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Transformation of the Day: Inemesit lost 106 pounds. She shared that watching her parents “succumb to diseases that hit our community hard, like diabetes and hypertension,” motivated her to change her life. Check out her story.

Social Media:
Instagram, Tiktok and X: @ebillwhisperer

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? My motivation came from a deep place, fueled by a strong desire to break free from a cycle that wreaked havoc on my family and many others like us. I couldn’t bear the thought of spending my life feeling overweight and miserable, constantly fighting my clothes and not liking what I saw in the mirror. I was over the health problems that come with an unhealthy lifestyle.

Seeing my parents struggle and eventually succumb to diseases that hit our community hard, like diabetes and hypertension, was a harsh wake-up call. Watching my mother fight diabetes and my father battle hypertension left a lasting impact on me. I was determined not to become another statistic or another life lost to preventable illnesses.

I remembered the quote, “You only get one body.” I wanted to know the joy of feeling comfortable in my body and wearing clothes that fit well and made me feel confident. Whenever I felt like giving up, I would think about the pain my parents endured. Their hardships became my driving force. I believed that by making healthier choices, I could honor their memory and build a brighter future for myself. I pictured a life where I could savor every moment, free from the constraints of health issues.

I found inspiration in the possibility of becoming a role model in my community. I wanted to demonstrate that breaking the cycle and living a healthy, fulfilling life against the odds was achievable. The journey was tough, and there were moments when quitting seemed tempting, but the vision of a healthier, happier future kept me going. I stayed focused on my goals, drawing strength from memories of my parents and the promise of a different, better life. My motivation was deeply rooted in the desire for change, not just for myself but for anyone who saw me as a source of inspiration.

How did you change your eating habits? I fundamentally changed my eating habits by starting with the MyFitnessPal app. This app was instrumental in showing me the actual number of calories I was consuming daily, which was eye-opening. It provided a detailed breakdown of my nutritional intake, allowing me to understand the importance of eating discipline.

In the initial three months, by tracking my meals diligently, I managed to lose my first 30 pounds. This initial success motivated me to delve deeper into my dietary habits.

Once I became more familiar with caloric and nutritional intake, I committed to a diet plan of 1200 calories per day. Thiswas challenging at first, but it was a crucial step in my journey. By sticking to this calorie limit, I was able to shed another 20 pounds. Over time, this disciplined approach became second nature to me. I further refined my diet by adopting a vegan lifestyle every other day for a year. This gradual transition helped me cut out one non-vegan food group each week, leading up to December 2017 and January 2018, when I fully embraced a vegan diet.

This complete switch to a vegan diet resulted in an additional 50 pounds of weight loss over the course of a year and a half. By eliminating animal products and focusing on plant-based foods, I maintained a balanced and nutritious diet. Through these progressive changes, I achieved significant weight loss and developed a strong and sustainable discipline for healthy eating.

What is your workout routine? My workout routine has evolved significantly over time. Initially, I didn’t adhere to a set plan; rather, I incorporated exercise into my daily activities whenever possible. This included participating in social sports at work, exercising with coworkers during lunch breaks, water aerobics with my sister, and opting for a 30-minute walk to and from restaurants instead of taking an Uber. These activities allowed me to stay active and engaged without a formal structure. However, my focus on fitness has become more intentional recently. Nowadays, I incorporate a more structured regimen into my routine. I engage in cardio exercises daily, which helps me maintain my cardiovascular health and overall stamina. 

How often did you work out? I practice Pilates and yoga three times a week. These practices not only improve my flexibility and core strength but also provide a much-needed mental and physical balance. It does wonders for my anxiety. I’m excited about the progress I’ve made and I’m confident that this dedicated effort will help me achieve my fitness goals.Catch me next summer. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? My starting weight was 256, and my current weight is 150. 

What is your height? I’m five feet two and 1/2 inches tall. Lol, I need my half.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? It took me years. I started my journey in 2016, and I reached my goal of 150 in 2019. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? Nope. Fortunately, I have not had to alter my digestive system. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned recently boils down to two keyprinciples that have made a huge impact on my life. First off, I’ve come to really understand just how much our diet affects our health. They say “You are what you eat,” and I’ve seen this firsthand. For example, I managed to shed ten pounds in just a month by cutting out sugary drinks. It might sound simple, but it had a profound effect on how I felt overall.

Also, I was dealing with prehypertension and prediabetes, but after switching to a vegan diet for about three months, my health improved drastically. I no longer had to worry about either condition, which was a huge relief.

The second lesson that really hit home for me is the power of consistency in making small efforts. By making little changes to my daily routines, I was able to see significant improvements in my health without feeling overwhelmed. It taught me that steady progress, even if it’s gradual, can be much more sustainable and effective than trying to make bigchanges all at once.

These lessons have not only improved my physical health but also taught me a lot about discipline and mindfulness in my everyday life. I am the CEO of a legal billing company and consulting firm, @smartebillteam, and there is no way I would have been able to endure certain pressures without discipline and a healthy body. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? It’s very simple, don’t overwhelm yourself, and make small realistic goals. Don’t give yourself a deadline because you will only disappoint yourself if you don’t meet the deadline and life happens, so just keep moving forward. If you mess up, don’t give up, start over again the next day and your hard work will not be in vain; giving up is hustling backward.