Transformation of the Day: Tiana lost 60 pounds. Tired of not liking what she saw when she looked at herself in photos, she decided to take action. She joined a transformation program, committed to HIIT workouts, and made significant changes to her eating habits.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was wanting to like what I see looking back at me in the mirror. I saw myself in pictures with my 1-year-old son and didn’t like what I saw. I never even had my wedding photos printed because I was embarrassed about my size.
How did you change your eating habits?
I started with a very strict diet called FTDI, which was part of a weight loss challenge to lose 20 pounds in 6 weeks. With the FTDI plan, you cut out sugar, dairy, and bread. You also drink your gallon of water a day and eat every 3 to 4 hours. The plan teaches you how to balance starch and proteins.
This plan worked for me, and I lost 38 pounds and just under 12 weeks. After the challenge, I’ve preferred to manage my weight by eating clean, and I’m currently using intermittent fasting – 8/16.
[FTDI: The letters stand for “follow the damn instructions,” and Camp Transformation Center members commonly use the term.]
What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
My workout routine is high-intensity interval training. I’ve pushed myself to lift heavy, especially when we are using short time intervals. I try to work out four to five times a week for 45 minutes to an hour.
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What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My heaviest was likely 215 pounds or so. I stopped stepping on the scale for a while. I now am at 155 pounds.
What is your height?
5’0″
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in July 2017. I pretty much lost it all in about six months, and I’ve maintained it over the years. I do weigh myself frequently, so I know how I’m trending. I don’t let myself get above 160 without doing something.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I didn’t have surgery.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that I was a stress eater, a reward eater, and a bored eater. I also come from a family where food is love. I had to learn to love myself by being healthy so that I can be here long-term.
I come from a family of beautiful and very curvy women. Being a size 16 was totally normal. However, at 5 ft tall, that was very impractical for me. When I look at myself, now I don’t think I’m thin by any means. If I go too far and my size six jeans get baggy, I eat a cheesesteak. It’s really about balance and unlearning the relationships we had with food and picking up some new ones.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Stop with the gimmicks, the teas, the wraps, and the fad diets. Stop eating processed foods and drinking sugary drinks. Love yourself enough to want to take care of yourself, be there for your family, and be the best version of yourself. Start small and start again every day. Once you’ve lost the weight, don’t allow yourself to go too high. Also, keep photos so you can track your progress.
Instagram: @steeltoesnstilettos
Michelke says
O. My goodness you’re so inspiring. I see you were a member of 3DFitness. I am going to read this over and over. You look fantastic. Thanks for sharing your story. Blair gotta be proud of you.