Wadeana lost 70+ pounds

Transformation of the Day: Wadeana lost 70+ pounds. We have been following this Delta Sigma Theta soror’s transformation journey since 2016. For the last 12 years, she’s truly put in the work to discover what eating habits and exercise routines work for her. Her efforts have paid off in long-term results, a strong body, and good health.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation has and always will be to want to see myself and live in my best self! What a shame it would be to travel this life feeling ashamed, unworthy, unhealthy, and unloved by the person who it matters to most…ME!

How did you change your eating habits?
In most recent years, I became more in tune and connected to my body, learning what makes me feel energized and satisfied. I eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m satisfied, not full. I eat whole, nutritious foods, and I don’t eliminate food groups, but rather, I’ve learned balance. I lower my carb intake during the week so that I can enjoy guilt-free meals with my family during weekend outings.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I work out 5 – 6 days a week. My workout routine consists of steady-state cardio, particularly running at least 3 miles every other day, and weight training most days. My workouts generally last 90 minutes. I work out first thing in the morning to awaken my body and set the tone for the day.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 233 pounds wearing a size 24. I’m currently floating in the 170lbs and fitting into a size 6. However, I wear a size 8 comfortably.

What is your height?
I’m 5’8″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I began my journey 12 years ago this July. I was my leanest (157lbs) in 2016. However, that was very difficult to maintain. Where I am now, I am my happiest: learning to eat what I enjoy in moderation, socialize with friends and family, living life to the fullest, and maintaining good health.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I’ve never had surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I have learned thus far is to no longer suppress the love I have for myself even though the journey doesn’t always APPEAR to reward the work! 

You must acknowledge success by other means rather than focusing on a scale number. That’s a huge mistake I made in the past! I neglected the gains I was making in my endurance, my strength, and my overall health! I lost my zeal for life and the love I should have had for myself while chasing a number on the scale. Those days are long gone as I recognize who I am and the accomplishments I’ve made!

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Start…simply start! You’re not going to have it all figured out initially, and once you feel you do, you’ll need to make adjustments all over again! 

Take one week to write down everything you eat and how much without falsifying (as there’s no need to lie to yourself). Take a record of items you may need to find healthier options for. Pay close attention to portions. Most of us eat more than we think and eat until we’re stuffed. 

Drink more water. Try to balance your plate with lean meats/fish, more vegetables, and let about a quarter of your plate be complex carbs. 

Find activities you enjoy so that you’ll be more likely to commit to them. 

Please do not compare your journey to anyone else’s, as all of our bodies and journeys are different. Be patient, be consistent, and most of all, remember that once you begin this journey, there’s no end date. It’s forever!!

Instagram: @Way2the

Read more about her weight loss transformation.