Transformation of the Day: Niambi lost 130 pounds. She faced the loss of her husband 3 years ago and her mother 4 years ago. Both were diabetic, so when she was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, it was a major wakeup call. Doing daily workouts, researching sitting exercises and switching up her eating habits paid off. She knows the power of starting with small changes and being consistent.
What was your motivation?
My motivation was my health, my family and a bit of vanity. I lost my husband 3 years ago and my mother 4 years before that. Both were diabetic, which was a factor in their deaths.
I saw myself growing bigger and bigger. One day, I fell down in the kitchen and my kids were terrified… thinking I’d died. At that point, I went to the doctor and found out that I had pre-diabetes. I refused to even think about having to take diabetes medication. From that point on, I decided to try and lose some weight.
How did you change your eating habits?
I started by only drinking water and giving up juice and soda (which I loved and had been drinking everyday, all day). Water became my new favorite drink and my appetite started to decrease. My meals were the same, but I ate smaller portions. Instead of multiple helpings, I would only have one.
What did your workout routine look like?
I started going for walks and I began to feel more energetic. The next thing you know, I couldn’t fit my size 32 pants anymore.
I began to explore on YouTube, looking for exercises I could do sitting down. I have arthritis and a torn meniscus in my right leg and knee, which makes it difficult to do a lot of exercises. I used to take medication for the pain but since I’ve lost weight I am medication free.
I worked out while watching TV or when I was bored. I made sure to do at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, 7 days a week. I did leg lifts and arm lifts with 2 pound weights to start. My arms were really weak when I began. They still aren’t extra strong, but I now use 5 pound weights.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
When I began this journey in December 2016, I weighed 453 pounds (462lbs was my heaviest weight to date). I’m 5 ft, 3/4 inch tall. I actually was down to 295 pounds in March 2018, but I gained some weight back. That actually gave me the push I needed to get fired up again. Now, I weigh 323 pounds and I’m working harder to accomplish my goal. Also, I went back to the doctor and he said I was no longer pre-diabetic.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that if you really want something you can truly achieve it. Anything is possible. At over 400lbs, I didn’t feel good about myself. I was always tired. I could barely walk and always had to take breaks. Now, I can walk a mile without a break and I feel a lot better. I can breathe and I’m able to really live.
What advice would you share with people who want to release the weight?
My advice to anyone who wants to begin this journey is YOU CAN DO IT! STARTING SMALL IS SIGNIFICANT. IT’S THE BEGINNING OF A BIG CHANGE. Exercise while you are watching TV. Little, short walks turn into longer ones. Workout while you are cooking, just laying in bed, in your car or at work on a break. Also, cut out juice and soda for huge benefits.
Instagram: @Heavy2lighthart
