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Jovanna lost 87 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jovanna lost 87 pounds despite being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and pre-diabetes. She shared with us the steps she took to change her mindset, change her lifestyle, and reclaim her health.

Jovanna before and after weight loss

Social Media:

Facebook: facebook.com/jovanna.danielle.5
Tiktok: @greenbizgoddess
Instagram: @jovannasmith_

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation came from being diagnosed with pre-diabetes in August 2023 on top of dealing with my ongoing hypothyroidism. Diabetes is a health risk in my family, so this time, I took it seriously and decided to make needed changes.

It wasn’t until 2024 that I really started to see that a serious change was needed. I listened to my body, decided to go back to the basics, and became a vegetarian again. Being healthy is not just about losing weight. It’s a lifestyle cut, for sure. Once I dropped my 1st 20 pounds from consistently working out and better eating habits, that was all the motivation needed to keep going. 

What is your workout routine?
I do aerobics 3-5 times a week, yoga, and Pilates. I do 1-3 workouts within those days, burning 300-500 calories per session.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 278.4 pounds, and my current weight is 190.7 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’4″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in August 2023 by taking Mounjaro and Ozempic (not simultaneously, but at different times). I lost a total of 21 pounds on them, but I was still eating unhealthy food and not working out. I started having stomach cramps and decided I no longer wanted to take the shots.

In January 2024, I started back on Phentermine ( I took this back in 2016 before and didn’t take it seriously) for about three months. Now, I’m happy to say it worked. In my opinion, if you have hypothyroidism, this pill is the BEST for energy! It gave me everything I needed to start my workouts. I am proud to say I am losing weight entirely on my ownwith better eating and exercising regularly. It took about a year or so for me to get it together and lose these 87 lbs. My ultimate goal is 100 lbs. My goal weight is 178 lbs.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that pills and injections are just an addition and assistance to your weight loss efforts. You MUST work out and change your eating habits to keep the weight off and live a healthy life.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Do whatever you need to help you get started; never stop once you do! Change your mindset, change your life, and don’t look for “quick fixes.”

Meshun lost 104 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Meshun lost 104 pounds. She overcame hypothyroidism, committed to an effective workout routine, and learned how to fuel her body with healthy, nutritious food. At 47 years old, she is in the best shape of her life and loving her new lifestyle. 

Meshun before and after weight loss

I started my weight loss journey because I wanted to be healthy. I always felt insecure growing up because I was overweight and did not like my body structure. 

I started my journey in 2010 by joining Bailey’s gym. I can still remember going to the gym feeling insecure, lost, and embarrassed, but I kept going. When I began my journey, I weighed 276 pounds. I wore sizes 22-24 and wore a 44DD in bras. 

I remember trying the Atkins diet and many other fads to lose weight. During my journey, I developed hypothyroidism, which would cause a 40lb weight re-gain. As my journey continued, I would become more knowledgeable about my body, my partial thyroid, and what actually helped me to lose weight. 

As I continued to attend Bailey, I would meet some wonderful people who I began to take classes with daily. Before the pandemic, I attended classes daily at Baileys that included spin, TRX, cross-fit, and weight training. 

I learned that dieting did not work for me. I also learned the value of providing my body with the correct nutrients by eliminating processed food and eating many things in moderation (i.e., meat, dairy, bread). 

I started cooking more healthy meals, increased my protein intake, and learned about good carbs. Now I mostly eat seafood, fruit, and a lot of plant-based products. I live my life in moderation! 

Meshun before and after weight loss

I work out every day. My day starts at 4 am in the gym. I work out for 90 minutes doing cardio and weight training. After leaving the gym, I take my dog for a 2-3 mile walk/run and then ride my bike for 5 miles. I also began to purchase products that I could use to work out at home. 

I can honestly say that exercising helped me cope with many of life’s challenges. I can recall days in the gym with the tears flowing while I worked out. I would learn that it helped with coping and stress. 

I worked for The Florida Department of Children and Families for 20 years investigating child abuse. The gym would provide a time and a space to process life and casework. I would use this time to release negative energy and gain clarity to help the families assigned to my caseload. 

I have learned that losing weight is more mental than it is physical. Unfortunately, we live in an “instant” society, where people focus more on instant gratification instead of putting in hard work towards their goals. I would quickly learn that anything “instant” is generally not good for you, so take that journey to build a solid foundation. 

I currently weigh 172 pounds and wear a 34DD bra/clothing sizes 11-12. I am 47 years old and in the best shape of my life. The weight loss journey is yours, and you have to “own it.” You can hire all the personal trainers and seek quick weight loss options, but the bottom line is we still have to make healthy lifestyle changes. 

Instagram: @sunshineshun46

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Shun Rich (@sunshineshun46)

Scola’s transformation story

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Scola was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2015 and spent years struggling with the symptoms, which included weight gain. This year, she turned things around by creating her own meal plan, tracking macros and calories, and working out four times a week. She’s lost about 20 pounds, and she’s very proud of her results.

Scola before and after

I got diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2015 and spent years struggling with the symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, and depression. What was most heartbreaking about it is that I love health and fitness. As a personal trainer, I felt embarrassed that I couldn’t get a handle on this condition.

However, everything happens for a reason. In the last year, I’ve made progress that I’m really proud of. The progress may not have come as fast or as easy as it once did, but I’m grateful for the body I’m in and excited to continue this journey!

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was knowing what I was capable of. I KNEW I could do it. What kept me inspired throughout were the dreams and goals I had for myself and my life. I knew the only way to achieve them was to keep going.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I’ve been trying for years, but it wasn’t until lockdown (March 2020) that I really put my mind to it. It took me about six months, and I’m still going. I’ve lost about 20 pounds so far.  

How did you change your eating habits?
I created my own meal plan to start with. I counted calories and tracked my macros, which helped me stay on track. Making a plan meant there was less room for error as I knew what I’d be eating and how much of it. I even planned out my treats, which I think is super important as it kept my diet balanced and realistic. 

What did your workout routine consist of? 
I was doing lots of home workouts, including HIIT training. I used the light weights I had to help build muscle. I also really enjoy running and jump roping as my form of cardio. 

How often did you work out?
I aimed for at least four times a week. That’s when I really saw the difference. 

Is weight loss surgery or skin removal surgery part of your journey? 
N/A

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Patience. It doesn’t happen overnight, but you will blink, and the time will have passed by anyway. Even if 6 or 12 months seems like a long time, that time will pass, so you might as well do something worthwhile! 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Don’t just make it about weight loss. Think about all the other aspects that come with it, like improved fitness, better mental health due to increased activity and the right nutrition, more energy, and so on! 

Instagram: @scoladondo

Kaffo lost 53 pounds/24kg

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Kaffo lost 53 pounds/24kg. She decided to start her weight loss journey after watching a video she made for a TikTok challenge. She didn’t recognize herself. Maintaining strict eating habits and working out 4-5 days a week paid off in results.

Kaffo before and after

What was your motivation?
Six months ago, I had ‘the spark’ after making a TikTok video for the Don’t Rush Challenge. When I watched the video, I could not recognize myself. It seemed to me that the person I was watching was choking up due to fat and could not breathe. Then and there, I decided to change my lifestyle. 

It became clear to me that my previous life did not portray the best version of myself. 

I wanted to put the blame on my two pregnancies, but it seemed unfair. I was fat even before my pregnancies. Also, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after my first pregnancy, which is a condition that makes you gain a lot of weight. It also makes you very lazy. I did not want that sickness to be my boss or affect how I looked, so I committed to healthy habits.

How did you change your eating habits?
I was very strict with myself in the first two months: no sugary foods, no soda. I drank a lot of tea and ate salads and vegetables. I also reduced carbohydrate intake.

After three months, I managed to lose 18kgs/39.6 pounds. I started doing gym exercises. I also started having cheat meals on Saturdays, where I will cook and eat heavy African dishes. I also eat out when invited. 

Tell us about your current workout routine.
I am currently going to the gym 4 to 5 times per week doing HIIT classes, Zumba, Cycle, etc., all with a trainer.

Kaffo before and after

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started with 116.7 kg/257 pounds. Today I weigh 92.7kg/204 pounds making a total of 24kg/53 pounds lost in 6 months. 

How tall are you?
1.66cm/5’4″

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I learned is that we are all limitless in terms of what we can achieve. It is just a matter of hard work, determination, and consistency.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Stop postponing your start date to tomorrow or Monday. Take the step now. Start a healthy lifestyle, get busy, and eat healthy. Be your own boss and watch yourself shrink to that perfect body you wish for.

Follow me @heal_thybody2 and witness my weight loss journey. We can do this.

Stephanie lost 190 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Stephanie lost 190 pounds. Health was her motivation, having been diagnosed with diabetes and hypothyroidism. During her five year journey, she totally changed her eating habits. She also purchased a treadmill, which was life-changing for her.

Stephanie before and after

My name is Stephanie, and I have lost 190 pounds over the last five years. I did this all-natural, no surgery. 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
The thing that motivated me to lose weight was my health. I had diabetes and hypothyroidism. I was on several different medications. As I started losing weight, those issues resolved themselves. What inspired me the most was my children. They motivated me with every pound I lost. 

How did you change your eating habits?
My journey started with the 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. I purchased the book followed the program for the first 10 days. I slowly started to reintroduce solid food. Then, I totally changed my eating habits. I do not eat bread, red meat, potatoes, butter, sugar, or rice. I have mostly fish and chicken and turkey. I usually eat two servings of vegetables with my dinner paired with a protein. 

Tell us about your workout routine.
I purchased a treadmill in 2017, and that was the best thing I’ve ever done. It changed my life. I started out walking 10 minutes a day. Now I’ve worked up to a one hour walk on the treadmill five days a week. I also bought a Fitbit in 2018, and it is so inspiring and motivating. The people you connect with through FitBit challenges are amazing. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 409 pounds. I currently weigh 219 pounds. 

What is your height?
My height is 5’4″.

When did you start your weight loss journey?
I started my weight loss journey five years ago. It’s taken me five years to get here, and I’ve had many failed attempts.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I have learned is don’t beat yourself up over mistakes. Start over as many times as you need until that one-time clicks. 

Instagram: @stephaniem9301

Stephanie before and after

Shandrekia lost 39 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Shandrekia lost 39 pounds. After giving birth to her third child, she struggled with postpartum depression, Hypothyroidism, and weight gain. She found success by working out 6 to 7 days a week, adopting a plant-based diet and being consistent. Check out her journey.

Shandrekia before and after

After giving birth to my third child, I suffered from postpartum depression, and I completely lost myself. I struggled with massive weight gain and Hypothyroidism. I made a promise to myself that I’ll never be in that space again. I made the decidion to drop my excuses and fight through my depression around the end of December at 230 pounds.

What inspired you when you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
There are a lot of factors that keep me going, but one of the main reasons I don’t give up is the end result. I know that if I keep pushing, eventually I’ll meet or surpass my goal.

How did you change your eating habits as you transitioned to being a pescatarian?
My husband is one of my major supporters. He began researching healthier lifestyles first, and then I started to do my own research. I learned about how different foods affect our bodies, our brain function, our mood, etc. We stopped eating pork first, and I gradually started preparing meals with less meat.

Currently, we are practicing a pescatarian diet, but I mainly eat fruits and veggies due to suffering from Hypothyroidism. Weight gain is very easy for me. So, I intentionally watch my potions and what I put into my body. I also practice intermittent fasting.

Some advice I would give other readers is to do your own research on the various diets that are out there. You’ll be amazed at what you find. 

Shandrekia before and after

What did your workout routine consist of? 
I currently workout 6-7 days a week. I take a boot camp class at the YMCA, I have a virtual trainer who trains me in the mornings at 5am 3-4 days a week. On the days I don’t go to the gym, I usually run a mile around my neighborhood, followed by a quick circuit workout. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 233 pounds, and I currently weigh 194 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’6″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that our bodies can do anything. It’s our minds that tell us otherwise. I had to get out of the habit of saying what I couldn’t do to be able to do the things I needed to do. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Be consistent. Be consistent with eating healthier and be consistent with your workout plan. Be consistent in showing up for yourself. There will be times when you’ll want to give up, but don’t! Slow progress is still progress, and giving up will not get you to where you want to be. It’s all mental. Once you change your thinking, you can change your body! 

Instagram: @_shandrekia

Shandrekia before and after

Tameka lost 53 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tameka lost 53 pounds. She was motivated to live a healthier lifestyle when she began to worry about her own mortality. A hypothyroidism diagnosis also added to her concerns. Working out at home, Weight Watchers, My Fitness Pal and the Green Smoothie Cleanse were all factors that contributed to her success. Check out what she shared with us.

tameka before and after

Starting weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 132 pounds
Height: 5 feet even

What was your motivation?
My motivation to make this lifestyle change was when I literally felt like I could go to sleep one night and not wake up. In fact, I used to ask my brother to text me when he got up to make sure I woke up the next morning. In addition to this, I diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years back.

How did you change your eating habits?
To change my eating habits, I initially just cut way back on soft drinks and other sugary drinks. I started drinking a gallon of water each day. When I began this journey, I followed the Weight Watchers program. I lost about 40 pounds on this program. After about a year, I continued tracking my food, but instead of Weight Watchers, I used the MyFitnessPal App.

Just recently, I got into drinking smoothies. I have completed two full cycles of JJ Smith’s 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. When I am not on the full cleanse, I follow the modified plan. This includes 2 smoothies and 1 sensible meal.

What did you do in terms of exercise?
When I first started this journey, I worked out at home doing cardio dance videos. I was later invited to a Zumba class and fell in love with it. About 3 years ago, I became a member at the local YMCA, where I now teach several classes. For a year, I have been working with a personal trainer. I workout 6 days a week. My only rest day are Sundays.

How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey on March 12, 3012. My initial transformation only took 6 months.

What kept you going during the tough times?
When I wanted to give up, the thinking about the results I had already achieved kept me going. I would look at my before and after pictures for inspiration. This helped me keep my mind focused on living a healthier lifestyle.

What advice would you share with other women who want to lose weight?
The advice I would give others who want to lose weight is JUST DO IT! Stop putting it off. I would also tell them that it is THEIR journey. Don’t worry about what others have to say.

Instagram: @tamekaranelle

tameka before and after

Kenya lost 78 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kenya lost 78 pounds. She didn’t let hypothyroidism, diabetes and insulin resistance stop her. The medication she was taking made her prone to weight gain, so she sought out a specialist to help her adjust her meds and took steps to change her lifestyle. Check out her journey.

Kenya weight loss

It was very hard for me to lose weight because I have hypothyroidism and other metabolic issues. However, with a strict diet and exercise I am finally down to a weight I haven’t been in 14 years. I’m still a work in progress.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was being here for my children and getting my life back.

What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
There have been times that I did feel that way. Especially, when I was going to a personal trainer for an entire year and only lost 5 pounds. I found a specialist who adjusted my thyroid medicine. I was told if I wasn’t watching my diet and working out I could have easily gained 50 pounds. When you have metabolic issues such as hypothyroidism and diabetes with insulin dependency, it’s very hard to lose weight. I was diagnosed with both in my early 20’s. At that time, I was not overweight. When you are over 40, your metabolism slows down naturally and society does not make it easy because they just assume you are lazy.

How did you change your eating habits?
I count my carbs and portion control is the key. I switched to meals with tofu instead of meat and the portions are basically no bigger than my fist. I eat a lot of veggies.

What did your workout routines look like?
I work out at least 5 times a week, walking at least 10,000 steps with my Fitbit and doing Fitbit challenges they get me motivated. I do yoga sometimes for stretching as well. I have been overweight so long that I have to modify some workouts because of my knees and age. For squats, I use the wall to help take off some pressure on my knees. Find a workout that is right for you and don’t let anyone, including yourself, discourage you from your weight loss goal.

Starting weight/Current weight
In August of 2012, my highest weight was 264, but I got down to 230 and stayed there for four years. My current weight is 186 pounds. I haven’t been this weight in 14 years. My height is 4’11”.

How long did your transformation take?
I really started in full force in September 2016. It’s been 4 months so far and my goal weight is 160 pounds.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Before turning to weight loss surgery, make sure you have testing done to see if you have medical issues working against you that can be addressed. Also, make sure that you know the side effects of any medicine that you are taking. A lot of medicine can cause weight gain as a side effect. Because I am insulin resistant, I had to take insulin at high doses which caused weight gain. I am on a medicine now that helps with my insulin resistance, so my insulin intake is lower. Social media can inspire you but it can also depress you. Remember, not everything you see on social media is real. Start with little goals, like losing 4-5 pounds a month. Drink more water and get an walking or exercise app that can help you increase the amount of time that you exercise.

Instagram: @stlblmn

kenya before and after

Terrilyn lost 40 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Terrilyn lost 40 pounds and 3 dress sizes. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism made her feel like she was fighting her body for survival. This mom of 3 made up her mind, reached out for the help she needed and took control of her health. Check out how she did it.

terrilyn weight loss

Age: 29 years old
Height: 5’5″
Starting weight : 279 pounds
Current weight: 239 pounds
Starting dress size: 22
Current dress size : 16
Total weight loss : 40 pounds and 3 dress sizes
Representing: Red Oak, Texas

What was your motivation?
I am most motivated by my three sons. They are very active young men and I want to be able to enjoy every aspect of life with them. I have to set the example of what a healthy lifestyle should be. Recently, my son’s pediatrician advised us that he was pre-diabetic, mostly because of his weight. It is important that I make sure that we are all living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding preventable diseases.

What inspired you to start your weight loss journey?
My inspiration came in many forms. Hypothyroidism and shopping are on the top the list. When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, I knew I had to change my way of living because at that point I realised that I was fighting my own body just to survive. I had every symptom and lost a desire to do anything daily. I was not myself anymore and my quality of life was deteriorating. I was getting larger and larger with no desire to actually shop for clothes because I knew I would have to buy bigger sizes. The level of discomfort that came along with my size became unbearable. Then there were all of the holes in the thighs of my jeans. There was nothing cute about that. I grew tired of using all of the “big girl tricks” just to be comfortable.

How did you change your eating habits?
I began to follow the guidance of my online nutritionist NutritionistGuru from the Fitness on Fire Online Training Program. This made me more conscious of what I was eating. I started actually researching the foods I was consuming and reading food labels. I began eating more balanced meals that included green vegetables and baked protein. I stopped eating fried foods, pork, beef, bread and anything full of sugar.

What did your workout consist of?
I followed the workout plans provided by my online trainer, King of the Fire from Fitness On Fire. I workout 4-6 times a week. I do HIIT, cardio, resistance training and an abs regimen that my trainer put together.

Starting weight/Current weight
I started my weight loss journey at 279 lbs. I was blessed to begin working with Fitness On Fire at 272.4 lbs. My current weight is 238 lbs.

How long did your transformation take?
My journey is still in progress, as I’m not done yet, but to get to this point it took me 6 months.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
The desire to lose weight has to have a definitive purpose. Ask yourself why you want to do it and come up with a plan to accomplish your goal. Do not be afraid to ask for help with developing your plan. The journey will not be quick or easy, but stay the course. Keep showing up! You will see results.

Instagram: @whos_phat

Rashonda lost 50 pounds

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Update February 2018: Rashonda is still going strong. We’ve been following her journey since 2015. She lost more than 60 pounds and totally transformed her body with exercise and good nutrition. She shared with us how she’s been able to maintain her success.

Rashonda before and after

Age: 27
Height: 5’3″
Starting weight: 204.8 pounds
Current weight: 141 pounds
Total weight loss: 63.8 pounds
Starting Dress Size: 16
Current Dress Size: 4
Representing: Chicago, IL

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I have maintained my weight by consistently working out and eating healthy. I eat foods that are good for my body and goals. I stayed focused and continue to push hard! I remain in contact with my nutritionist and trainer with any questions I have about food and the gym.

What has worked in terms of eating habits and what worked in terms of exercise?
I try to eat lots of vegetables and protein. I also drink A LOT of water (at least a gallon a day) and it helps me feel hydrated and energized. I still work out at least 4-5 days per week. I love working out early in the morning. I have energy to push through my day and after work, I am able to enjoy my evening.

What lessons have you learned on this journey? What stands out the most?
I’ve learned not to be too hard on myself. This is a lifestyle and I have the rest of my life to get better. I work hard and do what I know works. During the times where I mess up, I offer myself grace. Then, I refocus and keep going. I’ve also learned to enjoy the journey. When you rush the process, you can miss the lessons and accomplishments along the way. Weight management is just as important as weight loss. What you do to get it, you have to keep doing to keep it!

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to other people who want to lose weight?
I encourage anyone that wants to lose weight to have a made up mind. If your mind is made up to do it, your body will follow! Let what motivates you also drive you to reach your goals.

Instagram @slaybellerose
www.facebook.com/rashondaw

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Rashonda lost 50 pounds. Before staring her journey, she was faced with a number of health challenges, including hypothyroidism and having her thyroid removed. When she saw a friend a church getting great results with an online training program, she decided to give it a try. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

rashonda before and after

Starting Weight: 204.8
Current Weight: 154.8
Total Weight Loss: 50 pounds
Total Inches Loss Overall: 73
Total Inches Loss off her waist: 15.5
Height: 5’3
Representing: Chicago, IL

What was your motivation?
My motivation for losing weight was having better health and better confidence. Prior to starting my weight loss journey, I was going back and forth to the doctor for a number of reasons. I had extremely low Vitamin D levels and hypothyroidism. I was considered obese and always had stomach pains (doctors were considering it to be a bacteria called H.pylori). My doctors were monitoring me for diabetes as well.

In April, I had a thyroidectomy (my entire thyroid gland was removed). I was a young woman, age 25 at the time, with all these medical issues. Overall, I was tired of having poor health and feeling sick. Although I was dealing with so many health issues, I wasn’t even telling anyone. I was so depressed and unhappy with myself, my weight and where I was in life in general. I was fed-up and tired. I just wanted to become a better me for no one else but me, so decided that it was time to get my life and health in order.

What inspired you to start your weight loss journey?
I guess the better question would be WHO! A beautiful woman at my church (Arika Ealy) had recently joined a program called “Fitness on Fire” Online Training Program and she was BLAZING! I remember seeing her one week at church and the following week or two later, she looked totally different! I was like “sis what are you doing?!” She told me she was doing Fitness on Fire and that it was working really well. I joked at first and said I needed to do the same thing, but after I thought about it I really decided to do it!

My journey began the following month. I reached out to NutritionistGuru and she was VERY responsive. After I signed up, I remember thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?!” I was so nervous, scared and happy… all at the same time. NutritionistGuru was so supportive and my trainer, King of the Fire, was too. They helped me and answered the million and one questions that I had. They have been with me every step of the way.

How did you change your eating habits?
Oh my goodness, was that hard! *smiling* I ate horribly prior to starting Fitness on Fire Online Training Program. I was a BIG junk food eater (chips, candy, juice etc.) I always had to have something sweet after any meal. The funny thing is that when I started the program I literally just stopped eating the junk. I would ask my nutritionist if I could have popcorn, or granola bars and she would say yes. I ate those sorts of things (healthy options of course) as snacks. Now, as I think about it, I hardly eat those things anymore.

I also learned how to eat balanced meals and learned what foods  should be included in each of my meals. I eat six times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between each meal). I just took it one day at a time, but eventually the food was no longer an issue. My nutritionist was amazing when it came to helping me make healthier options.

What did you stop or start eating?
I stopped eating JUNK FOOD! Before my weight loss journey, I literally would have a drawer at work with nothing but chips, candy, cookies etc. and I would eat from it all day. I also had junk food in my car and also in my room at home. It was CRAZY! I was determined and I threw all the junk food (or hurried and ate it, lol) before I started the fitness program. I started eating a lot of veggies and was more mindful of what I was putting into my system. I increased my water intake and actually, it’s the only thing I drink now. I learned what worked for my body, because I am such a picky eater (another thing NutritionistGuru helped me with).

What did your workout consist of?
Prior to enrolling in Fitness on Fire, I was going to a high intensity Zumba class three days a week, an hour each day. My Zumba Instructor is amazing, classes were so much fun, had a great atmosphere and helped me stay active. After joining Fitness on Fire, I still went to Zumba once or twice a week, but also went to the gym 6 days a week doing HIIT training, cardio and some resistance training, per the routine I was given by my trainer “King of the Fire”. The workouts kicked my butt on many of days and still do. As I began to get lighter, my trainer added other exercises to target my midsection which was my greatest challenge. Now, I work out six days a week for 90 minutes and still go to my Zumba class when I can make it. When I get in that gym nothing or no one else matters….just me, God and the routine designed specifically for me! I get in my zone and stay there until I’m done with my workout.

How long did your transformation take?
I started my transformation at the beginning of July 2015! I have made all of this progress in about four months.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
The best advice is to know that you can do it! The first step is to get tired of where you are and want better for yourself! Not for anyone else but you! When you get fed up, make up your mind to do better, get a solid plan and great support team. There will be no stopping you! I also believe that God gave me strength and grace on this journey. Surely, because I don’t know how else I would have been able to make it!

Why did the “Fitness on Fire” Online Training Program work for you vs other programs you’ve tried before?
LISTEN! Fitness on Fire was simply a God Send! This program was everything I needed and nothing that I expected! Both NutritionistGuru and King of Fire have been SOOOO supportive! They have been with me every step of the way, encouraging, pushing, motivating and inspiring me! Not just them but the other women and men embarking on the journey. I believe this is what is so different than other programs. What program do you know that has a nutritionist and trainer that customize a weight loss plan just for you and give you all the tools and steps you need to be successful on that plan AND stay with you every step of the way, judgement-free?! I don’t know many. This program is a blessing that I hope many will get a chance to experience, when they are ready!

Instagram: @slaybellerose
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rashondaw
Fitness on Fire: 
www.facebook.com/fitnessonfirenewyork
www.facebook.com/nutritionistguru
rashonda weight loss

Update 5/2016: Rashonda has lost a total of 64.8 pounds gone since we shared her story in December. She has surpassed all the goals she set at the beginning of her online training journey over 285+ days ago. Check out her updated photos and lots of information about how she lost the pounds below.

rashondamay16blogupdate

Starting Weight: 204.8
Current Weight: 141.2
Body Fat: 23%
Total Weight Loss: 64.8
Total Inches Loss Overall: 79
Total Inches Loss off her waist: 15.5