Wanda lost 41 pounds. This proud mom of three began her lifestyle transformation after being diagnosed with high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. She ate clean, did her research and worked out regularly. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.
My name is Wanda. I’m a mother of three (ages 21, 15, and 12 years old) and I’ll be 40 years old next month. I’ve lost a total of 40 pounds.
What was your motivation?
In the past, I never had an issue with weight. As I got older, I started putting on weight. I had aches, pains and problems walking. I went to my doctor in Dec 2015 and I was given a prescription for blood pressure and told I was pre-diabetic. So, I went home that day and said to myself, “I’m too young and my girls need me.”
How did you change your eating habits?
I strickly followed a clean diet for 7 months. I changed my diet because emotional eating had been my problem. I’m an artist, so I’d stay up all night painting and eating. I stopped eating pork, drank lots of water and bought only fresh vegetables. I also completely stopped frying food and started eating fruit to replace my snacks.
I’m currently on a 1300 calorie a day diet and I’m constantly eating. I eat breakfast, usually eggs, toast, and fruits. My snacks are fruit, crackers, or some type of fiber bar. Lunch is usually a salad (sometimes I cheat, lol). I keep veggies and fruit in little bags to snack on during the day. I do not eat after 8pm, but I drink a lot of water between that time and bed.
What did your workout routine look like?
In June 2016, I started walking. By this time, I had lost 15 pounds just by changing what I ate. I walked three times a week. In August, I joined the gym. I have always been self conscious going in the gym, because everyone looked so in fit and I had no clue what to do. So, I started working with a trainer and he taught me about the equipment. I began learning about my body and started studying anatomy. I seriously just wanted to get an understanding of my body.
By September, I was working out 5 days a week. For cardiovascular work, I usually do 30 minutes on the treadmill and about 45 mins jumping roping. I have one running day and 3 days a week I lift. I’m so addicted to fitness, but I want to keep my feminine look. I do light weights and high reps. I also take a multi vitamin, amino and BCAA for muscle recovery.
Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 182 pounds at 5’2″. Currently, I weigh 141 pounds with 20% body fat.
What is your advice to other people who want to lose weight?
I say it everyday: Just Start. You don’t need no gym membership, just start. Learn your body. Get a journal and write down everything you eat. By the end of the day, if you don’t like what you see Just Start.
I didn’t pursue this lifestyle change just for me, I also did it my family. Now, I’m working on becoming a personal trainer and doing some fitness competitions after I turn 40. My goal is to encourage others to just start.
Instagram: @wanda_d_the_artist
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