Update: Symone lost 40 pounds

Update: Symone lost 10 more pounds for a total of 40 pounds gone.

Starting Dress Size: 16
Current Dress Size: 10
Starting Weight: 230 pounds
Current Weight: 190 pounds
Total Weight loss: 40 pounds

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I’ve been able to maintain it by working out at least 4 to 5 days a week. I was working out six days a week, but it was starting to become too much because it would get in the way of me trying to spend time on my business and helping my coaching clients.

• What has worked for me as far as eating goes is avoiding fast food, red meat and fried foods. If I eat any of those, my body will instantly regret it. Also, I drink tons of water and eat a snack or food every 2-3 hours.
• As far as working out, making sure you’re doing enough while you’re there is key. Some people go to they gym, work out for 10 minutes and believe that’s enough but it’s not. I always tell my co-workers and family that as long as you do at least 30 minutes, it’s better than nothing.
• The Fitness on Fire program has been my LIFESAVER! This is definitely a new lifestyle that I don’t plan to deviate from. I love the way I feel and the way I look! There’s no way that I would go back to my old self. My confidence is at like 1,000,000% and there’s no exaggeration! I feel so much better in my clothes. It’s just amazing how much confidence you have when you lose 40 pounds.

What obstacles, hurdles or setbacks have you faced and how did you get back on track?
I think one of the biggest hurdles I had to overcome was finding the inspiration to get up and go to the gym, especially after work. My work schedule varies, so it was difficult to find the motivation to exercise. It’s so easy to stay in the bed and not do anything! However, when you do that, you realize that you’re becoming lazy, and that’s what caused me to become overweight in the first place.

Of the lessons you’ve learned, what stands out the most?
Learning how to eat properly! I think this was my biggest challenge when I started because I would be full and not eat for 5-6 hours. Once I learned how to eat right, and what foods were good for me, it became much easier. Also, it’s not really about how much you eat. It’s about the quality of the foods. Fruits, vegetables, no processed foods, etc. Yes, you can eat every 2-3 hours, but you have to eat foods that are good for you in order to see progress.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to people who want to lose weight?
No, my advice will stay the same. Just make sure you stay consistent and never give up. It’s going to be hard because you’re changing your life to become a better person. Your results aren’t going to come overnight. Keep eating right, drink TONS of water, and mix cardio and weight training in your workouts.

I would recommend Fitness on Fire to other people because it has helped me learn so much about what I can achieve by becoming healthy. As long as you follow what they say, you’ll be on the right track. They provide accountability, they help you learn more about nutrition and what exercises will be best for you as you’re on your journey.

Instagram: @symoneredmond

Read more about her journey.