Tara lost 116 pounds

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tara lost 116 pounds.  After being diagnosed with high blood pressure in her twenties, she was determined to beat obesity and change her lifestyle for greater wellness.  Here is what she shared with us…

About 4 years ago, I was morbidly obese and full of excuses. I lived for Reese’s cups and Sonic slushes. One summer, my blood pressure randomly spiked. My doctor, of course, linked this to my weight, and tried to assure me that I was genetically inclined to have high blood pressure. However, I was determined to prove differently. One thing I knew for sure was that genetics didn’t cause obesity. I knew that genetics didn’t inhibit my ability to exercise. Today, I’ve lost 116 pounds, and my blood pressure has been steadily normal for about 2 1/2 years. I workout religiously and I still follow a very strict eating lifestyle. Oreos and pizza are manufactured in abundance, but you only get one life! That’s my motto!

I started my journey weighing in at 314 lbs, 5’6″ tall, carrying the majority of my weight on my stomach. Yea, picture that! Reality set in after finding out that I had high blood pressure at the age of 25. I knew I had to change my life quickly.

I started to treat food as a necessity, opposed to a priority. I decided not to let food control my life. I dropped the Sprites, Reese’s cups and Sonic Slushes (my favorite) cold turkey. I can’t explain where that willpower came from. To this day, looking back, it still blows my mind. Weekly, I prepare all of my meals, which consist of lean meats, veggies and brown rice or a small portion of a baked sweet potato. I’ve drank only water for about 4 years now. Seriously, that’s all my body craves. My snacks consist of raw nuts, almond butter with rice cakes, Quest bars, and protein shakes. I’ve found that when I meal prep, I’m less likely to make poor decisions. However, when I do eat out. I usually opt for grilled chicken and salads without cheese and fruits. I love the unwich (sandwich wrapped in lettuce) from Jimmy Johns too. I’m accountable for everything that I eat. Meaning that I log and track everything that I consume. Awareness is key!

My weekly workouts consist of Weight training and 2-3 hours of cardio. Outside of the gym, I usually run 3-4 miles around my neighborhood at least 2-3 days a week.

My advice to others wanting to lose weight, get in shape or just improve your overall health is to work for what you expect! Success comes to those who work their butts off every single day. Remember, pizza and Oreos are produced in abundance, but you’re only given one life. Live your best life!

Instagram: @Reduced_fat