Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Gina lost 63 pounds. This young lady wanted to avoid a family history of obesity and health issues. As a Vanderbilt student, she took a nutrition class, changed her eating habits and worked out regularly to transform her body and her health. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…
I have struggled with my weight since I was a child. I am only 25 years old and I’ve had such a hard time controlling my weight. I would like to share my weight loss story with you!
Starting weight: 203 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds
Height: 5’6″
What was your motivation?
My inspiration was knowing that I was young and had a great promising life in front of me. I was tired of always feeling like the fat kid and worrying about my health and body image. Coming from a family with an abundance of health issues and unhealthy eating habits, I did not want to be another severely obese person relying on medicine and food to get through my day.
How did you change your eating habits?
I woke up one day and decided that the prior day was the last day of being unhealthy. I rarely ate breakfast prior to losing 60lbs. I began eating breakfast, three small healthy meals and small healthy snacks throughout the day. I enrolled in a nutrition course at my school (Vanderbilt University) to learn more about nutrition and overall wellness. I also did independent research on what kinds of foods to eat and appropriate macronutrients for my height and weight. I began eating within a hour of waking up and stopped eating at least 2-3 hours prior to bedtime.
What did your workout routines look like?
My workouts varied greatly. The first 40 pounds I lost without any assistance from a trainer or program. I worked out daily for at least 30 minutes. I would do anything from walking/jogging on the treadmill to using the elliptical or stair master. The stair master machine was so challenging at first, but the weight dropped off so quickly with it! Once I lost a significant amount of weight, I started more challenging tasks, hired a trainer and went to various bootcamp gyms.
How long did your transformation take?
10 months and is still ongoing!
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Do not give up! Weight loss does not happen overnight. I once had a trainer tell me, “it is a marathon, not a sprint”
Instagram: @ori_gina_lity
website: theoriginalhair.com
I began working out at D1 Sports Training. My son Brandon, 14 at the time, suggested I teach there. My response, “No Brandon, those people are too athletic there…But do you think I can do it? “ He said, “Yes Mama, I know you can!” I began my own program in 2010 at D1 Sports Training in Chattanooga; Donna’s D.I.V.A.s (determined individuals valuing activities) workout classes. I had several people that told me it wouldn’t work. “Black women won’t workout! Women don’t have time, they have families!” However, that was untrue. My first class had 65 women from all walks of life; mothers, wives, daughters, career women, blue collar. We all had one goal….to LIVE, to lose weight, and invest time for us. Through my mom’s encouragement, the trainers at D1, my son’s motivation, Donna’s D.I.V.A.s and realizing I’m worth it, I’ve lost almost 100lbs. I was a size 24 and now I’m a size 12! (height 5’11″). In April 2011, I WAS FEATURED IN EBONY MAGAZINE!! People ask me how long has it taken? I have decided to take things slow! There’s no rush because I don’t want to gain it back like before. I have lost 25lbs per year and have practiced maintaining it and then I go on to the next loss.
