Whitney lost 170 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Whitney lost 170 pounds with exercise and healthy eating habits. Her journey started several years ago after her oldest daughter gained close to 50 lbs while she was away for the summer. Not only did she want to support her in losing weight, but she knew she needed to change her own habits as well.

When did you start your journey?
At 14 years old, I was at my heaviest weighing 396 pounds, and I stayed heavy most of my life. By the time I had my last daughter in 2010, I had shot back upwards to 345 pounds. 

I started my weight loss journey back in 2013, when my youngest daughter was two years old, and my oldest daughter was nine years old. It was then that I decided to make a permanent lifestyle change. My current weight is 175 pounds. I have lost the weight naturally with just diet and exercise. 

What was your motivation?
I was moved to lose weight after allowing my nine-year-old daughter to visit my mother and her father for the summer. Without my guidance, she was allowed to eat how much she liked, and she gained close to 50 pounds in less than two months. I was devastated. Having been heavy most of my life, I didn’t want my child to experience the same pain and hurt I went through simply because of my weight. 

At first, I would tell her that she didn’t need to eat this or that. At the same time, I was still eating the same things I was telling her that she didn’t need to eat. 

I decided that I would begin to make changes with her. I decided to help her lose the weight instead of making her feel bad, which is something I never wanted to do. 

At the beginning of 2013, I cried with my daughter and promised her that I would never be a burden to her or her sisters. I told her that when she got ready to start her family, I would be there to actively help her with whatever she needed. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped drinking soda pop, period. I stopped eating after 7:00 pm and educated myself on nutrition facts and portion sizes/portion control. 

What was your workout routine?
I began to exercise five days a week. I would use my treadmill for at least 30 minutes every day, and I brought a DVD workout by Leslie Sanson that I still sometimes use to this day. I also got some 5-pound weights for my arms to help me build muscles. 

What is your height?
I am 5 feet, 8 inches tall.

How long did your transformation take?
It took me close to a year and a half to get the weight entirely off. I have maintained my weight for close to five-plus years.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I learned from all this is to be aware of what I am eating and not to drink my calories. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
If I could give other women advice, it would be that Any Day is A Good Day to Start. Please don’t feel like you can’t do it because, honestly, all it takes is you believing in yourself and making the first step. 

When I began my journey, I would mark my calendar with a sticker or star for the days I successfully completed my workout and eating routine. I did this to remind myself that consistency is key and not to give up. I knew that I would get there one day at a time. 

Instagram: @queenwitahcrown5