check out what she shared with us…

I was another classic story of the girl who had been overweight her entire life. Growing up, I was the fun, jolly, overweight friend that everyone loved! I was in the arts, so performing was my life and it took up the majority of my time. Being active and playing sports was never a priority. Also, my family loves to eat. We’re of Jamaican descent and needless to say, but being health conscious was never of true importance. We just ate great food and ate it well! Traditional foods were a huge part of our culture and lifestyle.

As I got older, the weight piled on. I went from being the cute, chubby Tameika to becoming severely overweight. After my first year of university and gaining yet another 20 pounds (forget the freshman 15), I’d reached 220 pounds. This is what became my breaking point.

From that point on, there was no turning back. I was fed up with creating excuses and decided to commit… For good! I’m not a failure and I wasn’t about to start to become one. After many failed attempts, it was time. It started with small changes, then blossomed and then the changes snowballed into the healthy lifestyle you see today! 9 years later and I haven’t looked back! Now, I’m fulfilling my purpose to helping others!

How did you change your eating habits?
It all started (at the very beginning) with cutting out soda and juice! I used to have a lot of soda and juice daily. I saw the positive effects of that change almost instantly. Then, I decided to cut back on white sugar, so that included most sweets. The weight was melting off. The next thing to be cut was fried foods and then salt. All of this snowballed into a clean lifestyle as I began to feel amazing!

What did your workout routines look like?
It all started with group classes at the gym where I learned the basics. At the time, I couldn’t afford a trainer, so I took advantage of the well qualified trainers who held group classes. There, I learned the basics of weight training. Then, I did a LOT of research on my own. I decided to start with simple, basic weight training and again, like most people who become addicted to this lifestyle, it just snowballed!

Starting Weight, Current Weight, Height
Starting Weight: 220 pounds
Current Weight: I range between 135-140 pounds. The lowest I’ve been is 130 lbs.
What is your height? 5’2″ and a half

How long did your transformation take?
9 months. I’ve kept the weight off for 9 years.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Educate yourself first. Create a plan that works for YOU. There are no shortcuts or cookie cutter solutions. Trial and error will be your norm. The only one that can change this is YOU, so it’s time to take accountability and just go for it. Stop making the excuses and commit.

Instagram and Twitter: @TameikaG
Website: www.tameikag.com
Huffington Post profile on her story

Moving forward, each Tuesday I’ll have a transformation tip for you! So for today’s #transformationtuesday let me share with you my opinion on Cardio vs. Strength Training! I’m often asked which I suggest for those starting their journey… and what the breakdown should be. My answer is always: Both! Treated 50/50. Cardio targets and works the most important muscle in our body: Our heart. Sure, your heart rate increases during many exercises – but nothing is more targeted and intentional than focused cardiovascular exercise. Cardio can come in many forms but the key is to make it intentional and ensure that your heart rate is raised for extended periods of time. My preference is interval training. That can be via sprints, stairs, hopping on a machine, doing some plyo, or even hill training. Now weight training is the other half of the equation I suggest doing as early on in your journey as possible! Any form of strength training will do, and we are blessed to be in a day and age where you literally have the world of options available to you! Studios are popping up everyday in most cities offering weight training classes in all forms – CrossFit, Les Mills, Power Lifting, Calisthenics, F45, Orange Theory … you name it. When it comes to my preference, I personally love body building in its traditional sense. I love the fact that you can strategically sculpt your body with some hard work, focus, and discipline! Sure it’s not as sexy as some of the new age stuff… but it’s damn effective in building the body of your dreams. We work hard on this journey, and I’d like to say at the end of the day I am standing in a body I am proud of. I meet so many people that have lost a lot of weight, and are still uncomfortable in their skin. Which breaks my heart. Body building helps to eliminate that. You can intentionally and strategically round out your shoulders, cut your waist, sculpt the thighs, and lift your butt – all with some targeted body building and consistency! If you need help designing a plan that works for you, I have online coaching available via the link in my bio 😘

A post shared by Tameika Gentles (@tameikag) on Jul 10, 2018 at 5:29am PDT

✨New Blog!!✨ I got really personal and finally talk about my road to recovery from food addiction (Link in the bio to read) . Pictured above we have another before and after for you… but this time with a vulnerable and honest story behind my negative relationship with food. I dug deep for this post, guys. I cried while writing it, and cried again while re-reading it. If you struggle with food addiction, this post will resonate. I thought it was important to address, but also share tips on how I’ve dealt with it over the years. Here’s a snippit for you . “…. Now I’m not referring to the person who indulges every “once in a while” and easily has constraint and discipline. I’m talking to the person who constantly struggles with overeating to the point where it becomes a serious mental battle. You know who you are, and I’m speaking to you. It wasn’t until I addressed my negative relationship with food that I was able to understand that I in fact have an addiction, and struggle with it every day. The hardest part is, my “drug of choice” is necessary for survival. My “drug of choice” is easily accessible, legal, and cheap. My “drug of choice” is a silent a killer and likely has taken more lives than any other substance out there….” . Read more on the blog. And PLEASE share your feedback to me. If it resonates with you, and you suffer, let’s start some dialogue below. Love you. xoxo

A post shared by 💌hello@tameikag.com (@tameikag) on Nov 12, 2017 at 4:36pm PST