Today’s featured weight loss success story: Sawanda lost 57 pounds. She overcame many challenges that many working single mothers face and was able to lose the weight. Here is what she shared with us:
What was your motivation? I was turning 36 years old. I looked at myself in the mirror and realized that a whole decade was about to end for me. I didn’t like the way I looked nor felt. I have lost weight in the past, but allowed depression from a marriage separation and the challenges of having a special needs child lead me bad eating and workout habits. I recognized that if I didn’t do anything about my weight NOW, then my 40s were going to look the same obese way! I couldn’t do that to myself or my child. My sick and tired days were OVER. I was sick and tired of FINALLY being sick and tired! My 40s were going to look better than my 30s. I was determined!
How did you change your eating habits? I was introduced to myfitnesspal.com and I LOVE IT! I thought it was going to be hard to track all of my daily calories, but, it’s really simple! It keeps me conscious of how much I’m eating during the day. Normally, I eat pretty healthy. I love organic veggies and fruits, whole grain carbs and lean, grass fed-free range meats, so my food choices did not change. However, my portions did! Healthy food does not mean they do not have calories. THEY DO! I eat clean (simple, whole foods) at least 85% of my time and allow a cheat meal once a week.
What did your workout routines look like? I made EVERY excuse in the world to not get to the gym. With a special needs child, a full time job and a part time business, it was challenging to get to the gym! My co-worker told me about Jillian Michaels, 30 Day Shred DVD work out program. I have never been a fan of home workouts (I was without a child and business when I wasn’t a fan) a long time ago. I knew that a changed mindset was needed, especially if I’m ever going to lose this weight. I bought the DVD and LOVED IT! I loved the fact that it’s only 25 minutes of my day and there were NO MORE EXCUSES for not working out! I did that for 2 months 5 to 6 x a week, then added Jillians Kickbox DVD and the Couch to 5K running program! Currently I work out at least 5 to 6 times a day, still using Jillian Michaels DVD’s. I’ve started to finally MAKE time for the gym to use weights and strength train!
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? On July 1st, I was 221 pounds. As of today (May 30th), I am 164 pounds – a total of 57 pounds! I would like to get to 155 pounds before my birthday (July 11)! 9 more pounds to go! This is a lifestyle change and I am ready for my 40’s to be fit and fabulous!
How long did your transformation take? When I stopped relying on SPANX is when I realized my transformation had begun. After the first 25 pounds were gone, I was still using it, then one day I looked in the mirror after I put my dress on and noticed that I didn’t have to put SPANX on underneath! LOL! Everything looked smooth and “in place!” LOL! It took me 8 months to go from a size 16/18 to a solid size 10 (and can fit size 8’s)!
I know there is a woman out there who is just like me. I had the mindset that I just didn’t have time for my health! Running a household, a full time job and a business can be crazy! Then I thought, if I don’t take care of me and drop dead, then those people and things I hold so dear won’t have me anymore to take care of them. I know this is cliché’, but if I can do it, with all the responsibilities I have on my plate, trust me, you can do it too! Just remember to K.I.S.S. (keep it short (and) simple)!
I went from 297 pounds to 185 pounds. I did it all on my own and would love to share my story. Started my journey on 9/20/2011. What motivated my journey was trying on clothes and being almost out of a size 24 pants, about to be a size 26 pants. I cried in the dressing room and all the way home. I then threw out all my bad food and began my new life that day. I only baked or grill my meats. I only eat chicken or turkey meat. Water or tea are my only drinks. I eat lot’s of fruits and vegetables. I learned how to turn my favorite meals into healthy meals. For instance, I love pizza and now I can make it healthy by using 100 calorie whole wheat pita and low fat cheese, chicken and all the vegetables I can fit on it. That would be considered a treat for me.
I gained my weight due to depression and I used food as a support system especially when no one was there. Ten years later, I was over 100 pounds heavier and had numerous of health problems. I was tired of being sick physically and mentally. I knew the weight was keeping me me down both ways as well. So, I researched getting the gastric bypass weight loss surgery done. I found out my insurance paid for it in full. It took me a year to do what I had to do to get approved, but it happened. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. No quick fixes here! It was the best decision for me in the end. It very hard because I never would have known what my journey was really going to be until I went through it myself. I finally accepted my new lifestyle and said goodbye to my bad habits. I got up, ate healthy and worked out 3 – 5 days a week. I did both strength training and cardio. I was careful about not putting too much pressure on myself because I never wanted to hate what I was doing to get healthy. I worked hard everyday to both eat right and workout. I also had to also change my thinking patterns because that is what controlled my eating habits. I used working out as a stress reliever and it has helped me to be more positive. It still is an everyday struggle but I work day to day (sometimes minute to minute) to continue working hard.
