Yolanda lost 135+ pounds

Transformation of the Day: Yolanda lost 135+ pounds by creating a healthier lifestyle and believing in herself. This is not an overnight success. She worked for many years to determine the right mix of exercise, eating habits, and mindset.

Social Media:
Facebook: Yolanda Anderson 
Instagram: @journey2absyolanda

What was my motivation? What inspired you to keep going during the tough times?
My motivation to keep going was the fact I really didn’t like myself, and I didn’t want to be that version of myself any longer. 

What inspired me to keep going was that I had tried and failed soooo many times. I just felt this time, if I failed, I would die. I didn’t think I’d get another chance to change my life. I was in a very abusive relationship and felt the only way out was to begin believing truths about myself instead of lies. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed them very slowly over time. I began with not drinking soda. I continued to eat what I wanted but eliminated the soda and drank fruit juices. I lost about 7 lbs just from that alone!!

Then I cut out the juice and just drank water. Next, I cut out different meats, some I reintroduced, lol, but I cut out certain meats for the time (like red meat and chicken). I also began to add green smoothies to my diet daily and intermittent fasting. That was a game-changer. Now, I eat high-protein meals and manage my calories. 

What is your workout routine?
I began by just walking. Then, I hired a personal trainer and started doing more HIIT-type workouts. 

I got really serious and hired a group trainer. He is the best. His name is Derron Flood, and his gym is Fitness First (look him up if you’re in the VA area). He specializes in strength training, HIIT, and bodybuilding. By working with him, my body really began to change. I began to build muscle but was constantly hurting myself, so I started taking kickboxing classes and Muay Thai to get me to move in other planes of movement. That was a little better, but I still didn’t like how I felt, so I began cross-training, and now I’m into mobility training. I like doing a little bit of everything to keep my body moving fluidly. 

How often do I work out?
I began working out like six times a week, sometimes twice a day. I didn’t like how my body looked then, so I started cutting down my workouts. 

Now, I strength train about 3-4 times a week. I always make sure to use a day for some form of cardio and another day dedicated to functional movements. I stretch almost daily and work on my hip flexors daily. 

What was your starting weight?
I began at over 300 pounds. I am not exactly sure because I wouldn’t look at the number, and I told the doctor not to tell me. I had a woman doctor, and she was kind of mean. She did tell me I was over 300 lbs, which was terrible on my 5’2″ frame. I cried in front of that lady…smh.

What is my current weight?
I am proud to say I now weigh 165 pounds. I could weigh 168 pounds, but that is only due to the muscle I’m building. I remained the same weight for years as my body changed. It’s important for women to know this. The scale won’t move as quickly when you’re building muscle while losing fat.

What is your height?
I am 5’2″.

When did you start your journey?
I began my journey in June 2015

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took approximately eight years and still counting. Losing fat while gaining muscle takes time.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I’m very proud to say no!! I have nothing against those who used that tool. I wanted to use it too at one time, but I couldn’t afford it, lol, so I went this route-through diet and strength training. I’ve become my best self that way. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson is not to rush or go “beast mode.” I ended up hurting myself way too many times. I have also learned to be kind to myself and speak positive affirmations over myself and my body parts!! That has also been a life changer!!

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
My advice is to make up your mind first. Make losing fat a lifestyle and not just for an occasion. You’ll be that much more successful if you change your mindset. 

Also, stay consistent. I stopped and began soooo many times, but I just kept it up. I never gave up, even if I took a couple of months off for mental health reasons. I just got back to it when I could.