Veronica lost 132 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Veronica lost 132 pounds. She was in constant pain, and she didn’t feel good about her appearance. By working with a local wellness center in Illinois, she learned all about nutrition, meal prep, and how to properly fuel her body. Check out her journey.

What was your motivation?
My biggest motivation was my pain! All that weight was killing me. I also did not feel good about my appearance. 

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
I had coaching and counseling through Illinois Wellness and Weight Loss Center. I read a lot, and I stayed encouraged by seeing individuals just like me. Now, when I am “discouraged,” I find someone to teach, or I read an article or a book on weight loss and lifestyle changes. That keeps me encouraged.

How did you change your eating habits?
I was with Illinois Wellness and Weight Loss Center for six months. I always knew I needed to eat correctly, but was never equipped with the proper tools for a healthy lifestyle. Through Illinois Wellness and Weight Loss Center, I learned nutritional values and healthy eating. They hold you accountable with meetings weekly.

I went from eating two meals to six meals. I ate three major meals and three snacks. It taught me to fuel my body. I drink ten bottles of water a day, and I’ve found the right balance of carbs, fats, and proteins, including fruits and veggies. I learned that all carbs are not bad. 

I committed to proper prepping and planning to achieve success. I stopped eating fried food and processed food. I started eating avocado and kale. I experimented with zucchini, squash, and some other veggies I would have never touched in the past. 

What did your workout routine consist of?
I am in the gym five days a week. I spend one day with my trainer. I strength train three days weekly, with 30 minutes of cardio. I swim or play racquetball for the other two days. I love lifting weights and leg pressing. My worst exercise is planking. When weather permits, I walk every day to the gym (3 miles). When I am on vacation, I walk twice a day.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 373 pounds, and my current weight is 241 pounds.

What is your height?
5’8″

When did you start your journey?
I started on December 11, 2018. I started with Illinois Wellness and Weight Loss I weighed 353 pounds. When I checked with my physician, he said that six years ago, my heaviest weight was 373 pounds. This is my true rebirth!

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I learned the value of proper eating, sleeping, and drinking water. Work the plan because it works! Also, prep, prep, and prep, It saves you time, and you will not be prone to eating poorly if you have your own food.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Stay the plan, because it works. Educate yourself daily. Every day, I am on Black Women Losing Weight’s website looking at stories, and someone encourages me every day! 

Encourage someone else through their journey, and applaud for everyone. Every one of us needs support! 

Never give up, and never give in! It’s a battle, like every other battle, you must come prepared to fight and win! You will win!

My daily motivation: Believe in Yourself.

Instagram: @ponsiegirl