Tracey lost 48 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tracey lost 48 pounds. With her back and knee pain becoming unbearable and the person in the mirror turning into someone she didn’t recognize, she knew it was time for action. She took action by drastically changing her eating habits and working out. Check out her story.

One day, I woke up, looked in the mirror, and I didn’t recognize the person looking back at me. I knew I had to make a change. I was at my breaking point, and at the heaviest weight I had ever been (191 pounds). Not to mention, my constant knee and back pain was becoming unbearable.  

Let me rewind… I was always small (wearing a size 3/4 & 5/6) for the majority of my life. I was not necessarily concerned with what I was eating.

Fast forward to June 4, 2018… When I looked in the mirror, I was wearing a size 14/16. That day marked the beginning of me becoming me and embracing the journey of becoming my best self. Small steps and consistency are key.

I started a 30-day trial at Burn Boot Camp in North Durham on June 4, 2018, and haven’t looked back since. I workout at Burn 3 to 4 times a week. I also try to walk/run 3 miles 5 days a week on top of the Burn protocol workouts.

My eating habits have changed drastically! I ditched the fried foods, and I try to avoid the three poisons, sugar, flour, and salt. They are silent killers! Additionally, I began to meal prep. Meal prepping for me is like the new fast food! It allows me to create more well-balanced meals. Weight loss is 90% based on what you eat.

I eat kale, spinach, zucchini, squash, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, quinoa, seafood, tuna, and chicken. I also eat Greek yogurt, avocado, hummus, and lots of fruit. I replaced vegetable oil with extra virgin oil olive and coconut oil (unrefined). 

I watch my calorie intake. My daily target for calories is 1400 healthy calories a day, with a gallon of water. Here’s a quick breakdown of my meal schedule; Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, and Dinner. I also have a protein shake after every workout to help with muscle recovery.

Here’s what I know: I’m 5’8″, and I started this journey at 191 pounds. I currently weigh 143 pounds, and I’ve lost many inches. Now, my BMI is in the healthy range. I’m loving the skin I’m in, and I’m no longer suffering from knee and back pain. 

I’ve been on this journey for a little over a year. Every day, I choose me! It is not easy, but I make a conscious decision to show up for me every day. I had gotten in the habit of not making myself a priority. Now I realize I can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking care of me, I’m able to inspire and empower others along the way!

This journey is not about weight loss. That’s the bonus! For me, it’s more about becoming fit and discovering my best self along the way. The most significant difference has been I’m not as fatigued as I once was, and my transformation has encouraged my family to start their own journeys! They have been my biggest cheerleaders, and I’m grateful that they too have decided to embark up something new. 

In the past, when I tried to lose weight, I felt like I needed someone to do it with me. What I’ve learned is that I have to do it for myself! This race is a marathon and not a sprint. It’s a lifestyle change and not a diet. I’m fighting obesity one step at a time, naturally. This is me!

My advice: Allow yourself to be a beginner, because no one starts off excellent! Everyone starts somewhere! Stay consistent and be patient. The results will follow!

Remember, the last thing to grow on a fruit tree is the fruit! YOU got this! And, when you feel like giving up, remember why you started! Here’s to your journey of becoming!

Instagram: @wifeofafireman