Tanishia lost 55 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tanishia lost 55 pounds. Last year, she was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease. She was prescribed 11 different meds, which led to her glucose spiking, a diabetes diagnosis, and weight gain. This mother of three and grandmother of one decided to take action and change her life. Check out how she did it.

Last year in October, I was diagnosed with an inflammatory disease called Sarcoidosis. The disease affected my lungs, liver, kidneys, skin, bladder, and spleen. I was in and out of the hospital for months. During that time, I was pumped with so much medication and steroids that my glucose levels spiked through the roof, which led to a diabetes diagnosis. I also gained over 60 pounds within a 3-month time frame.

After a month of having to take 11 different medications a day (including insulin for diabetes), I was tired mentally, emotionally, and physically. So, I decided to do something about it.

I began my journey with Terry Starks in January. Terry offers a lifestyle change program that guides you through making healthier choices and losing weight. He sent me a structured and detailed weekly menu plan. Also, Terry sends out encouraging texts and emails daily to keep you motivated and focused. This was perfect for me because some days, it was hard to motivate myself.

For the first three weeks, I did cardio for 30 minutes in the morning and before I went to bed. Once my stamina increased, I began doing more exercises, like kickboxing four times a week, cycling two times a week and weight lifting.

I cut out sugar completely. I ate plenty of fresh vegetables, but no beef or pork. I just had baked/ grilled chicken, fish, and turkey. I used Ms. Dash seasonings on everything and stayed away from salt. I also cut out pasta, bread, soda, and liquor.

I juiced a lot and made smoothies for breakfast three times a week to drink after my workouts. I ate lots of simple salads, and I drank a gallon of water a day.

My height is ‘5’4″, and my original weight was 245 pounds when I began the program. My current weight is 190 pounds. I went from a size 18 to a size 12 in 10 weeks, and I feel better than ever. Most importantly, I no longer take 11 medications daily.

Living for my kids was my greatest motivation. I have three children and a grandchild to live for. Being in better health keeps me motivated as well, along with looking at old pictures from when I was at my heaviest. I never want to go back to feeling tired, fatigued, overweight, and insecure. I take my health very serious now.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is to stay away from the scale. The scale is our biggest enemy, and it can also discourage us. Focus on what you look like in the mirror.

Advice: No matter what, stay focused. Join groups on Facebook full of like-minded people who are on the same health journey you are on. These groups can help on those days that you need some motivation. Also, set realistic goals and don’t rush the process. It’s a lifestyle change, not a diet. Just keep working at it, and before you know it, you’ll be in that 2-piece swimsuit that you worked so hard to get in…comfortably!

I highly recommend trying Terry Starks‘s program. ‘It’s very inexpensive, simple and detailed. It’s also customized specially for your body type. If I can do it, anyone can.

Instagram: @Tanishia_Tee

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.