Shana wrote us to share how she lost 57 pounds by eating right and exercising. She also embraced running. Check it out!
What was your motivation?
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in February 2012 and that’s when I decided enough was too much. I challenged myself to lose 100 pounds and I’m almost there. I hope to be off medication soon.
How did you change your eating habits?
It wasn’t easy! It took me a few months to get into clean eating and planning my meals out, everything was smooth sailing. I’m currently on a strict carb and sodium diet where I’m keeping my daily carb intake below 150 mg and sodium below 2000mg. Water is a must if you want to stay the course and continue to lose weight. As far as meat goes, anything with a “loin” on the end, I try to stick to. Chicken, fish and shrimp are my main sources of protein. I try to cook all of my own meals and incorporate a fruit & veggies into every meal. One thing I learned was to keep your meals the same each week. That was hard for me because I like variety but if you keep your meals the same, you’re able to adhere to a stricter diet. Not saying that I don’t cheat because once a week. I throw in a day where I eat whatever I want…ALL DAY. I live for cheat days! I believe that if you eat strict all week, a cheat day is only fair.
What did your workout routines look like?
I belong to a gym in our apartment complex so I hit the gym 5 times a week and run the Couch to 5K program 3 times a week. The weekends are off limits unless I’m running a 5K on a Saturday or something like that. I love to go to classes because it holds me accountable if I’m with a group of people and I can’t “cheat” if other people are watching me. I’m attempting to run a 30 minute 5K by April 2014. Wish me luck.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I was 280 pounds when I decided to go on my journey. I currently weigh 223 pounds and am aiming for 170 pounds for my goal weight.
How long did your transformation take?
I’ve been working on my weightloss on and off for 1 1/2 years. I want to be finished and toning by the end of this year.
