Instagram

Transformation of the Day: Ashley lost 63 pounds. Her four children are her motivation. She got results with a low carb, keto diet combined with lots of exercise. Check out her journey.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was my four beautiful kids. I know they are going to need me around for a long time, and getting healthy was something I knew I had to do.

How did you change your eating habits?
With research, I decided to do keto/low carb. I have tried so many diets, and I was tired of the ups and downs of my weight. With keto, I still got to eat food that I love, such as bacon, burgers, and chicken. I gave up bread, which was a big deal for me cause I love it. I also started eating more vegetables and avocados, which I never thought I would eat. I try to stay around 25 to 30 carbs a day, and it has really worked for me.

What did your workout routine look like?
I work out 5-6 times a day for at least an hour. My workout consists of cardio and weight lifting. When I can’t make it to the gym, I work out at home just so I can stay on track.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 255 pounds, and my current weight is 192 pounds. My height is 5’5″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on July 18, 2018. I began to see progress after the first month. I had lost 10 pounds, and I was so elated. I just knew I had to stick it out.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I have learned is to stay consistent no matter what the scale says and always to remind myself why I started this journey in the first place.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Find what’s comfortable for you and stick with it. Sometimes you might have to go out of your comfort zone to get things accomplished but stick to it no matter what.

Instagram: @ash_nell87

Transformation of the day: Kristeen lost 30 pounds. With the help of a friend in the gym, this proud social worker learned combined power of weight training and a calorie deficit. Her transformation has improved her physical, mental and emotional health. Check out her story.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
After I gained weight in college, I was planning to get a fat transfer
surgery (AKA a Brazilian Butt Lift) using the extra fat around my midsection. A few months before my scheduled surgery, someone approached me in the gym. We began to chat, and I told them about my plans. They stopped me and said, “If you work with your genetics, you’ll be amazed at what your body can do.” This person then taught me almost everything that I know about weight lifting. I discovered a love for weight training. Before I knew it, I started to see results in my body, and I was hooked. I canceled my surgery date. It has been the best decision of my life.

Looking in the mirror and seeing what this body can accomplish is my ultimate motivation. I also think about how much more confident I feel now whenever I’m tempted to give up. I don’t want to trade this feeling for anything.

This journey has transformed my mental and emotional health. I embarked on this journey while getting my Master’s degree in social work. Since my graduation in May 2019, I’ve been an advocate for increasing awareness about the connections between physical and mental health. I hope to become a Certified Personal Trainer one day!

How did you change your eating habits?
I was already a vegetarian for a few years. I started portioning out my food and aiming to eat in a calorie deficit. I cut back on the classic vegetarian junk foods like French fries, mozzarella sticks, pizza, and things of that nature. I also had a gallon of water a day.

What did your workout routine consist of?
I did full body weight training workouts three times a week. I went slow and steady learning the basics. It took me about 6 months until I actually did a proper squat in the squat rack. Before that, I worked on landmine squats in order to start building up my core strength. I could barely hold the bar on my back when I first tried!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 185 pounds. My current weight is 155 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5’4”.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in January 2018, and it took about 8 months.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I have learned that the human body can do amazing things when we just treat it right and give it a chance to work its magic.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Don’t look for a quick fix. Also, love yourself during the journey. Don’t say “I will love myself when I weigh _____ pounds.” Love yourself now, and take in the process. You deserve to be happy NOW!

Instagram: @kristeenhatesworkingout

Transformation of the Day: Candice lost 53 pounds. She was faced with several life challenges, including depression, a very demanding job, and her father’s illness. One day, she realized that she had to power to give herself a “do over” and take control of her life and her habits. Check out how she took action.

What was your motivation?
I felt like most days I was in a bad dream. My highest weight was 303 pounds in July 2017. My father had just become extremely ill. I was working 70hr weeks at a mortgage company, and I wasn’t in control of my own life. I would settle for toxic relationships because I didn’t value myself. I was also battling depression from a failed marriage.

Then, I just had a mental breakdown one day. I was so upset with myself. I couldn’t look in the mirror, and I didn’t want to go out. On that day, I just decided to start going to the gym for some “me” time.

I saw an Oprah quote, and her words were, “You are responsible for your life. If you’re sitting around waiting for someone to fix you, save you, or to even help you, you are wasting your time because only you have the power to take responsibility to move your life forward, and the sooner you get that, the sooner your life gets into gear….” Let that sink in next time your laying around feeling bad for yourself and ready to give up. Every day is a redo!

How did you change your eating habits?
I started eating on a schedule and drinking a gallon of water a day. I cut carbs and alcohol. I’m not much of a chef, so I started doing meal prep with two women who go to my training classes. I typically juice 3 days a week, have 1 cheat day (not meal), and 3 days of controlled meals. I eat healthy foods, like chicken, broccoli, green beans, spinach, etc.

Tell us about your workout routine.
I work out for 1.5-2hrs a day for 5 days/week. I do 1 hour of cardio no matter what. The remaining part of my workout consists of weights or ab workouts. I find myself using the Fitonomy app a lot to get an idea of what to do for my evening workout.

Starting weight/Current weight
I started my journey at 301 pounds in March 2018. I currently weigh 248 pounds, and I’m 5’11”. I started seeing a huge difference about 3 months into my journey.

I’m down 53lbs, and I’m not even sure about the number of inches I’ve lost anymore. The confidence I’ve discovered in myself has pushed me into a better career, a huge promotion, and a new found love for being “single” and ok with that.

What advice would you like to share?
You have to evaluate your circumstances and figure out why you are in the position you are in with your life. I encourage you all to remove all the negativity in your life. Not only will the weight fall off physically, but the mental baggage you’ve been carrying around for years will too. That will make you see how much you are truly worth! We are all diamonds waiting to be polished by no one other than “yourself.”

Instagram: @_candygrams

Transformation of the Day: Antonia lost 79 pounds. After her father passed away, she knew it was time to make health, both physical and mental, a priority. Becoming a vegetarian/pescatarian and practicing intermittent fasting has worked for her. Check out her story.

I hit my short term goal recently, and it feels so good! God, you are able!
I can’t believe I am 21 pounds away from 100 pounds gone! My starting weight was 353 pounds, and my height is 5’8″. People tell me that I didn’t look that size, but that’s because I’m bottom heavy. Big butts and a smile run in my bloodline. My current weight is 274 pounds and counting. My goal is to hit 100 by the end of the summer or sooner.

Seriously, this journey is never-ending, and I’m fighting for longevity! The source of my weight gain was unhappiness, on top of life-changing events. As my Pastor stated, “Do not pray for something you are not willing to sacrifice for!” Which is why it has ultimately taken almost three years of “yo-yoing” to get here. I removed many unhealthy habits and energies, so it has become so much easier! I have changed my eating habits tremendously, and I work out 5-6 days a week. This sh*t is HARD, but it’s a pain I have come to love!

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My motivation started spiritually first. As I became better inside, I wanted it to reflect outwardly! Obesity and related health issues run in my family! I just wanted to continue to break the chains.

After losing my father to those same health issues, I knew it was more than important… it was urgent that I get my life together. So many times, I have fumbled on this journey. My emotions play a huge role in my eating habits. I have learned the key to maintaining healthy eating habits is being healthy mentally!

How did you change your eating habits?
I started making small changes, like replacing sugary snacks with fruit. Ultimately, I cut out red meat to gradually become a vegetarian/pescatarian. Since beginning this journey, I have tried many diet fads. I have come to adopt the intermittent fasting lifestyle. By far, it has been the most successful regime for me.

What did your workout routine consist of?
In the beginning, high-intensity cardio was my sole focus, but I learned that I wasn’t toning like I wanted to although I was losing weight. Currently, I alternate between cardio and lifting/weight training daily.

When did you start your journey?
I began my journey in 2015. I found it hard to maintain a workout regimen while finishing a double masters degree and working full time, so I focused more on eating better. Since I graduated in 2018, I have been focused strictly on lifestyle changes.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I am determined to lose as much as I can without/or before I seek out any form of surgery. However, I plan on having skin removal surgery in the future.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson has been to stop being so hard on myself. I also learned that everybody’s journey will not have the same results, so stop comparing! I’m my own worst critic. When things are not changing at the pace I want, I feel defeated, but this journey has shown me that consistency does pay off!

What advice do you have for other women who want to lose weight?
To be patient and don’t be afraid get out of your comfort zone! It literally begins with the first step: Wanting to change! Secondly, going after it! I started in the living room of my home watching exercise DVD’s until I got the courage to join a gym! I wish continued success to everyone on all endeavors.

Instagram: @Sincerely.Antonia

Update Oct 2019: Karen has released 89 pounds!

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pic On Left 227 lbs Pic On Right 138 lbs How Did You Lose 85 pounds? 🤔 Theres So much in the answer. But I’ll give you the short version… I learned to feed 🥬🍇🍎🍠my mind, 💆🏽‍♀️body 🚶🏽‍♀️and spirit 🧘🏼‍♀️food, movement and truth 📖that changed me from the inside out. Change Your Mind, 🧠 Change Your Life! #knxjourney2oneness #fatgirlstatus #fitgirls

A post shared by Karen L Nurse (@knxjourney2one) on Oct 3, 2019 at 9:40am PDT

Transformation of the Day: Karen lost 81 pounds. After turning 50 last year, she decided that the latter part of her life will be better than the first 50 years. She embraced a plant-based diet, made fitness a priority, and transformed her mindset. Check out her story.

What was your motivation?
In 2018, I turned 50 years old after battling depression, emotional eating and feeling like I failed my son as a single mother,

I had an epiphany. I realized that I was NOT living life like a child of God who was made in His image and who is promised everything…especially Freedom. So, I held fast to the thought that the latter part of my life, the next 50 years, was going to be greater than the last 50. I had a mid-life crisis, I guess.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I changed my mindset with the Word of God. The word helped to eradicate the lies I was believing, such as…
“You will never break free.”
“You will always have to deal with this battle?”

I learned to forgive myself and committed to loving myself like God loves me. There was no way that I could go back to life as usual. I invested in a Lifestyle Coach and began putting into practice what I have learned over the years.

When I wanted to give up, I would pray and tell myself that I was worth it. I would say to myself that it is a journey, and it was going to be different this time. This time will be the last time. I was gentle and kind to myself. I kept starting over, no matter how bad I messed up the day before.

How did you change your eating habits?
I began a plant-based diet back in 2012I was still bound in my mind, so I continued to yo-yo diet from 2014 to early 2018. In April 2018, things began to shift. I cut out the sugary and salty foods. I went back to eating vegan and eating plant-based.

What did your workout routine consist of?
Due to the pain I was in and my inability to move for long periods, I started using the stationary bike for exercise. Eventually, I began walking on the treadmill or at the beach for 15-20 minutes at a time. Next, I incorporated the elliptical machine and walking on an incline. Because my diet was providing me with more energy, I was able to build up my endurance and stamina quickly. I started doing intervals of walking and jogging, along with weight lifting.

In the beginning, I worked out three times a week. I gradually increased it to 5-6 days a week with a day or two of rest.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was at 220+ pounds, and my current weight is 139 pounds. My height is 5’4″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in April 2018. My transformation took about 8 months. I’m still in the process of toning and re-shaping my body.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I learned is that if you transform your mind and change what you’re believing, you can Change Your Life! You have to be healed and whole in every area of your life, mind, body, and spirit. If one is out of alignment, it can affect your entire life.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Believe you can and you will. It’s a journey, not a sprint. Take your time and Learn to Enjoy the Journey and Love Yourself In the Process. I used the word of God and the Spirit within to break the lies, the trauma of my past and break the negative self-talk I was believing. If I can do it, so can you!

I have started my own program called KnX Journey to Oneness so that I can help people break free from emotional eating, negative self-talk, and negative body image.

Facebook: knxone
Instagram: @knxjourney2one
Website: knxjourney2oneness.org

Transformation of the Day: Danielle lost 48 pounds. After some friends challenged her to go Keto for two weeks, she was hooked. Not only did she lose weight, but several of the health issues she was dealing with have improved, including high blood pressure and pinched nerves. Check out her story.

In late August/early September of last year, two of my friends introduced the Keto Diet to me. We decided to challenge each other for two weeks and hold each other accountable. During my first round of Keto, I dropped 16 pounds! I was hooked after that!

Since then, I have lost almost 50 pounds! My starting weight was 255 pounds and I wore a size 18/20. I currently weigh 207 pounds and wear a size 10! I am 5’6″.

Motivation: I decided to start Keto because I had high blood pressure, pinched nerves in my hips, an unregulated menstrual cycle, and inflammation of the heart muscles. Since beginning Keto, my blood pressure and cycle have both regulated. I no longer suffer from hip spasms, and the chest pains are completely gone. I just pray my story can help inspire others to take that next step in their lives as well.

For the first few months, I kept everything extremely simple. No bread, pasta, fruit, or sweets. Meat and veggies only and NO exercise whatsoever! I like to try different recipes I find on Instagram, as well as Pinterest!

This journey has taught me that I have more discipline and determination than I have ever given myself credit for. My advice to ladies wanting to lose weight: Take your time and lose the scale. Weight loss isn’t magic. You didn’t gain the weight overnight, so take your time.

Choose a healthy way of eating that works with your body and your lifestyle. Diets are temporary, and so are their results. Also, as women, our weight fluctuates daily. Don’t stress too hard over the numbers on the scale. Measure your inches and take body pictures.

I have a very successful beginners support group on Facebook, as well as Instagram: @D.A._KetoWay

Transformation of the Day: Kae lost 77 pounds. She tried diets, fasts, and Lap-Band surgery, but nothing worked, until she shifted her thinking, learned to love herself, and created the healthy lifestyle her body needed to thrive. Check out how she took action.

Heaviest Weight: 280 lbs (2012)
Lap-Band Weight: 261 lbs (Dec 2013)
Total Most Weight Loss with Band: 40 lbs (4 years)
Lap Band Removal Weight: 255 lbs (Jul 2017)
Start of Natural Weight Loss Journey: 266 lbs (Feb 2018)
Current Weight: 189 lbs (May 2019)

After over a decade of obesity and health issues, I decided to get serious on the day that I realized I didn’t even love myself. How did I expect others to love me. That is when I began putting value into my life, because after all, “How you gon win if you ain’t right within?”

So, I drafted a routine that worked for me, including 5am morning meditation and cardio/HIIT in my living room. I encouraged myself through prayer, affirmations, and the excitement of what was to come. It has taken me 15 months to transform and lose 77 pounds.

What was your motivation?
My motivation came from wanting to be genuinely healthy and in shape. Weight loss is one thing that tends to move in and control everything if you let it. As a child and even more as an adult, I have been affected by the daunting feeling of exercising and dieting (ugh)! Let’s not talk about the insecurities and low self-esteem that made me feel like I was fat, unhealthy, and not worthy. This created a horrible perception of myself in my own eyes and the eyes of others. I’ve tried diets, fasts, and even weight loss surgery. Nothing worked, and it wasn’t until I shifted my thinking that I understood myself and truly learned what my body needed to be successful with this.

I also didn’t start this journey for just me alone. I did it so that God and the universe could use me at tip-top shape…literally…in whatever way needed and so that my generational curses could be broken. It’s bigger than you and me.

What inspires you to keep going, even when you feel like giving up?
When I want to stop, I think about my responsibility to care for others. There is always a place for me, and I need to be as prepared as possible for the opportunities that are in my path. I believe that we are all resources for one another, and it would be a disservice not to be able to perform at the top level because of something you can control. I continuously encourage myself through prayer, meditation, and excitement of what’s to come and what I’ll be able to accomplish. The results are guaranteed if you keep going! Take a break, but DO NOT STOP!

How did you change your eating and exercise habits?
It’s so important to view food as energy, not an enemy. I had to cut out things that I had an emotional attachment to like fried foods/soda because they made me sluggish and lazy. I embraced a whole lifestyle change by enjoying my meals because of the benefits and not the taste alone. I don’t drink any alcohol and water is my beverage choice 98% of the time. I love cooking and used that as a way to not get so discouraged during meals. I pretty much bake, grill, and saute my proteins and veggies. I replaced chips and cookies with fruits, nuts, and shakes.

I started my natural weight loss journey in February 2018 at 266 lbs with daily exercise, a few squats, and crunches because I didn’t know where to start. In March 2018, there was a challenge I saw on Instagram, and thought decided to give it a try. It was an online video program by Moe Flippen of 2nd to None Fitness that consisted of five 20 min workouts designed for any fitness level. The first month was ROUGH but I made it, and I’m still doing some of those videos today.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
My biggest lesson is that consistency and intentions are key. You have to hold yourself accountable for the results you want. No one can do it for you except you.

What advice would you like to share?
My advice is to treat yourself with the same love and respect that you treat the ones you love with. Be patient and kind with yourself on this journey. It will not happen overnight, but it will definitely happen if you DO NOT STOP. Enjoy the process and be proud of every step you take!

We all have a responsibility to care for one another, and the only way to do that is starting with you. Self Love is required to love selflessly. Be a blessing and be blessed.

Updated Instagram: @everkae

Transformation of the Day: Dana lost 92 pounds. Last year, she decided that her health was more important than her love for food. Weight Watchers, walking and preparing herself mentally as well as physically was all part of her success. Check out her story.

In March of 2018, I looked in the mirror and knew I had to change something. I was so unhappy with what I saw and knew there wasn’t enough food in the world that would bring back my happiness. I decided that my life and health were more important than any love I’ve ever had for food.

I weighed 260 pounds when I started this journey, and I’m only 5’1″ and 32 years old. I’ve lost 92 pounds as of today. Its been a little over a year and I’m the happiest I’ve been in years.

This journey starts mentally, so I began by preparing myself physically and spiritually as well. I started going to Weight Watchers, taking POUND classes, drinking more water, and walking. I also signed up for a gym membership.

To tell you that this journey has been easy would be a lie. However, to tell you it was worth every struggle, and every tear I ever shed would be the truth.

If I could encourage any lady on their weight loss journey. I would tell them to love themselves before anyone else can or will. You owe it to yourself to be happy. It’s your time to let your inner self shine through. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d be on a journey so fulfilling. I did it for me, and I’m truly happy! Ladies, you can do this! Bless up!

Instagram: @freckledwaves