Tonyael lost 35 pounds

Update November 2020: Shout out to Tonyael. Two years ago she sent in her story and shared with us how she lost 30+ pounds and transformed her body. She has worked hard to maintain her success.

What is your current weight?
164 pounds

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I still don’t eat any pork or beef. I’m also limiting chicken and sticking with seafood and turkey. As far as working out, I lift weights 3-4 times a week and do cardio five times a week for 30-45 minutes. 

Of the lessons you’ve learned on your journey, which one stands out the most at this point?
That this is my journey, and no one else can write the story for me. I don’t compare my progress or results to anyone else’s. I push myself to the best of my ability, and I run my own race. 

Would you like to offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?
Consistency is key. It’s not always easy, and the results won’t come overnight. However, the outcome will definitely be worth it. @tonyaelm

November 9, 2018: Transformation of the Day: Tonyael lost 35 pounds and ended a long cycle of yo-yo dieting. This proud mom didn’t let depression or an abusive relationship stop her from reaching her goals. She learned the power of being consistent.

My name is Tonyael, and I’m a chronic yo-yo dieter. After I had my daughter in 2012, I started working out in 2013. Each year, I would gain weight and lose weight. After I became pregnant, I was diagnosed with depression. I was also in an abusive relationship. My depression actually lasted until 2015.

I started going to talk therapy in 2012 when my therapist recommended that I start working out as another form of therapy because I was against medication. However, I didn’t work out until after I had my daughter. My workouts and my dieting routine were not consistent, and I was unstable mentally. On top of that, I was a new mom and still in a bad relationship.

In 2013, I worked out with my first personal trainer and was very inconsistent. I lost 30 pounds in 2015 and ran my first 10-mile race. I worked really hard to keep the weight off. Then, in 2016, I got a job offer in Atlanta. At that point, I decided just to live it up. I instantly gained all my weight back and was at square one again. I went home for Christmas and saw how big I had gotten. I was disgusted with myself. At that point, I realized I couldn’t continue to do this.

In January 2017, I signed up for a 30-day transformation plan and was pleased with my results. I again let the holidays creep back in and gained a few pounds. In January 2018, I decided to get a trainer in Atlanta and push myself to focus. January 2018 was a turning point in my life. That year I finally reached my goal weight and decided to never give up on myself again. 2018 was a turning point in my life.

What was your motivation?
Myself. I got tired of going through the same cycle of yo-yo dieting since 2013. Each year, I would workout hard January through July. Then, I would party all summer and pig out for the holidays.

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My daughter. Although she is only 6 years old, she reminds me on a daily basis that I have to work out. If I am eating something, I’m not supposed to eat she will say, “Are you supposed to be eating that’?

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut out pork and beef after I had my daughter. Then I started eating 6 small meals a day and drinking at least half my body weight in water daily. I also limited my intake of chicken and began to eat mostly white fish and salmon.

What did your workout routine look like?
During my journey, I worked out with a trainer 3-4 times a week, and I did cardio 5 times a week. Now, I have decreased my cardio and increased the amount of weight lifting I do.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? (Updated)
My starting weight was 190, and I weighed 155 pounds in Nov 2018. My current weight is 160 pounds. My height is 5’5 1/2″.

How long did your transformation take?
6 months in 2018 once I was actually consistent.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
That this is my journey no one else’s

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Consistency is key. It’s not always easy, and the results won’t come overnight, but the outcome will definitely be worth it.

Instagram: @tonyaelm

Update June 2020: Shout out to Tonyael. She has worked hard to maintain her weight loss with healthy eating habits and exercise. Now, she’s a certified personal trainer and fitness entrepreneur.

It’s been two years, and I’m still hanging in there. January 2018 was definitely a turning point in my life. That year I finally reached my goal weight and decided to never give up on myself again. In December 2018, I created #fitgirlsocool. #fitgirlsocool is a health and wellness initiative designed to promote health and wellness while focusing on four components of fitness (physical, mental, spiritual, financial). The initiative offers monthly boot camps, 21 day challenges, personal training, and workshops/seminars. I also obtained my personal training certification in 2019 and started a personal training business in 2020. My businesses allow me to educate and motivate others by sharing my experiences, struggles, and adversities as a single mom, domestic violence survivor, and mental health advocate. In addition to personal training and my health and wellness initiative, I am also a fitness model and working on creating a non-for-profit version of #fitgirlsocool with my daughter/ business partner, Janael. My daughter is my biggest inspiration and my reason why. Hopefully, my story inspires someone who wants to give up and think they can’t do it. It’s ok to start over, but remember consistency is key. – @tonyaelm