Transformation of the Day: Richeel lost 92.4 pounds. She weighed 300 pounds at 5’2″ and was dealing with a number of serious health issues, including Lupus. However, it was a diagnosis of pre-diabetes that served as the wake up call she needed. Exercise classes, accountability via social media and limiting carbs in a reasonable way were all key to getting results. Check out her story.

Right now, I’m at a plateau but I’ve gone from 300 pounds to 207.6 pounds as of today. 300 pounds was a lot of weight on my 5’2″ frame. All of my progress was made by putting in the work and lowering my carb intake.

In the past, I made every excuse in the book. I have Lupus, which makes me tired. I have arthritis, so I would say that I won’t be able to keep up with exercise or that I’m in pain. I would also use the excuse of not having time or not knowing what to do. I just thought that I had so far to go that I’d never make it. I also had high blood pressure and headaches along with the Lupus and arthritis. All of that was still not enough of a wake up call.

The wake up call came after a doctor visit which revealed that I was pre-diabetic. Both my parents and grandparents had diabetes. I knew that I didn’t want to struggle with diabetes in addition to the medical issuesI already had. Besides, I literally did not have room in my pill box for and more pills.

Something had to change. I made up my mind that as cliche as it seemed, New Years Day 2013 would be the day. I prayed for guidance, realizing that my body was a temple and I needed to take better care of it. I knew I needed motivation and accountability so I took to the one place I knew I would be watched. Facebook. I made my public declaration and the journey began.

Each and every time I went to a workout class I would post pictures. My go-to classes were Cardio Dance and Zumba. I started with 3 classes a week and started seeing results. I stumbled upon a Groupon voucher for a Soca Fit class and got 5 classes for $ 15. I noticed that one of the days it was being held at my new job location. When I got the the 1st class the instructor told me about all the free classes held at my job site. I felt like I hit the lottery!  I stepped up my workouts to 5 days a week. At one point, I was up to 6-7 workouts a week because I did 2 classes on Saturdays. I started buying brightly colored outfits and matching shoes. My fashion statements and workouts began to encourage and inspire others to join me.

Then, late last year, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. In the past that would have slowed me down, but not this time! When my hands don’t cooperate, I dance and move my feet. When my lower extremities don’t cooperate, I use hand weights or swim.

I stopped eating a lot of fast food and started counting calories. That worked for a while, but what really helped was finding low carb focused groups on Facebook. I tried having 20-50 grams of carbs a day but realized that was not sustainable. I was looking for a lifestyle change instead of a quick fix, so I began eating 100 grams or less a day. I use the S Health app on my phone to track my eating habits. There isn’t anything that is off limits as far as food, but I still limit junk food. Whatever I eat has to fit into the 100 grams of carbs a day limit. Water is also crucial! I drink around 100 oz a day.

The total active time it’s take to lose the weight is about 18 months. Now, I want to get to 175 pounds by my birthday in February 2017. WHEN I reach my goal I’m treating myself to an expensive pair of Nike shoes and a matching outfit!

I would tell others who need to lose weight to do it for you. Don’t wait for anyone to motivate you. Also, I would tell them to focus more on health than on the images they see around them.

Instagram: @Richeel16