Tonya lost 74 pounds

Let’s show some love to Tonya.  She lost 74 pounds.  After dealing with the effects of being overweight since her teens, she found a weight loss program that works and committed herself to exercise.  Check out what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

“Hi, My name is Tonya Person and I would just like to share my story and hopefully it will inspire someone else. All my life, as a teen and an adult, I’ve been overweight. I have 2 daughters (9 and 5 years old) and they have been my motivation. I want to be here to raise my children and to be able to do physical activities with them. My journey to a healthier life started in February of 2011. I started with simple things, like cutting back on soft drinks and sweet and sugary foods. I started eliminating “junk” foods and cutting back on fried foods and starches.

I incorporated walking at least 30 minutes per day, gradually increasing my time. Then I started doing exercise videos at home and eventually I got a gym membership.  I also use exercise DVDs or workouts from Youtube, like the Leslie Sansone’s walking series. When I go to the YMCA, I use the elliptical and treadmill as well as the other gym equipment. I also do low impact aerobics at home as well. I eat lots of fruit and veggies and I try to limit my white starches and carbs. I substitute my white rice for brown rice and eat wheat bread whenever I eat bread. I use olive oil to prepare my foods when I need oil. I try to limit the amount of beef and pork that I eat so mostly I eat chicken, fish or shrimp . If I eat pasta I like to have the whole wheat pasta. When I eat out, I order water instead of soft drinks or sugary drinks. Also, when I eat out, if I know where I’m going I try to view the menus online ahead of time to see what the healthy selections are. That way when I get there I already have in mind what I will eat. I eat a lot of salads, fruits and veggies in the spring and summertime

I fell off the wagon several times but never turned completely away from my journey. I started using Herbalife products on and on in 2012 but was never consistent with it until April of 2013. I started consuming 2 healthy meal replacement shakes per day, one sensible colorful meal, and healthy snacks in between. I’m on Instagram and I try to post my meals on there as a means of accountability.

So, far since I started my journey I’ve lost so far I’ve released 74 pounds and I’ve dropped 6 dress sizes and 2 shoes sizes. Each day I try to incorporate some personal development time for myself to stay encourage. My advice for others is to start making small changes, set realistic goals for yourself, never quit, find your WHY. If you get off track, don’t stay there. Get back up and keep trying. Since started my journey, I feel better and have more energy than I have since I was in high school. My journey is far from over this is really just the beginning and I’m determined to see it all the way through!”