Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tanika lost 120 pounds. This proud mom wanted to live a long, healthy life and be more active with her daughter. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…
Hello, my name is Tanika. I am a 30 year old single mother of a 10 year old, beautiful girl. Growing up, I was always athletic even in high school playing five different sports. I even worked for a gym. I became pregnant at the age of 20 and I weighed 155 pounds on the day I found out. I’d gained 50 pounds when I gave birth to my daughter, but over the years I continued gain weight unknowingly until I looked at a photograph of myself. I weighed myself and I topped out at 295 pounds.
Then, I moved back to California where I became a little more health-conscious after getting into a relationship with a wonderful man who also lives a very fit life. He helped motivate me. I also wanted to do better in terms of my appearance. I gradually started working out 2 times a week during doing moderate cardio and extensive weight training. I even took a few courses in Muay Thai to boost up my stamina. After seeing results, it became naturally for me work out regularly, and I have now started working out 4 times a week. I have changed my eating habits by cutting out sugar, increasing my protein intake and drinking more water. I also drink a lot of smoothies and raw juices.
I now weigh 175 pounds, but the majority of that weight is muscle. My goal is not to be a size 2 but to live a fit and healthy life. I want to be able to run and keep up with my daughter who is a cheerleader. I still have the moves to do a toe touch. The only thing I say to others is find who you are inside and live your life right. Don’t worry about being small, just be healthy. You will see the longevity in your life.
Two years later, I can truly say. “Thank you, John.” Did I deserve to be left? No, I didn’t. No one does. Was I fat? Yes, I was well over 240 pounds. Was I unhealthy? Oh Yes! My knees hurt, my back ached. Walking in heels was becoming a chore. Sleeping restfully was hit or miss. Diabetes and high blood pressure were knocking on my door. Here’s my simple reality: I truly believe that if he hadn’t left I would still be that fat, tired, sickly woman in an unhappy and unhealthy marriage.
My goal weight is still 160 pounds. I don’t want to be too skinny, my body is not meant to be tiny. I want to be moderate, elegant, and beautiful. I’m concentrating on losing fat, not lean muscle. I receive so many compliments and everyone wants to know the secret to my success. My advice for other people is to stay away from that “quick fix” stuff. (I.E. slimming tea, herbal medicine, pills, etc.) If you can control what you eat, you will lose weight fast, safe and effectively.
