Teresa lost 128 pounds

Teresa lost 128 pounds and has kept the weight off for 7 years. She shared with us her motivation, her struggle and how she was able to release the weight for good. Check out her awesome tips and wisdom on eating habits, exercise and mindset.

My motivation and inspiration came merely because of my Christian faith. I was seeking custody of my 2 cousins who were in foster care. All the court appearances, visitation, paper work, social workers in my home, and dealing with their issues from being in a dysfunctional environment had me feeling weighted. Thankfully, faith was my antidote!

During Lent season, I would usually rid meat from my diet, but I was subconsciously aware that meat wasn’t my weakness. I was seeking a release from the strain in my life. Sugar was my addiction and it held me in captivity as well. I decided that my faith was bigger than the chocolate cookies.

In the past, I would get rid of the weight, but soon it would reappear with the vengeance. In less than two months of taking the sugar out of my diet, I lost thirty pounds! After Lent season, I attempted to revisit chocolate but it wasn’t alluring anymore. As a matter of fact, the taste was no longer a comfort, but actually utterly overwhelming to my palate.

Actually every aspect of my eating has been altered. In the past, I detested vegetables. However, on this journey I started craving fresh fruit, fresh veggies, lean protein and whole grains. Once my body started receiving proper nutrition, my portion sizes dramatically changed. I stayed fuller longer.

Henceforward, I was blessed to meet some fabulous Zumba instructors and prominent people
in the fitness industry. This was the catalyst for my workout regimen! Currently, I work out and tone five days a week, with rest days only on the weekends (sometimes). Usually the gym is my main preference, utilizing every upper/lower body machine (20 reps usually 2 or 3 times each round). Incorporating weights changed my entire body structure and helped me avoid sagging skin. This also produced a lean fit appearance. In my opinion, versatility is vital to any workout regimen. Being an only child, boredom is not an option. Therefore, I do any of the below depending on my fit mood:

•  Taebo
• Zumba
• Mixxed Fit
• Cize
• Cardio Dance
• Insanity
• Insanity Max
• Brazil But Lift,
• P90X
• Hip Hop Abs

At my heaviest, the scale showed 268 pounds. Currently, I weigh 140 pounds and stand about 5 feet 8. It took me years to get my weight under control and many failures. I would release weight on and off for years. However, the most dramatic part of my transformation only took about 8 months. I’ve actually been able to maintain the weight lost and toned appearance for 7 years now consistently.

I would lend this as advice for others seeking weight loss. What worked for me may not work for you. We all have different body structures. However, look into your diet to locate the culprit that is causing the weight gain. For me it was sugar and for my best friend it is meat. Using My Fitness Pal to record your meals is a grand way to start! It will surly show if you’re consuming too much sugar or carbs? Set a small goal to limit a specific food from your diet. Once you complete that small goal, attempt to add more days without that item.

Create a reward jar! Every time you conquer a goal, add a dollar to a jar. Once you have enough money to purchase something, buy something like weights or another fitness treat. Try to innovative ways to change your eating habits, like Meatless Monday, Fish only on Friday’s.

Make it enjoyable! Get a fitness buddy so that when you’re having a weak moment they can help veer you in the right direction. You can share healthy food ideas and inspire each other to workout. Create your own fitness norms and adhere to your own guidelines.

Eating Tips: Fresh food only! For example, purchase fresh corn but avoid canned corn. Water is a must as well, but the consumption requirements may become mind numbing after a while. Add some Dasani water enhancer with crushed iced to help with the water intake. Life is too short not to enjoy a treat from time to time, so by all means have one (in moderation don’t make it habitual). However, find a healthier alternatives. Example: When I’m craving ice cream, I’ll opt for low fat yogurt but add granola. In the event I decide to have a cheat meal, then there’s also an intense 2 hour cardio session planned to burn those calories.

In conclusion, having weight lost surgery or any other surgery to alter my image was never an option or even crossed my mind. The result of my horrific eating habits triggered a plethora of surgeries and the healing process was gruesome for me. I’ve lost my gallbladder and appendix, with five marks left for life across my six pack. After losing 2 organs, having my stomach reduced in size just doesn’t sound appealing.

Meal prep is my passion and I’m available to help you reach your goals. Please locate me on Instagram: @IMPECCABLE_FIT_CHIC