Valerie lost 56 pounds

Valerie lost 56 pounds. This single mom put the focus on everyone but herself for years. At 49 years old, she decided to change her life, so she found a program that gave her the accountability and guidance she was looking for.

Today, June 22, 2019, I am excited because at the age of 54, and with a family history of high blood pressure, gout, and other obesity/diet-related illnesses, I have reached my NORMAL body fat percentage. I am no longer ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’ by BMI standards! Not only that, I never have and still don’t have to take any corrective medications for obesity or weight-related illnesses!!

My journey began in 2014 when I was 49 years old. I have been a single mom since 1998, so the focus has been off me for a long time. I am like anyone else who focuses on ‘doing what I gotta do,’ so that is the mode I’ve operated in.

I was never a big eater, more like a grazer, or one who would have 1-2 meals a day. However, I didn’t control my portions or options and grazed my way up to 209 pounds. My point of entry for the program I used was 204 pounds in Sept 2014. I was able to release 45 pounds in 7 months, by my birthday, which is April 30. My primary motivation when I began the OptaVia program was to lose 50 lbs by age 50.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits through what is called a 5 and 1 program, which included having a personal health coach to walk me through my customized plan, and access to a community of people who support each other. The program also includes personal growth, health science, mindset education, and eating six simply prepared, portion-controlled, and low glycemic meals per day, spread out every 2-3 hrs.

The OptaVia program is in different phases, so the 1st phase involves getting into the habit of the small meals, which include a combination of prepared meals and lists of foods and recipes for preparing meals on my own. There are no points or calorie counting, nor is any food group eliminated. It is more about learning the exact science of nutrient-dense portion control. The transition phase involves more self-prepared meals, and the maintenance phase even more. So, by the time I reached my healthy weight, my habits were reformed, and this is truly a lifestyle change.

What did your workout routine consist of?
My workout routine was/is no more than walking or making sure I added healthy movement to my lifestyle. I could work out as much or as little as my body allows.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
As I mentioned, I began the lifestyle change at 204 pounds. To date, I have released/learned how to keep off 56 pounds. That puts me at a healthy body fat percentage of 22% for my height of 5’4″.

I am now stepping up my goals to improve my BMI percentages and strength. There is always room for improvement and no turning back! Now I coach others, which helps them and adds a layer of accountability on my journey. I am certified with the Villanova School of Nursing Center for Obesity Prevention and Education (COPE)

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I have never had any form of weight loss surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
My biggest lesson has been that maintaining a healthy weight is a daily choice that involves an integrated lifestyle, not just focusing on the numbers on the scale. Mindset is key to forming and sustaining habits for life.

What advice would you like to share?
My advice would be to seek help for your journey if you are pursuing an overall healthy lifestyle. Start with reaching that healthy weight, then work on your whole lifestyle and habits. Find like-minded people who will encourage and support your journey in every way.

Read and seek education regularly. A healthy lifestyle takes discipline and making more choices that support the life you want to create than not. There is a science to it. There is information available to help you reach your health goals. Work on personal development.

Help someone else with their journey because it adds a layer of accountability. Have fun and be patient. Lifestyle change takes time but is so worth it!

Disclaimer: Reference or link to any specific product, diet plan, exercise plan or service mentioned in the weight loss stories we share is for the information of our readers, and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Black Women Losing Weight.