Tracie lost 120 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tracie lost 120 pounds. Divorce, high blood pressure issues, and smoking presented a big challenge to her health and happiness. By faith, she made practical lifestyle changes and focused on the life she wanted to build for herself and her children. Check out her journey.

My name is Tracie, and with God’s help I have lost over 120 pounds. At my heaviest, I weighed 354 pounds at 5’6″ and wore a size 24/25. Now, I’m a size 10/12 and still going strong. I was also diagnosed with high blood pressure at 28 years old.

I started my lifestyle change in 2012. I was going through a divorce, a really tough time in my life. I weighed over 350 lbs and smoked cigarettes. I started noticing that I would see small white floating dots periodically. My blood pressure was thru the roof. I went to my doctor. He diagnosed me with hypertension, and prescribed me a blood pressure pill and a fluid pill. He told me that if I could just lose the weight then I could stop taking the blood pressure medicine.

I lost 70 pounds within 8 months. I worked out 7 days a week, two times a day Monday-Friday. I would walk the treadmill in in the mornings and do dance aerobics in the evenings. I walked 4 miles on Saturday and Sunday. I TOTALLY changed my eating habits. No bought foods or eating out for a while. I packed my lunch for work everyday. That worked for me because I’m not really good a food prepping. Lol. I cut out all sugar drinks and only drank water and Herbalife tea. I still use Herbalife products today.

Since I lost 120 pounds, I no longer have blood pressure issues. I also kicked the cigarette habit. The reason I was so focused and determined was because it took my mind off of my divorce. Instead, I started concentrating on being healthy and being here for my children. I began to understand why it is so important to take care of your temple. I haven’t had any weight loss surgeries but I plan on getting some cosmetic work done.

My advice to others: First of all, YOU CAN DO IT. You have to find your personal motivation. When you understand that your body is a temple and that you have to take care of it, you’ll began to understand the importance of eating well and exercising. Understand that with God, all things are possible.

You don’t need a gym partner. Don’t wait on anyone to do what you need to do for yourself. Start small and work your way up. Learn about yourself. What triggers your overeating? Is it emotional, stressed based, greed, etc? You have to be completely honest with yourself. Go to your doctor because he/she should be your health advisor. I pray that my story has inspired someone. Be blessed.