Monique lost 70 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Monique lost 70 pounds. After two years of emotional and spiritual depression following the death of her grandmother and the loss of her 4th child, she decided to take action to take back her life. With faith, fitness, and healthy eating habits, this 44-year-old dynamo is thriving.

My journey started on March 27, 2020! Yes, that was a year ago. I am proud to say, year to date, I have lost 70 pounds and counting! 

My story is very close to my heart! I am 5’9″, and I always stayed between 215-220 pounds, even after giving birth to three amazing boys! However, the weight really piled up back in 2018 when my grandmother was diagnosed with throat cancer. 

At first, we were advised that it was not aggressive cancer, but the cancer spread to her lungs. Unfortunately, she took her final rest on November 24, 2018. Just writing these words brings tears to my eyes because I was so depressed and felt that God did not care to hear our prayers because my grandmother wanted to live and fight very hard to beat cancer. 

Also, I found out towards the end of December 2018 that I was pregnant with my 4th child. My husband and I were so happy! I thought that maybe my grandmother knew she had to give up her life for a life, but the great news slowly turned into horror! 

In my first trimester, everything was great, but as soon as I entered my second trimester, we received the worst news any parent can receive…Your baby has passed! At this point, I hated God, but most of all, I hated myself! I literally turned into a couch potato. I ate and ate, and Yes, the pounds and my health were spiraling out of control! 

One day, my husband and kids came into our bedroom and had a long “come to Jesus” talk with me! My husband’s eyes filled with tears, and he felt that he had failed as my partner. He wanted to know what he needed to do to get the old Monique back! When I looked into his eyes and saw the pain that I have caused, I knew I had to do something. That something was to fall on my knees and welcome God back into my life in order to save my LIFE! 

On March 27, 2020, I jumped on the scale, and it read 259 pounds. WHAT!!!! I felt like I was in a matrix and needed to come back into my reality…and I did! I researched and studied my body, learning what she liked vs. what she didn’t like. (lol, when I say she, I mean my body!) 

With intermittent fasting, maintaining a calorie deficit, mild workouts, and self-love, the weight was dropping. I stopped eating red meat and pork. I ate seafood and a lot of vegetables. My intermitting hours are 8 am to 4 pm.

When I first started, I was not a fan of the gym, so I walked twice a day (2 hours each walk). I live by a nature trail, so the scenery is amazing! I am going to the gym now to help me with toning up.

I noticed that I did go back to who I was, but I gave birth to a NEW me, aka. MoEnergry! 

I currently weigh 189 pounds, but My goal weight is 175 pounds. Once I reach that goal, I will tone and maintain. Some people want to lose weight fast, but I knew that pacing myself was key! Every day I wake up and encourage myself with prayer in the form of meditation and writing in my journal!  

This journey has been long but very inspiring, not only to myself but also to people who knew the old Monique and who now LOVE the new MoEnergy!

I want to support other women, especially 35 years old & over, because your metabolism is not as high as it is when you’re in your 20’s. At 44 years old, I feel and look my best. The sky has no limit because God has always been in my presence. I just need to welcome him in fully!

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I didn’t have weight loss surgery at all during my journey! I put in a lot of hard work, but I am considering a tummy tuck for loose skin (no date established yet). I still want to lose 20 more pounds.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Patience and not seeking anyone’s approval of my LIFE!

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
First, forgive yourself! I have learned that a lot of my weight gain was from the emotional stress I put on myself. When I forgave myself, my journey became my victory! 

Second, do a lot of research and learn what works best for your body. Finally, write down your highs and lows daily! I find that journaling about my weight loss journey daily keeps me on track, and I can hold myself accountable for my daily actions.

Instagram: @Moenergy44
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