Taneya lost more than 100 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Taneya lost more than 100 pounds and has gone from a size 26 to a size 18. She had the terrible experience while being turned down for a job due to her weight, and that was her wakeup call. By focusing on nutrition and exercise, she released the weight.

Hello, My beautiful melanin queens! My name is Neya, and I want to share my story with you. When I started on this journey back in 2014, it was my second go-around. I lost weight once before in high school, and I felt amazing, so this wasn’t a new experience for me. However, I did have new experiences on this journey.

What was your motivation?
I applied to work as a 911 call taker for Dallas County and was denied the position because I failed the physical due to being overweight. Not only was this an embarrassing moment (because I have never been denied a job because of my weight), but at the time I’d already started losing weight prior to the physical. I thought I was on a roll! Also, the things the doctor said to me were very hurtful, and the experience put me in total shock. He made it clear that I was unhealthy and even called me fat. He also told me I should be ashamed of myself for allowing it to happen.

What inspired you to keep going?
I was depressed for a few weeks after being denied a job that I’ve always wanted. When I’m depressed, I turn straight to food. Food has always been my comfort. You wouldn’t believe it, but those same cruel things the doctor said to me are what inspired me to start my journey. I turned his negative words into positive energy, and that’s how it all began.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started on Herbalife and lost 6 pounds my first week on the program. There was no turning back then! Along with proper nutrition, Herbalife got me back to eating correctly and provided tons of energy! It has been a 4-year journey for me so far, and I have learned so much when it comes to food. I still drink my meal replacement shakes and eat lots of veggies with my meals. I have cut out red meat, pork, most cheeses, white bread, pasta, refined sugar, processed foods, sodas, and juice. I’ve incorporated more green veggies (… and veggies period), sweet potatoes and other naturally grown foods. I drink WATER, WATER and more WATER! I also eat foods made out of whole grains and/or sprouted seeds. I may eat chicken 1-2 a week, but my primary source of meat is salmon and shrimp. When trying to lose weight or to have a healthy lifestyle, Nutrition is 80% of your results the other 20 is exercise… and 100% is all mindset.

What was your workout routine?
Along with nutrition, I’ve learned a lot about exercise. I currently weight train and do Piyo (Pilates and Yoga). I do very little cardio (about 2 hours a week).

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight in 2014 was 350 pounds. I got myself down to 240 pounds in a year and a half. In 2016, I actually went through a mini-depression stage for one year and had gained 50 lbs. (Back to 290lbs) At the end of 2017, I slowly started back on my routine. This time with more knowledge and willpower to succeed.

Eventually, I stopped focusing on the number on the scale and started paying attention to my body. I don’t have a current weight to share, but I have gone down from 48-inch waist to a 40-inch waist so far. My previous clothing size was a 26, and I currently wear a size 18. I’m working my way down to a 12/14. Gotta have something to fit these curves!

My weight loss journey has been 100% natural. I only used nutrition and exercise to get my results. No magic pills or surgery was involved.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned? What advice would you like to share?
It’s all about trial and error. You have to do what’s right for your body. What works for someone else may not work for you. No matter what method/journey you choose, make sure it’s YOUR decision!

It is not easy by any means to maintain a healthy lifestyle, no matter what your goals are. The temptation is always going to be there. Try your best to remain consistent. Keep positive energy and positive influences around.

Instagram: @that_thik_melanin

Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.