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Lakisha lost 83 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Lakisha shares how she lost 83 pounds. Although she was an athlete in the past, this mom of three stopped focusing on fitness over the years. Starting in 2023, she changed her lifestyle and achieved excellent results.

Lakisha before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @Lak.joy.love

I wanted to share my fitness transformation with you! In 2023, I started at 224 pounds. Through consistency, working out five days a week, and changing my mindset, I’m now at 141 pounds. As a mom of three, it wasn’t easy, but focusing on my goals has been life-changing.

What was your motivation?
What motivated me to begin working out was that I’ve always been an athlete. After having children, I focused more on them and lost track of my health. I decided to prioritize myself again so I could feel healthier and happier. I also wanted to keep up with my kids at the playground because it didn’t feel good when I couldn’t.

What is your workout routine?
I work out five days a week doing strength training with the help of YouTube videos, especially Juice and Toya’s workouts. I aim for at least 30 minutes every morning at 4:30 AM—no excuses.

What kept me motivated was focusing on being consistent, not perfect. I told myself that I’d commit to 30 minutes of exercise every day, no matter what. Once I built that habit, staying consistent became much easier.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating out and focused on enjoying whole foods. One of my favorite meals is a salmon bowl with cucumber and carrots, which gives me healthy protein while keeping things simple.

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey on October 3, 2023, when I became serious about consistency.

What is your height?
I am 5’7”.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
Surgery has not been part of my journey.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Remember that the weight loss journey is for you. As women, we often put others first, but I had to learn to be selfish with this goal. I told myself that every day I give the entire day to everyone else—so the least I could do was spend 30 minutes for myself.

Valencia lost 25 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Valencia shares how she lost 25 pounds. This mom of three has told her children that they are stuck with her until she’s 100 years old, so she decided to take her health seriously. Her coach provided the nutrition and fitness guidance she needed to thrive.

Valencia before and after weight loss

Social Media:

FaceBook: V Sonya Jones
Instagram: @DivaTude75
TikTok: FavorFactor

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? I will be turning 50 in 2025,, which was my initial reason for wanting to lose weight. Also, I have three kids, and I tell them all the time that they are stuck with me until I am at least 100…lol. The other running joke is that I am out here trying to be these churrens (children) fine (bleep) Mama. I want to live and be healthy for the day that I have grandchildren. After all, they are to call me Diva, not Grandma.

Being in good health was another reason. When I decided to take my health seriously, I thank God that I didn’t have any health issues, but I do have family members and a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure. Deciding to lose weight was to also prayerfully ward off any of those diseases. I don’t like taking medicine and detest needles, so I figure if I am in good health, that can prayerfully prevent me from having health issues and potentially being on meds.

I was following Terry Starks on TikTok, and one day, after seeing one of his transformations, I was intrigued. I sent that initial email, and it has been life-changing and body-changing! When he spoke of God in the initial conversation with him, I knew then that this was for me. Terry sends emails every day that are encouraging and praising God, so those helped me stay the course.

My daughters ensured that I stayed on my meal plans; they wouldn’t let me cheat. Once I saw the changes in the first couple of weeks, I loved how I looked in the mirror. I had packed clothes away for a yard sale, but I have been able to unpack some and can fit them now.

How did you change your eating habits? Terry Starks, a certified nutritionist, was my lifesaver. His meal plans are what helped me learn how to eat to live. I always said that I could handle the exercise part if someone could just help me with the meals and the eating. I am so glad that I found him. I was eating out a lot before I connected with Terry. Since working with him, I am prepping my meals, which isn’t as bad as people think.

Having my meals prepped and ready to eat makes this lifestyle change so easy. It’s funny because I thought I didn’t like asparagus and Brussels sprouts. However, they are both actually pretty tasty. I don’t know when I last had a Coke or coffee.

What is your workout routine? I enjoy cardio videos on YouTube, dancing, outdoor walks, and my mini stepper. I recently have started incorporating dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands in an effort to tone up.

How often did you work out? I split my workout into 30 minutes each morning and 30 minutes each evening. Some days, if I am really into my routine or walk, I keep going. I try to set goals for myself and will work until I have reached them. So I am getting it in seven days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? I am down 25 pounds. I started at 204 lbs, and I currently weigh 179 lbs.

What is your height? I am 5’6″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? I started with Terry Starks meal plans on July 22, 2024, and have been on for 77 days. (as of my most recent photos)

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? What you eat matters, and movement is medicine. I now enjoy foods that I thought I didn’t like. I feel so much better now that I actually enjoy my workouts. I am eating to live, so I don’t want this just to be a diet but a lifestyle change.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? It starts in your mind; once you make up your mindand commit to the change, you can do it. Block out the naysayers, and don’t compare your journey to the next person’s. Find your why, and GO FOR IT! At the end of the day, it is YOU versus YOU. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? No, that is what intrigued me so much about Terry Starks’ program. He is transforming bodies with no surgeries, no waist trainers, no diets, and no pills. I never considered surgery but have had my share of waist trainers, pills, and teas. NONE of those things gave me the results that Terry’s program gave me. So, I wanted to know and see for myself how the results from his program were being obtained.

Teri’ lost 116 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Teri’ shares how she lost 116 pounds naturally. She decided to prioritize her health and work to avoid a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes. Two of the tools she used were intermittent fasting and daily step goals. (10,000 and 20,000 steps daily)

Teri before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Facebook: terifham
Instagram: @terifham
Tiktok: @teriham2

I went from 301 pounds to 185 pounds naturally. My motivation was better health. I had no energy and started feeling numbness in my legs. High blood pressure and diabetes run in my family, and I didn’t want to deal with those conditions as I age.

How did you change your eating and exercise habits?
I started by doing keto and eating within an eight-hour window. Gradually, I transitioned to OMAD, and that helped me tremendously.

I eat high protein/low carb meals, and I avoid sugar. Thankfully, my cravings for sweets decreased after being on a low-carb plan for a few months.

I also started walking, and I worked my way up to 10,000 steps every single day. Now I average between 10,000 and 20,000 steps daily. I plan to begin a strength training regimen this week.

Teri before and after weight loss

What is your height?
I am 5’8″.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I went from 301 pounds to 260 pounds a few years ago. I stayed at 260 lbs for several years because I became complacent at that weight. I was dealing with a lot of grief, and I just wanted to eat and sleep. 18 months ago, I decided to take control of my health and my life, and I went from 260 pounds to 185 pounds. My goal weight is 170 pounds.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that this journey is not linear! It takes a great deal of patience. I have cried over the number on the scale because it wouldn’t go down the way I thought it should. Now I know better than to obsess over the scale. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Here are a few tips that have helped me:

1. Take progress pictures and focus on those instead of focusing on the scale.

2. Get into some good podcasts, and only allow yourself to listen on walks. I have walked many, many extra miles because I wanted to finish whatever I was listening to.

3. If you plateau, increase your steps and water intake. 

4. If you’re insulin resistant (I am), fast as long as possible. If you can, do at least 20 hours of fasting per day, with a four hour eating window. [intermittent fasting] It will help you reverse the insulin resistance.

5. Try to get in some cardio before you break your fast. Walking while fasting really helped with my belly fat!

Update: Candice’s weight loss journey

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Transformation of the Day: Candice lost weight and kept it off by committing to a healthy lifestyle. We’ve followed her story since 2021 after she lost 94 pounds. She realized that she had to train her mind as well as her body during her fitness/wellness journey.

Candice before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @_candygrams

June 2021 – 226 pounds
Nov 2021 – Tummy Tuck and excess skin removal 
I currently weigh 222 pounds.  My goal weight is 210-225 lbs because it fluctuates based on how heavy I’m lifting.

The picture in the pink dress was the last picture I took at a weight of 226 pounds in 2021, right before I had my tummy tuck. The other after pictures were taken within the last 3-6 months.

Candice before and after weight loss

My exercise routine has been cardio and weightlifting. I still weight train four days a week and do cardio three days per week. I keep Sundays for myself, so I do not work out whatsoever. 

I’ve never been happier. I hope this encourages someone to keep going. I’m down over 100 lbs from working out since 2018

Tell us more about the actions you’ve taken to maintain your success?
I’ve consistently stayed in the gym at least four days per week. Weight training made a drastic difference in my results.

I’ve also mastered portion control. I don’t eat what I want all the time. But when I do, I never overindulge.

  • High protein meals.
  • Shakes/smoothies.
  • I’ve cut liquor to a bare minimum. I might have a glass of wine once a month now. Liquor works against you!

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that the mirror is lying! I know that sounds crazy, but body dysmorphia is a real thing!! No matter how often I’m complimented or told that my transformation is admirable, I don’t see it sometimes.

Before and after weight loss

You have to train your mind more than your body. Celebrate your goals and stop comparing your results to others. If you compare your results, you’ll become unmotivated and eventually lose sight of what and who you’re doing this for… which should be you!!

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Girl, just start.

  • Start with evening walks.
  • Find a tribe or a friend who is serious about taking control of their health.
  • Join that exercise class.

Remember, NOBODY is paying you any attention in the gym, so go grab the weights!

Take measurements or track with waist beads, and set a schedule to check the scale once a month. A scale could be lying to you if you’re lifting weights.

Lastly… the change comes from within. Be prepared. Once you’ve started this journey, so many other aspects of your life will change. You’ll learn to set non-negotiables and boundaries. You’ll love yourself more! People will think you’re being weird or acting differently, but what you’re really doing is transforming into a healthier version of yourself.

Read more about her story in the post from 2021.

Candice before and after weight loss

Keisha lost 100 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Keisha shares how she took action to lose 100 pounds. She figured out what eating habits and workout routines fit her lifestyle. When she felt like giving up, she reminded herself that she wanted to live a long life for her kids and inspire them to do great things.

keisha before and after weight loss

Social Media:

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
If I ever felt like giving up, I remembered that my children were always watching. I want to live longer for them, but I also want to inspire them to do great things. My actions will speak louder than words.

Some other factors were…

  • my dissatisfaction with the look of my body,
  • my knees acting up, and
  • my self-confidence was plummeting.

Every ride, rollercoaster, or fun activity I wanted to try had a weight limit. Also, I travel a lot, and requesting the seatbelt extension on the plane was causing major anxiety because I was so embarrassed. I had enough of running out of breath and finding it difficult to move. 

How did you change your eating habits?
In the beginning, I tried the keto diet for three months, but I didn’t like the restrictions. I entertained ADF (Alternate day fasting) and OMAD (One meal a day) for two months, but I felt like I was ruining my relationship with food. So, I figured out my maintenance calories and went into a 500-calorie deficit for the rest of the year.

I ate what I wanted in moderation. I tracked everything with My Fitness Pal. Currently, I am eating a high-protein (180-220g), low-carb diet. I meal prep and measure everything.

What is your workout routine?
My very first workout session was in my living room, dancing to salsa. I started walking in the evenings for as long as my body would allow. Over time, I eventually incorporated a kettlebell, resistance bands, a hula hoop, and some dumbbells into the routine. After one year, I joined the gym. My current routine consists of mostly weight training and minimal cardio.

keisha before and after weight loss

How often did you work out?
I started with just five minutes, as I used to run out of breath very quickly. As I got stronger, I increased the time to 30-45 minutes a day, 3-4 days a week. Today, I train for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. I lift heavy weights, then do cardio for 5 to 10 minutes (treadmill, Stairmaster, or jump rope).

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Starting weight 340 lbs / 154 kgs
Current weight 240 lbs / 108kgs

What is your height?
I’m 5’7″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in July 2022. It took one year to lose 100 pounds. The transformation is ongoing.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No. I was offered gastric surgery, but I declined. It is a great tool and has helped many of my family members, but it’s just not for me. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Thus, lifestyle changes will be more sustainable than any quick fixes. I remember to give myself grace. I am worth my own effort.

Believe in yourself! I never thought I would be studying to become a Personal Trainer. So glad I invested in myself. I can’t wait to help others achieve their goals and to reminder them of their greatness. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Discipline will take you further than motivation can. The hardest part is getting started. Conquer that, and you’re halfway there. Show up every day, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a champion.

When you ‘fall off,’ it’s usually a setup for bigger success. Failure is simply feedback. There are so many lessons in those L’s. If you ‘mess up’, it’s OK. In those moments, you have to be your biggest cheerleader to get back on track and try again tomorrow. You can’t hate your way into better health. Be kind to yourself. 

There are way too many factors (genetics, environment, PCOS, mental health, menopause, etc.) that affect how our bodies look and function, so comparing yourself to another woman’s journey won’t do you any good. This is YOUR RACE, YOUR PACE. Period. Honor your own timeline. 

Carla lost 19 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Carla shares how she lost 19 pounds. While scrolling on Facebook, she saw impressive weight loss stories and decided to reach out to the transformation coach responsible to learn more about the program.

Carla before and after

Social Media:
Instagram: @therealbeccahicks

Hello, my name is Carla Hicks, and I am 49 years young. After many attempts to lose weight on my own and seeing no results, I started to feel defeated. Weighing 212 pounds was the heaviest I’ve ever been, and I began to dislike the person I was seeing in the mirror. This was not me.

I was scrolling on Facebook one day, and I saw all these beautiful women’s before and after weight loss pictures. I knew I had to find out more, so I clicked on one of the photos, and my life changed for the better.

Mr. Terry Starks was behind all these transformations. I quickly emailed him and got started with his program. Terry creates a meal plan that’s specific to each individual. I cut out bread, sweets, and sugars. A few of the healthy foods I ate were fish, broccoli, green beans, baked chicken, ground turkey, ground chicken, and peas. And, most importantly, I drank nothing but water. 

I followed his meal plan exactly as he stated, and within 35 short days, I had lost 19 pounds. Yes, in just 35 days, I went from 212 pounds to 193 pounds, and I am the new me. 

How did you change your lifestyle and habits?
Terry’s plan of eating healthy (5 small meals daily) and exercising once or twice a day is how I did this. My height is 5’8″, so no one knew I weighed as much as I did.

Every morning, I walked/ran for 50 minutes. I would do a minimum of three miles every day.  

What kept you motivated?
Looking in the mirror and seeing the inches melt off kept me motivated. I was able to wear clothes I couldn’t fit anymore. Another big motivation was Terry Starks sending daily motivational quotes, which kept me focused and on track.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I have learned from this is no matter your age or your weight, you can do anything you set your mind to.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I did not have weight loss surgery or take any diet pills. I only followed Terry Starks’ program of eating healthy and exercise.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
I would like to advise anyone who isstruggling with weight loss or who simply wants to lose a few pounds to reach out to Terry Starks on Facebook. He will help you with your weight loss goals.

Ariel lost 140 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Ariel shares how she lost 140 pounds. Living with PCOS for many years, she felt it would be easier to conceive and balance her hormones with less weight. VSG surgery, exercise, faith, and healthy habits are the tools she used to change her life.

Ariel before and after weight loss

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? My motivation was to make and maintain habits that would change my life and my future family. I kept going because I wanted better for my life. I knew the feeling of being 320.6 pounds and didn’t want to go back.

I was diagnosed with PCOS at 18 and am currently 31 years old. I knew that it would be easier for me to conceive and regulate my hormones with less weight. Before losing weight, I would go months and up to 1 year without a menstrual cycle. I knew this wasn’t normal and that I needed to make a change.

I also suffered from neuropathy in my feet and would often go numb from my waist down. All of this led me to want better for myself.

So I tried many things to lose weight, but it wasn’t coming off. So, I made the decision that was best for me, which was to use Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery (VSG)  as a tool.

How did you change your eating habits? I after had VSG surgery, my portion sizes were significantly reduced. I switched to mainly protein as my primary food. Now that I am a year out, I still maintain protein first with healthy veggies and carbs. I limit slider foods like chips, popcorn, sweets, or high-sugar foods.

Ariel before and after

What is your workout routine? I am currently building muscle, so I strictly stick to weight training.

How often did you work out? I work with a personal trainer twice a week, and he gives me things to do by myself twice a week. So, in total, I work out four times a week. I started working out at ten months post-VSG surgery.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? My starting weight was 320.6 pounds, and my current weight is 181.0 pounds.

What is your height? I am 5’9 1/2″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? I started my pre-op liquid journey on June 21, 2023. I had VSG surgery on July 5, 2023. It’s taken me a year to lose the 139.6 pounds.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? I took this journey for myself. I took an Uber by myself to the hospital on the day of surgery. For the 1st time, I chose myself. It wasn’t the easiest initially to transition into a new lifestyle. I learned through the process that I used food as a coping mechanism and that I needed to deal with my trauma. So, I began doing the inner work and making healthy decisions with my mental health, relationships, family, and life. 

I learned that I can make healthy choices and that it’s okay to discipline myself. I fell in love with challenging myself to do better. I found out it was okay to go into a season of isolation. I no longer needed others to validate me. 

My relationship with Jesus has helped to steady me and bring me closer to who I was before the foundation of this world. I’m setting boundaries and loving myself and those I’m connected to.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? My best advice is to think about your why so that when times are hard, you have that purpose driving you. Small, consistent steps will lead to building a healthy lifestyle.

  • Having a relationship with Jesus and being able to deal with your hurts, pains, trauma, and the past.
  • Being in a community of people who share the same goals.
  • Being okay with not seeing results quickly and maintaining consistent habits even when you don’t feel like it.

You’re stronger than you think! Just start with Day 1 and keep going.

Recka lost 40 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Recka shares how she lost 40 pounds. She asked God to help her with discipline and self-control as she embarked on her transformation journey. She says that focusing on wellness is the most important investment you can make.

Recka before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @4myhairitage
Facebook: Recka Lyons 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? My motivation was self-care which, means caring about my physical wellness. Not feeling insecure about my body anymore is whatkeeps me going. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by simply asking God to help me with discipline and self-control. I avoid sodas, greasy foods, white sugars, and fast food. I only eat certain things in moderation. My meal plan is home-cooked meals. 

What is your workout routine?
My workout routine is running or walking outside, weight training, cardio (Vital), and dancing. The goal is to move my body an hour each day. 

How often did you work out?
I work out five times a week. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight is 238 pounds. My current weight is 198 pounds.

What is your height? 5’2″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in March 2024, and the transformation took two months before anybody noticed, lol.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My body is enough for the person who’s meant to love Recka. Accept the grace God gives you daily. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Do it for yourself. Your physical wellness is the most important investment of your life.

Charisma lost 89 pounds

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Transformation of the Day Charisma lost 89 pounds. Insulin-resistant PCOS, negative comments from friends, and an unhelpful trainer are some of the challenges she faced along the way. She focused on wellness and figured out what tools and habits work for her.

Charisma before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Tiktok: @the_christianRN

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I had been overweight since I was 15 years old. I was bullied a lot growing up because of it. After graduating from nursing school in 2019, I signed up for a personal trainer that a so-called “friend” recommended. This same “friend” would also make sarcastic comments about me being “bigger than her.”

Well, after about a month with this specific training facility, my trainer told me I was “embarrassing myself and wasting his time.” Needless to say, I canceled my membership and started binge eating. By the end of 2020, I weighed almost 300 pounds. I also began to experience symptoms of PCOS.

In November 2021, I got the official diagnosis of Insulin-resistant PCOS. I tried hard to lose weight after this. I worked out two times a day and even attempted to go vegan. I was still GAINING weight because my insulin levels were too high. I decided to pray and ask God to help me lose weight.

That’s when I discovered the GLP-1 medication called Mounjaro. Because my insulin levels were in the “diabetic” range, I was able to get my insurance to cover the medication for free. I started my first injection in Dec 2022, and have been losing weight ever since. I truly thank God. I often say I’m taking this journey with God because He is the one who gives me the strength to stay on this journey, even during rough times. I’m hoping my journey can inspire other women who suffer from PCOS.

How did you change your eating habits?
I no longer eat pork, and I limit my intake of fast foods, fried foods, and foods high in carbohydrates. Even though I take a medication that suppresses my appetite, I still have to be very mindful of how I eat due to the side effects of the medication. Greasy, high-carb, and/or high-sugar foods literally make me feel nauseous these days. I also stopped drinking juice and soda. I drink 80-100oz of spring water a day. If I have a craving for juice, I make it myself using my juicer and fresh fruit. 

What is your workout routine?
I work out 3-4 times per week—nothing crazy, lol. Because of PCOS, I can’t do intense workouts, so I walk and go to Pilates. Pilates has really been a game changer as far as toning up and building muscle. It’s a form of resistance training. I go to Pilates twice a week and walk twice a week. When I walk, I at least complete a mile each time. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 279 pounds. My current weight is 190.1 pounds. Bringing my total weight loss to 88.9 pounds.  

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take
I started my journey on December 6, 2022, and weighed 190.1 on June 22, 2024. So, this transformation took about 18 months. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I thought about it though. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned that there is not a “one size fits all” when it comes to weight loss. I had to do what was best for ME. Going to that personal trainer in 2019 wouldn’t have benefited me in the long run, anyway. At that time, my insulin levels were preventing me from losing weight. I had to find workouts and methods that specifically worked for me and my health condition. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
I’d say do what works best for YOU. People will talk regardless of what you do, so you might as well do what makes you the most happy and what can keep you consistent on your journey. Also, know that elevation requires separation. Do not be surprised at how many “friends” start acting funny when you are no longer the “fat” friend. I experienced this personally. Honestly, I do not miss ANYONE I decided to cut ties with. 

Shawnna lost 48 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Shawnna shares how she lost 48 pounds. She found her motivation, improved her blood pressure, and made walking part of her weekly routine. Check out her transformation journey.

Shawnna before and after weight loss

  • Starting weight: 200 pounds (191 when I photographed myself.)
  • Current weight: 152 pounds
  • Goal weight: 140-145?
  • Height: 5’5″

Social Media:
TikTok: mrswhite445
Instagram: @madame_blanche20

What was your motivation?
My starting weight, at my highest, was 200 pounds. I got tired of being uncomfortable in my own skin. I began binge-watching success stories on YouTube about how people lost weight so I could do something to get back to someone I recognized.

When I took a photo of all my flab, I weighed 191 pounds. I decided the best way to hold myself accountable was to document it so I never let myself go again. I knew I was big, but when someone called me by someone else’s name and I wasn’t answering them, so they grabbed me by the shoulder. Then they realized, I wasn’t who they were looking for. When the person they were looking for came wobbling around the corner, I felt like that person was way bigger than me; however, we were actually about the same size. 

How did you take action?
I joined a gym and a “bet on yourself program” to lose weight. I began walking on the treadmill at a speed of 2.0 for no more than 15 minutes before I was tired. But I did it three days a week trying to go longer each time.

I don’t like running. If I’m being chased, I’m going to get caught because I ain’t running. I walk. Gradually, I increased my speed and incline until I got used to it. Now I can power walk at 3.5, but I’m still not going to run. (I’m older than most and my knees don’t like it much) 

I also fast and try to eat healthier. I talk about ADF [alternate day fasting] on my TikTok and Instagram. I’m not going todeprive myself or my husband of the things we enjoy, so I eat whatever I want one day a week (date night). I’m now working with a trainer to build muscle. I never thought I’d like exercising, but I really like it now.

Another bonus to losing the pounds is that I’m only on one blood pressure pill now. I used to take two. My doctor told me what to do, but I didn’t want to listen. When the medicine got too expensive, I decided that enough was enough. The next time the doctor saw me, I was determined to have him take me off the medicine. I work in dialysis, so I know what high blood pressure can do. I didn’t want to end up like that.

Today, I’m 152 pounds, and people tell me I look amazing and should stop losing weight. I’m not quite at a healthy BMI, but the scale honestly hasn’t gone down at all this year. Building muscle contours my body, so it looks like I’m still getting smalle,r I suppose. 

I mostly go to the gym now because it feels good after a hard day at work to sweat. I like wearing sweat-activated shirts for motivation. I’ve posted a few photos of myself wearing these shirts after a workout. They display a hidden message that only sweat can reveal, and that motivates me to exercise. [Editor Note: Here is an example of a sweat activated shirt. #sponsoredlink #amazon]

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I learned is that you cannot expect to lose weight every day or every week. Life happens. Even when you feel you have done everything right, your body can get used to what you’re trying to do.

Don’t give up when you feel you’ve hit a plateau. Don’t give up when you’ve had more than your share of a crab leg boil.When you go on vacation, that’s fine. You worked hard to get ready for it. Keep making sensible choices and continue to move your body.

Walking is free, highly effective, and you can walk in place. You don’t have to leave your house if you’re not ready to be in the world. You don’t need an accountability partner because some people will inadvertently sabotage you. Look to social media for inspiration and motivation and try something. I found amazing stories all over the internet. And it was all free information.

I just stayed consistent. You can take a day (or two or three) off from exercising, but it will be challenging to get back up at it. Just don’t give up entirely. Get a great playlist of music that makes you happy, and go for that walk. Walk during the commercial breaks of your favorite show. Don’t fast forward past them. Use that time to march. Before you know it, you’ve walked a mile. Don’t give up. Don’t worry if the scale doesn’t move, and don’t get on it so often. Once a week or less is fine.

I can go on for hours about my experience, but I’ll stop here. People can find my journey on social media and YouTube.