Update: Degra lost 160 pounds

Update Oct 2016 – Degra wrote in to retell her story and update us on her progress. She’s lost over 160 pounds and she keeps going strong.

I started this journey in April 19, 2012. What has inspired me to lose weight? I adopted a baby from Nigeria! I said, “If I’m out of breath now, how am I gonna keep up with the baby?” From that day forward I never looked back! I went to the gym. I started working out doing only cardio, working on the treadmill and elliptical machines for an hour. I did that for 2 years and saw little to no changes, because I was still eating whatever I wanted. I was still eating foot-long subway sandwiches, rice, bread, but I did feel good after working out! That’s what kept me coming back!

I made a promise that I would stay off the scale! Well, it took me 4 years to step back on the scale! That’s when I joined classes at the gym that included lots of toning with weights. I also did lots of cardio! One day I said to myself let me see what happens if I cut back on unhealthy things I put in my mouth! Omg, it was magic! I saw a big difference in my face and the weight was melting off.

Today, I drink at least 10 bottles of water a day (16oz). I have my green tea with coconut oil in the morning. I eat a big breakfast at least 30 minutes after I rise; Oatmeal, with blueberries one turkey sausage, boiled eggs, etc. I’m eating every 3 hours! I love avocados, tuna, salmon, turkey, brown rice, sweets potatoes, beans, etc. I just want to let people know that change is is possible if you stay focused! At 40 years old, I’m blessed to say that I’m not on any kind of medication! My doctor says keep on exercising! Instagram: @aworkinprogress01

Feb 2016 – Degra is down 160 pounds. Check out her update.

I started this journey on 4/19/12 and I haven’t looked back. The left picture is when I thought I was happy but I was miserable inside! I was always tired and out of breath! My highest weight was 385 pounds. In the picture on the right, I’m happy, sexy and confident! When I lost all my excuses, that’s when the weight dropped off! I workout 6-7 days a week, doing lots of strength training and cardio. After 2 years of working hard and seeing little change, I sat down and said to myself, “What is the problem?” In December of 2014, I changed the way I ate! That’s when I noticed a big difference. It took me 4 years to get on a scale, because they are a huge distraction to me. Instead, I’m focused on good lab test results and feeling good. I was just curious just to see what my current weight was, because everyone kept asking me, “Well, how much do you weight?” I’M SAYING THIS… Before you decide to give up, just look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I HAVE COME A LONG WAY!!!”

Sept 2014 Update – Degra is still going strong and losing pounds.

I was a treadmill and elliptical queen for over 2 years but noticed that my results were at a stand still. So, I decided to change up my workouts by adding ZUMBA upper and lower body workouts classes with weights. Every morning I make nutriblast Nutribullet smoothies that contain kale, spinach, half an avocado and a scoop of protein…no fruit. I also eat 5 small meals a day and drink plenty of water. Everyday no matter how tired I am, working out is my number one priority. I came to far to turn around now. This challenge of losing weight and getting healthier is not an overnight process. My advice to others that are struggling is please don’t get discouraged when you don’t see results overnight. The numbers on the scale doesn’t mean anything, just pay attention on how your clothes fit you. If I can do it so can you!

Here is the photo from when we featured her back in June.  Read more about how she lost the weight in the original post.