Transformation of the Day: Richeel lost 92.4 pounds. She weighed 300 pounds at 5’2″ and was dealing with a number of serious health issues, including Lupus. However, it was a diagnosis of pre-diabetes that served as the wake up call she needed. Exercise classes, accountability via social media and limiting carbs in a reasonable way were all key to getting results. Check out her story.
Right now, I’m at a plateau but I’ve gone from 300 pounds to 207.6 pounds as of today. 300 pounds was a lot of weight on my 5’2″ frame. All of my progress was made by putting in the work and lowering my carb intake.
In the past, I made every excuse in the book. I have Lupus, which makes me tired. I have arthritis, so I would say that I won’t be able to keep up with exercise or that I’m in pain. I would also use the excuse of not having time or not knowing what to do. I just thought that I had so far to go that I’d never make it. I also had high blood pressure and headaches along with the Lupus and arthritis. All of that was still not enough of a wake up call.
The wake up call came after a doctor visit which revealed that I was pre-diabetic. Both my parents and grandparents had diabetes. I knew that I didn’t want to struggle with diabetes in addition to the medical issuesI already had. Besides, I literally did not have room in my pill box for and more pills.
Something had to change. I made up my mind that as cliche as it seemed, New Years Day 2013 would be the day. I prayed for guidance, realizing that my body was a temple and I needed to take better care of it. I knew I needed motivation and accountability so I took to the one place I knew I would be watched. Facebook. I made my public declaration and the journey began.
Each and every time I went to a workout class I would post pictures. My go-to classes were Cardio Dance and Zumba. I started with 3 classes a week and started seeing results. I stumbled upon a Groupon voucher for a Soca Fit class and got 5 classes for $ 15. I noticed that one of the days it was being held at my new job location. When I got the the 1st class the instructor told me about all the free classes held at my job site. I felt like I hit the lottery! I stepped up my workouts to 5 days a week. At one point, I was up to 6-7 workouts a week because I did 2 classes on Saturdays. I started buying brightly colored outfits and matching shoes. My fashion statements and workouts began to encourage and inspire others to join me.
Then, late last year, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. In the past that would have slowed me down, but not this time! When my hands don’t cooperate, I dance and move my feet. When my lower extremities don’t cooperate, I use hand weights or swim.
I stopped eating a lot of fast food and started counting calories. That worked for a while, but what really helped was finding low carb focused groups on Facebook. I tried having 20-50 grams of carbs a day but realized that was not sustainable. I was looking for a lifestyle change instead of a quick fix, so I began eating 100 grams or less a day. I use the S Health app on my phone to track my eating habits. There isn’t anything that is off limits as far as food, but I still limit junk food. Whatever I eat has to fit into the 100 grams of carbs a day limit. Water is also crucial! I drink around 100 oz a day.
The total active time it’s take to lose the weight is about 18 months. Now, I want to get to 175 pounds by my birthday in February 2017. WHEN I reach my goal I’m treating myself to an expensive pair of Nike shoes and a matching outfit!
I would tell others who need to lose weight to do it for you. Don’t wait for anyone to motivate you. Also, I would tell them to focus more on health than on the images they see around them.
Instagram: @Richeel16
One of the hardest things about weight loss is being accountable for your actions. This month, we are asking you to share your journey with the world and to be accountable to the group. We’ve been working for 10 months this year and now it’s time for you to show your work.
Get motivated. Have Fun. Lose Weight. Win Money. That’s a 
I have a few Personal Trainer friends in my life that have educated me throughout the years on this fitness and lifestyle change thing. Now, I am hoping to inspire, motivate, encourage some others as well. It’s possible people! YOU can do it, BUT only YOU!
