Tyra lost 100 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tyra lost 100 pounds and 6 dress sizes. She is a Veteran and mother who experienced some serious challenges during her weight release journey. By eating clean, joining Black Girls Run, being patient and being consistent she released the weight and changed her life. Check out her inspiring story.

I started gaining weight after I injured myself in the military. Once I was out, I really picked up weight. Before I knew it, my weight problem spiraled out of control. By 2012, I was very close to 300 pounds. It wasn’t until we went to an amusement park that year that I realized I was in big trouble. They couldn’t close the bar on my seat on a roller coaster and I had to get off the ride. That walk of shame and the many emotions that came up in that moment made me want to curl up and cry. I weighed myself that day and found out I weighed 300 pounds.

I tried a few diets and diet pills that shot my blood pressure up. One of the pills that was prescribed caused pancreatitis and I was admitted to the hospital. Next, I went to the seminar for weight loss surgery and heard the doctor state that you can’t lose 100 pounds on your own and that made me angry. That’s when I realized I had to buckle down, become disciplined and put the work in. I found a personal trainer and joined Black Girls Run.

I’m not knocking anyone for doing any of the things that didn’t work for me or the things I decided not to do. However, listening to that doctor motivated me to become disciplined. By March of 2013, I’d lost 35 to 40 pounds. A couple of months into 2013, one of my sons was murdered. As much as I tried to stay the course, I bobbed in and out of my weight loss journey.

At the beginning of 2016, a close friend of mine challenged me to eat clean Monday through Friday, drink no less than a gallon of water a day and do 100 squats each day. From there, I joined a local gym and took the challenge to new heights.

Today, I have lost 100 pounds. (height: 5’9″) I was in a size 22 and I’ve lost 6 dress sizes. I’m not where I want to be but I’m much closer than I was. I’m now more concerned with inches instead of pounds.

Eating Habits: I cut back on sugary foods and drinks. I also limited my bread intake. I focused on eating clean 85/90 % of the time. I eat a lot of green veggies, salads, fish, turkey, and some chicken. I absolutely love avocados as well.

Exercise: I started out doing a lot of walking on the treadmill. Then, I began to add in some core exercises along with HIIT cardio. Recently, (in the last 4 months) I’ve included more strength training in my routine, and I’m looking forward to seeing the results. I work out 5 to 6 days a week.

Biggest Lesson: I have learned to embrace the journey. You don’t gain weight overnight and you definitely will not lose it overnight. This journey has taught me a lot about myself as far as digging deep within myself.

Advice: I would advise anyone to have patience and be consistent. If you fall off the wagon, get back on it. Your only competition is yourself. Embrace the journey and keep moving.

Instagram: @ki_fitlifestyle