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Tai lost 91 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tai shares how she lost 91 pounds. After a bad breakup, stress and depression resulted in weight gain, which eventually began to impact her health. She decided to have VSG surgery and she has no regrets. 

Tai lost 91 pounds

Social Media:
Instagram: @taisummerss
TikTok: taisummerss

Hi, I’m Tai, I’, 31 years old, and I’ve lost a total of 91 pounds. I’m currently ten months post-op after gastric sleeve surgery. Since 2018, after a bad breakup, which caused stress eating and moderate depression, the weight started to pile on me over a span of five years. I weighed in at my heaviest: 310 pounds.

I knew I needed to change and take my journey more seriously when my doctor told me my developing health issues were due to being obese. This journey has been so incredible, and I don’t regret it. I love myself much more, my confidence has skyrocketed, and I’m healthier. 

How did you change your eating habits?
After VSG surgery, I changed my eating habits by not eating fast foods or overeating a lot of carbs and sugars. I’m currently training myself to be a pescatarian.

What is your workout routine?
I don’t work out but plan to return to the gym to gain muscle. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Heaviest weight: 310 pounds
Starting weight: 305 pounds
Current Weight: 215 pounds

What is your height?
I’m 5’8″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Always put your health first. Health is wealth! 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
My advice is just do it and don’t make excuses. It’s very hard mentally, but when you really want it, you’ll make it happen. Always think about yourself and how’s it effectingyou.

Kiara lost 50 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kiara shares how she lost 50 pounds. She was dealing with many health challenges, including high blood pressure, depression, GERD, and inflammation. When a naturopathic doctor suggested a food allergy test, it had a life-changing impact. Check out how she transformed her lifestyle.

Kiara before and after weight loss

Social Media:

  • Instagram: @kiara.swanigan
  • TikTok: kiaranow
  • YouTube: Kiara Swanigan & Co

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?

My motivation was to have good health as I was suffering from heart palpitations, high blood pressure, fatigue, body aches, GERD, anxiety, depression, constant headaches, bloat, and inflammation. 

I didn’t rely on motivation because motivation does not last. However, I made a promise to myself that I would stay disciplined so that I could reach my goals.

How did you change your eating habits?

I changed my eating habits after having excessive gut health issues. I went to a naturopathic doctor, and she suggested a food allergy test. The test revealed that I was gluten intolerant, dairy intolerant, and cane sugar intolerant. 

I cut those things from my diet, and immediately, my depression and anxiety lifted. I eventually lost 50 pounds because I felt well enough to go to the gym consistently. These days, I am entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and cane sugar-free.

Kiara before and after

What is your workout routine?

When I started this journey, I worked out only one day a week as I had been inactive for over two years. I wanted to take things slowly. Eventually, I reached the five-day workout week. 

Now that I am maintaining, I go to the gym at least three days a week, exercising for 30 to 60 minutes. I warm up with cardio, whether that’s on the treadmill, elliptical, or bike. I spend the rest of my time on weights. I also hike every weekend.

How often did you work out?

I work out 3 to 5 days a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?

My starting weight was 196 pounds. My current weight is 148 pounds.

What is your height?

I am 5’2″.

Kiara before and after weight loss

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?

I started my journey in January 2023. I got food allergies testing in March 2023. That’s when I started to see the weight melt off because my body was no longer inflamed, and my cortisol levels were balanced. 

The journey took about 10 months for me to lose all 50 pounds slowly but in the most healthy way. It’s been over a year and I’m still maintaining my 50 pound weight loss.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?

Shortcuts will never sustain you on this journey. This is about a lifestyle change, not a fad diet. It’s about honoring your body and giving it what it needs to stay healthy for the long haul.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? 

  • No, I didn’t have weight loss surgery.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?

Avoid shortcuts at all costs. The quicker you lose weight, the quicker it will come back. Focus on making a lifestyle change. If you use a fad diet, you’ll see the weight come back the minute you get off of it.

Cali lost 60 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Cali lost 60 pounds. She was an IG fitness influencer who lost approx 100 lbs in 2016. Life, depression, and having a child caused her to regain the weight. A year ago she restarted her journey and she is winning.

Cali before and after
Before the weight gain – After gaining 200 lbs – Down 60 lbs

Social Media:
@calidreamthings

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
Being an active person, I knew that I needed to make a change. I just didn’t know how to start. Honestly, one day I decided it was time to try again.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started to see real change eating a high protein/ low sugar diet. 

What is your workout routine?
In the beginning, I started with 20-minute YouTube videos! I couldn’t do anything more than that. I have recently decided to prioritize lifting heavy and moderate cardio. 

How often did you work out?
I work out 3-4 times a week.

 
 
 
 
 
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What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I’ve lost 60 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 6’3″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I’m still working, but it’s been about a year! 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
Not as of now!

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Consistently showing up is the most important piece. Everything else will follow. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Start slow! We often want weight loss to come quick and easy and that’s not always best long term. Try to find healthier habits that work for you rather than go all extreme from the start.

Soléil lost 45 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Soléil lost 45 pounds with healthy food and exercise. She experienced weight gain after the loss of her close friend and her mom. Adding to that, she was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma a few years later. Determined to regain her health, she started her wellness journey and hasn’t looked back.

Soleil after and before weight loss
after and before

Social Media:
Instagram: @sosotheplug_

My name is Soléil A. I shared my journey back in 2015, I believe. I had dropped 50 pounds and was doing pretty well with maintenance until 2019, when I lost a close friend. A month later, lost my mom. I stopped eating and was dealing with depression. I actually gained about 60 pounds. 

I ended up going through the pandemic at my heaviest, 268 pounds. Then, I ended up with COVID in December 2020. Once that was over, I thought things were getting normal again. However, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma in August 2021. I went into treatment and finished by the end of 2021. I also have PCOS and fibroids, and I’m borderline diabetic. 

I decided enough was enough, and I wanted to change my life so I could live and not die! 

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut all soda and immediately did my best to cut sugar (not perfect). I stopped drinking juice and went to strictly water. I started juicing my breakfast (fresh veggies) and added coconut water to my diet, drinking that first thing in the morning. I also cut red meat and moved to hormone-free chicken, veggies, salad, and salmon. 

Tell us about your workout routine.
I also increased my movement, making it a goal to walk at least two miles per day, seven days a week. Most days, I walk almost 5 miles! I have a Yorkie who is full of energy. I used him as my walking partner, and we hit the ground running. 

Soleil after and before weight loss
after and before

Every now and then, I do at-home workouts using YouTube or trainers that I find on Instagram, but my main exercise is walking. I walk a lot at my office, and when I go to the stores, I park far away to get more steps. 

Last, I pray a lot and talk to God. I ask Him to help me be strong and to help me heal. I listen to old-school gospel to keep my mind clear. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started at 268 pounds, and now I weigh 223 pounds. 

I have to stay as healthy as possible so that when I start cancer treatments again, I won’t have other medical complications. 

My ideal goal is to get down to about 160 pounds, but I’m in no rush because I want this to be a permanent, life-changing process. I’m also moving to more of a plant-based diet. 

What is your height?
I’m 5’1″.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Stay focused, remember the goal, and compete with yourself! You are the only one that matters! 

Darlisha lost 40 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Darlisha lost 40 pounds. We have followed her journey since 2021. Not only did she fully embrace healthy eating habits, but she shared that strength training has helped her manage anxiety and depression.

Darlisha before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @Deerosee__
Facebook: @Lovedeerosee

What was your motivation?
My motivation for losing weight? I wanted to look good and feel good naked. Strength training also helped me manage anxiety and depression. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits drastically. I no longer consume soda, pork, or beef. I practice portion control when I dine out at a local restaurant by splitting my with a friend or saving the rest of the meal for later.

What is your workout routine?
My workouts consist of cardio and strength training. My favorite cardio exercise is 60 minutes on the elliptical or 60 minutes on the treadmill on an incline on level 5.

When my goal is to maintain my weight, I work out three times a week. When my goal is to drop weight, I work out seven days a week. 

Over the last three years, I have had several trainers. The two trainers that have positively impacted me the most are @blisslifestylefitness and Kyle From Crunch Fitness in Westland, Michigan.

Darlisha's weight loss photos

What is your height?
I am 5’0 “.

When did you begin your weight loss journey?
I started my weight loss journey in 2020. I started seeing results in four weeks.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
My weight loss journey is natural. I lost 40 pounds through clean eating and exercise. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is it doesn’t get easier. You get stronger! Your body can do almost anything. It’s your mind you have to convince.

What advice would you live to give women who want to lose weight?
The advice I would like to share is don’t wait till you get sick to worry about your health! Instead, show up for yourself every day, and you won’t regret it! 

If you need help, hire a personal trainer. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of personal trainers. 

Dezi lost 64 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Dezi lost 64 pounds by committing to a healthy lifestyle. This registered nurse/wellness coach shared that 2020-2021 was a truly tough time when she faced many health and family challenges. One of the tools she used was Saxenda which helped her curb emotional eating and commit to healthy eating habits.

Dezi before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @dezired_dezi
TikTok: @dezired_dezi

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I have been trying to lose weight on and off for years, but I think 2020-21 was a tough one! I went through a very depressing time during that season. And not like I was just really sad. Nah, more like my whole life felt like it was falling apart. 

My marriage was struggling. COVID had me trying to homeschool my kids (which made me question my IQ), I had the energy of a turtle, I was overweight, and my knees and my ankles were giving me problems. Being an essential worker was overrated, to say the least, and I was mentally fried. 

I also suffered from insomnia, so I went to the doctor for exhaustion. I had a few new diagnoses when I left: morbid obesity, anxiety, and clinical depression. My spirit was broken. 

BUT GOD!! I remember so vividly laying in bed crying my eyes out one night and just saying, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” over and over…. That’s all I felt I had left. I was so alone. I felt so low that my self-esteem couldn’t even be called “self” esteem anymore….What keeps me going is NEVER wanting to feel like that EVER again. 

How did you change your eating habits? 
My eating habits changed drastically after my doctor started me on a medication called Saxenda. It’s a prescription medication for weight loss. It is a shot every day that causes you to feel fuller longer. The worst side effect for me was nausea in the beginning, but it helped me gradually change how much I ate and how often I ate. It also eliminated my “emotional eating” binges completely.

I started making easy swaps a little at a time. First, I added more fruits and veggies to my diet. I eat a lot of seafood (I LOVE salmon) and chicken, but I still eat red meat occasionally. The medicine works by slowing digestion. Heavy food sits in the stomach longer, and it tends to make me feel sluggish. 

I try to drink 2 liters of Smart Water a day (most days, I get to about one and a half liters). I also drink tea (actually half peach tea/half lemonade Crystal Light) and coffee. Oh, and I love the chocolate-flavored Core Power Protein drinks. 

Dezi weight loss

What is your workout routine?
I’m a registered nurse and a weight loss and mental wellness coach, so I walk a lot for work. I also take a 30-minute walk in the morning around the hospital campus to close my Apple Watch exercise ring. I was in the 5 am club for a while going to the gym, but now, between work, running my coaching business, being a full-time student, and being a mom of two teenagers… whew, chile! 

Somewhere along this journey, I committed to at least 30 minutes a day, four days a week. It can be walking, going to the gym, running in place, jumping jacks and squats, or me turning on some music and giving the great Whitney Houston somebody to dance with! 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
246 pounds was my highest weight, and I currently weigh 182 pounds. 

What is your height? 
5ft 2in (extra tall)

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Dezi Adams (@dezired_dezi)

When did you start your journey? 
I’ve been starting this journey on Monday over and over again for years. Maybe 15 years of starting seriously on Monday…but my highest weight was around June 2021. Being stuck in the house for CoVid (outside of being in the depression box I called work at the hospital) and finding new ways to reward myself with food was an excellent recipe for ballooning weight. 

How long did your transformation take? 
It took me about a year to lose the first 50 lbs.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, not for me. However, I work with women who are post-surgical patients. I applaud them for making the hard decision because none of this is easy! And whoever says it is… we can’t worry about their problems cause we have our own. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Losing weight is hard. Being overweight is hard. You just gotta pick which “hard” you want to deal with. I don’t judge people, whether they have surgery, do it au naturel, or use a combination of things. There are risks to being overweight, there are risks to surgery, and there are risks to medications. Do what you believe is safest and most effective for you! Because at the end of the day, no one knows what you go through and how you feel but you and God! 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
My momma always says, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” I’m still not sure why she skinned cats or why she embarked on figuring out multiple ways to do so, but the sentiment is useful. 

There are multiple ways to diet and exercise. What works for you may not work for someone else, and what worked for me may not work for you, BUT you can find what works for you and be consistent with it to hit your goals. So run your race.

Jilissa lost 84 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jilissa lost 84 pounds. Since she was 13, she has struggled with obesity due to PCOS and depression. At 24, she decided to heal herself holistically and take steps to avoid a family history of illness. VSG surgery and working out at Planet Fitness are two of the tools she used.

Jilissa before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @JiJiVSG22
TikTok: jiji_cay2696 

What was your motivation?
By the grace of God, I never became diabetic, had high blood pressure, or had any disease that ran in my family. I started my journey to dodge those illnesses, take care of my body, and regain my power to become healthy. 

I have struggled with morbid obesity due to PCOS since I was 13 years old. I experienced bullying about my weight from elementary school to high school. I hated my weight and became depressed. At the age of 24, I decided that I owed it to myself to heal mentally, spiritually, and physically. On July 13th, 2022, I accepted Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) surgery as a tool to help me take my life back. The illnesses that ran in my family would stop with me. 

Starting weight/Current weight
Starting weight: 334 pounds
Current weight: 250 pounds

What is your height?
5’7″

How did you change your eating habits?
Growing up, my family only could afford processed junk. As I got older and understood my PCOS condition, I started moving away from processed foods (high sugar and high saturated fat). I started eating more lean protein (chicken, fish, and occasionally steak), more vegetables, and healthy carbs ( sweet potatoes, brown or jasmine rice, lentils, etc.). 

I also drank fruit and protein shakes that are low in sugar. I drink lots of water, diet ocean spray, or caffeine-free tea to stay hydrated. 

I have tried every diet plan (WW, Noom, keto, etc.), and they didn’t work for me. Education is key, as well as patience. Every diet isn’t going to work for everyone. My fitness Pal has helped to keep me on track. 

Jilissa lost 84 pounds

Tell us about your workout routine.
HIIT and strength training has done my body justice. I work with a great trainer at Planet Fitness to help me focus on shaping and molding my body.

  • Mondays: Arms and shoulders 
  • Tuesday: legs and glutes 
  • Wednesday: rest 
  • Thursday: core and back 
  • Friday: 60-minute cardio( treadmill, elliptical, and home), 20 minutes each 
  • Saturday: light yoga 
  • Sunday: rest 

The free training teaches me to work with machines that build up my strength and mainly keep me focused on my goals. For HIIT, I use the HIIT Workouts app via the Apple App Store. 

Alexis lost 65 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Alexis lost 65 pounds. With her kids in mind, she decided to lead by example and address her weight gain to avoid future health issues. She shares how she changed her eating habits and worked hard in the gym to get results.

Alexis before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @chroniclesofalexis

What was your motivation?
I’d always been in great shape. However, I went through a Great Depression for two years and gained 85 pounds. I looked at myself, looked at my kids, and understood the importance of leading by example. Also, I didn’t want my excessive weight gain to lead to health issues. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I gave up all sugar and junk food. I also started carb cycling.

What was your exercise routine? How often do you work out?
I began doing cardio 3-4 times a week. The weight started coming off, but once I added weight lifting, I noticed I was actually getting stronger and losing body fat. 

I attend Bootcamp classes and have a membership at Planet Fitness. My workouts always last a minimum of 45 minutes.

Alexis lost 65 pounds

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Starting weight: 265 pounds
Current weight: 200 pounds

What is your height?
I’m 5’5″.

When did you start your journey?
I started in January 2022 by simply giving up all of my excuses. I viewed my time in the gym as my “me” time, so I began to crave that “me” time…A space dedicated solely to me. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your story?
No, I haven’t had any weight loss procedures. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Discipline is the biggest lesson I learned on this journey. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice: One day or day 1? I say find accountability partners, start slowly, and set realistic goals. 

Lina lost 45 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Lina lost 45 pounds with healthy eating habits and exercise. She overcame depression, emotional eating, and unhappiness to reach her health and wellness goals. Her four sons are her inspiration.

Lina before and after weight loss

What was your motivation?
I was depressed and unhappy, and the scale kept climbing up. I became an emotional eater in my early 20s, which was a way to cope with my emotionally/ physically abusive marriage. I also take care of my elderly mother.

I was tired of being tired. However, it wasn’t until I had a routine physical and my doctor told me my A1C was elevated that I said enough is enough. I wasted no time. Once I got those results, I was like, “I’m done with excuses.” 

I’ve worked in the healthcare field for years, so it wasn’t like I didn’t know any better. I just let my relationship with food get out of control. This isn’t my first weight loss journey, but it is my last. Eating right and staying active is now my lifestyle. 

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I would say my inspiration is my four sons. Actually, my 22yr old son said something to me that has stuck with me on my journey. In the beginning, I wasn’t as consistent with working out. One day he asked me if I was going to the gym, and I said, “Nah, I’m just not motivated.” He said, “That’s just it, Mom. It’s not about being motivated. It’s about being disciplined.” Needless to say, I’m proud of the wisdom I’ve instilled in my young man! His words have helped me out tremendously. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I started with intermittent fasting and the Keto diet. I still do intermittent fasting, but I no longer do Keto. Instead, I eat a moderate protein and low carb diet that includes complex carbs like sweet potato, corn, legumes, etc. 

I stopped eating fried and processed foods, sugary foods, and drinks. Moderation has been a big part of my diet also. I wouldn’t say I have cheat days, but I do have days where I don’t restrict myself from eating what I want. I eat it, get right back on track, and the weight has not stopped coming off. Again, it’s about discipline. That’s what has been working for me.

Lina before and after weight loss

What is your workout routine?
My workouts consist of cardio and weight training. 

How often did you work out?
I work out 3 to 4 times a week.

What was your starting weight?
237 pounds

What is your current weight?
192 pounds

What is your height?
I’m 5’4″.

When did you start your journey?
November 1, 2021

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No

How long did your transformation take?
Six months

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
That what you eat is what brings the results on the scale.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Do what’s best and works for you, Sis. There is no cookie-cutter way or manual to weight loss. What worked for me was changing my mindset about food and exercise. It’s the mindset for me.

Instagram: @iblaqbutterfly

Shell lost 237 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Shell lost 237 pounds. She was faced with several health issues, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, and depression. Deciding to focus on wellness, she had dual switch weight loss surgery and adopted new eating and exercise habits.

Shell before and after weight loss

What was your motivation?
My health is my motivation. I’ve had heart failure twice. I was also diabetic and dealing with osteoarthritis, depression, anxiety, etc. 

When did you begin your weight loss journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started the process in mid-2020. It took almost two years to get to this point.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I had the Duodenal switch surgery in January of 2021. [Duodenal switch]

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Shell Marks (@shellmarks36)

How did you change your eating habits?
I found out my issue was that I was NOT eating enough or often enough. So I would go for a day or two without eating. Or I would eat once a day, and that would be that because in my mind, the more I ate, the bigger I’d get!

So I changed my eating habits and ate more protein-rich foods and green foods, including eggs, deli meats, tuna, spinach, and lettuce… just to name a few.

What does your workout routine consist of?
I weight train as well as walk for exercise.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 483 pounds, and my current weight is 246 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’11”.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Never giving up was key for me. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
I’ll tell anyone to try, try and TRY AGAIN until you find what works for You! Please don’t get discouraged by the mistakes, shortcomings, or pitfalls because it’s a process. If at 1st you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and TRY AGAIN!!!

Instagram: @shellmarks36
TikTok: shellmarks