diet and exercise

Update Nov 2016: Shekenta wrote to us to share her awesome progress. She’s gotten leaner by dong things like eating organic, using intermittent fasting and doing challenging workouts. Check out what she shared with us about what she’s learned over the last 2 years.

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?  
Since my initial story, my weight has been up and down 21-27 lbs, here or there. It’s never gone so far up that I couldn’t get it back down within 2-3 weeks. I gain weight/water weight really fast, but I’ve learned to adjust my eating and workout routine when needed. I’m currently weigh 217 pounds at 6’1.5″ tall. That isn’t a big change from before, but I’m a lot leaner now and wearing smaller clothes. I LOVE working out and being active is definitely my lifestyle. Consistent eating habits will always be my struggle, but I’m ok with that. I just try an improve them one day at a time.

What has worked in terms of eating habits and what worked in terms of exercise?
I eat organic. I’ve also been eating for my blood type for a little over a year now. I find that this works for me. I’ve been doing intermittent fasting for a little over 2 months and I love it! I fast 16 hours and eat during 8 hours, making sure I get my necessary calories and nutrition within the 8 hour window. It is really helping me lean out and burn fat. I go to Orange Theory Fitness. This is one of the best investments I’ve made when it comes to working out. I think everyone should try it at least once. It will change your life.

What lessons have you learned on this journey?
I’ve learned that self love is really improtant. We are our worst critics. We can set ourselves back just by being or thinking negative. Our bodies are constantly changing. Learning to trust the process is so important. Also, NEVER compare your journey to anyone else’s. This is yours and yours alone. You alone know how you got to where you are and how hard you’ve fought to get to where you are now. Lastly, what works for someone else might not work for you. Find the things that will help you succeed.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to others who want to lose weight?
My advice would be to strength train from the beginning, even if it’s only using you body weight or 2-5 lb. weights. It will help define your body more. Don’t deprive yourself of things you really want. If you do, it will be more harmful to your journey than if you would have just eaten it. Lastly, don’t be too strict on this journey. Cut or modify unhealthy things slowly… Baby steps.
Instagram: @Amazon_Queen

Jun 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Shekenta lost 159 pounds. Over the last few years this Zeta Phi Beta soror has worked to changed her eating habits and found exercise routines that work for her.  She knows that slow and steady wins the race.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

What was your motivation?
Every year, I like to change something about myself. I tried in 2007, but living w/other people makes it so much harder and didn’t make it. On July 14, 2008, I started my journey with a help of a consistent friend. After I saw the changes, I was able to do it on my own. Now, my motivation is to stay healthy and get to a healthy body fat percentage. Plus, I LOVE the way my body is changing.

How did you change your eating habits?
I slowly started removing unhealthy things from my diet starting with fried foods. I’ve been eating majority organic since 2009. I recently removed altered sugars from my diet, which pretty much eliminated anything packaged or else that wasn’t organic. I never deprive myself of my cravings and treat myself often. However, treating myself has changed from super fattening foods to frozen original tart yogurt or cookies from the organic store. Still fattening, but less of an effect on my body.

What did your workout routines look like?
When I first started out, I just walked 4 days a week at least 2 miles. Then I would increase based on my workout level. The first mistake I made was not strength training. Lesson learned. Now, it is an important part of my routine. I used to love the gym, now… not so much. I am on my 2nd round of Insanity while lifting weights. I also have done T25 all 3 phases and I weighted hula hoop. Those workouts have really helped tone my body and slim my waist.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I’ve estimated my starting weight at about 379 pounds based on when the last time I weighed myself back then and how big I had gotten. I’m currently at 219.8 pounds and still going.

How long did your transformation take?
The first 80 lbs was the easiest. I think my body was just happy to be moving and seeing a change. After that, it was harder to lose. These last few are the realest ever. I’ve never had to pay so much attention to my caloric intake. I’ve mastered the maintaining, that’s the easy part for me. I would get content for awhile and then decide I want to reach another goal. That’s why my transformation stretches over the years.

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
This is not easy and don’t EVER let anyone fool you into thinking so. Don’t let those outsiders who don’t have your best interest at heart discourage you from what you are trying to do. …And definitely, don’t EVER do it for someone else. This should be for you and making yourself a better person.