Transformation of the Day: Shamiqua lost 123 pounds. Her initial motivation was anger. Anger at being out of breath, not being able to cross her legs and at negative comments. She also was angry at herself for being in an unhealthy and unhappy state. She turned her anger into dedication and results. Check out how she released the weight.
My motivation to start this lifestyle was anger. I was angry at being out of breath, I was angry at not being able to cross my legs, I was angry at the way people stared or cracked jokes about “the big girl”. Most of all, I was angry at myself for allowing myself reach such an unhealthy state. I wanted to live so much more than I could at the time.
What has inspired me the most are my results. My motivation comes from seeing my accomplishments, my hard work and my dedication. I’m able to stay active and be healthy, not lazy and tired all the time. Whenever I feel like giving up, my before photos remind me why I started.
I lost my first 60 pounds by changing my eating habits gradually. Smaller portions and healthier options were key. First and foremost, cut out all red meat, fast fast and fried foods. If it wasn’t homemade and baked, I would refuse to eat it. I allowed myself two cheat meals per week IF and ONLY IF I stayed consistent the other five days.
My energy increased and my stomach wasn’t permanently bloated. I stopped eating after 7pm. I consumed 3 meals, 3 snacks of fruits/yogurt each day and ate every 2/3 hours. For accountability, if I cheated then I’d lose my cheat days. Eventually, I stopped having cheat days because I became very consistent with my meals and snacks. I no longer craved unhealthy foods. Weened myself off of certain foods, going from Dutch potato bread to only eating 100 calorie multigrain. Going from whole milk to only consuming almond milk. It’s about Transition… like a child who is learning to eat food for the first time.
My workout routine began after I lost my first 60 pounds, because my first goal was to get under 200 lbs. I rewarded myself through every milestone of 20 lbs each. My reward at that time was to begin exercising if I reached under 199 so that I could maintain those results. I’d go up and down stairs in the neighborhood. Eventually, I started hitting the gym. Five times a week, I did 45 minutes cardio and 30 minutes of weight lifting, working on every part of the body each day. I also stopped watching tv to make time for the gym. 6 months later, I had lost another 60 pounds.
My starting weight was 262 pounds. After losing 123 pounds, my weight reached 139 pounds prior to focusing on toning. My current weight is 160 pounds due to weight lifting for toning. My height is 5’2″. I started my journey on Feb 12, 2013 and I lost 123 lbs. by August 2014, and have maintained the weight loss since.
My advice to anyone who wants to lose weight; educate yourself, do research, find out what foods you like that are healthy. Start with that, then continue to teach yourself about new, healthier options. Transition and always remain consistent. Take progress photos often so you physically see the difference without others telling you “hey you look different”. You’ll already know via the photos.
Consistency is key. At first you may feel like nothing will change but eventually your body and mind will. It just takes time. Be patient. Be consistent. Be prepared. Be focused. Make time. NO weight loss surgery, NO pills and NO gimmicks. Dedication, education, hard work and determination really works.
Instagram: @shes.inspirational
Karen says
Im trying this exactly the way you described. On steroids so trying to eat clean and move more. Wtg!
T says
Thanks for sharing you story. You look great!