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Tracy lost 40 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tracy lost 40 pounds. Finding out that she has type 2 diabetes motivated her to change her life. Her doctor suggested Mounjaro as part of her plan, and she’s found it to be a beneficial tool on her journey.

Tracy before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Facebook: Tracy Quarcoopome
Instagram: @thebaby6

What was your motivation?
I had a health scare, and I had Covid. I was heavy when I was sick, but I was comfortable. Then I was put on the ventilator for 32 days and lost 80 pounds. (Eventually, I gained that weight back.) After losing that weight, I couldn’t walk fast or take the stairs without getting short-winded. I knew I was small during that time, but the reason it happened differed from now.

Now my motivation is that after having Covid, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Today, after changing my lifestyle, I can breathe better and climb my stairs better. I love dancing, and my back and knees don’t hurt.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?

  • Coming off some of my medications
  • Being able to do physical activity
  • I have a vision of how I want to look
  • Reminding myself what is at stake if I don’t care or didn’t lose weight

How did you change your eating habits?
The medicine that I take changed my eating habits for me, so to speak. I eat more protein, green vegetables, and fiber.

I’m doing the Mounjaro shots. I’m a true diabetic, and my doctor felt this would help me with my diabetes and the bonus of losing weight. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 272 pounds, and my current weight is 232 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’3″.

When did you start your journey?
01/16/2023

How long did your transformation take?
It’s been three months so far, and I’m still going.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned to be patient. Nothing happens overnight.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose?
Focus on you and only you. Don’t listen to the negative feedback. Instead, surround yourself with positive people & things and pray.

Jamila lost 70 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Jamila lost 70 pounds. After being diagnosed with diabetes, she changed her life for her children and herself. She transformed by being consistent, disciplined, and fully committed to healthy food and exercise.

Jamila before and after weight loss

Social Media:
Instagram: @jamila_Esthetician @jamila_esthetician1

I am down 70 pounds and have learned there is no cheat code! You have to work for it. I began my journey in February 2020 after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I did not want that to be my story. I wanted to live for my children and myself! 

So I started working out six days a week. I also began eating clean and being very disciplined about what I consumed. After 1.5 years of testing, each test showed I had reversed type 2 diabetes, and I was released from the endocrinology clinic. I still have a little more to lose, but I am grateful for where I am today! 

What inspired you to keep going?
Whenever my journey started to seem tough, I reminded myself that I was literally fighting for my life. I was only 33 years old at the time of my diagnosis. That was not how I wanted to live, so I pushed through to change that narrative.

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut out simple carbs and consumed limited amounts of complex carbs. I also ate more protein, mainly poultry and seafood. Removing sugary drinks, junk food, and fried and processed foods and treating myself kindly in the kitchen was my saving grace. Tons of leafy green vegetables, water, and nuts helped fuel my body instead of overfeeding it. 

Now occasionally, I will do intermittent fasting for two weeks every few months to reset. I also try to stay in a calorie deficit while trying to get rid of my back fat and bra bulge. 

Tell us about your workout routine.
I worked out six days weekly with an additional active rest day. That meant although I would not work out strenuously, I would not lay around. Instead, I used that rest day to take a light walk on the trail or practice yoga. 

I began my workout regimen by walking 2 miles daily for about six months. Then I added bodyweight workouts from the Fitbit App and YouTube. I did that for about five months and walked two miles daily. 

Once my body got used to that regimen, I would switch it up because I would hit a plateau. So my body needed more work to burn more. I switched up my workouts and started doing kettlebell workouts. I also wore a 20lb weight vest during the treadmill or my walks on the trail.

Jamila lost 70 pounds

Now I have been weight training for the past eight months. I’m lifting a bit heavier every two weeks. I focus on…

  • my legs/glutes on Sunday & Wednesday
  • my back/arms Monday & Thursday
  • my core/cardio on Tuesday/Saturday
  • and Freestyle Fridays – Whatever I feel like doing that day!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 279 pounds, and my current weight is 209 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5’2.5″. Yes, I want my half-inch. Lol.

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took two years because I kept hitting plateaus which caused some frustration. However, it allowed me to reset and strategize on how to maximize my weight loss.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I did not have any weight loss surgeries or procedures.  

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that my journey is mine! I can not compare it to anyone else’s. I may take tips or give tips to help another person, but ultimately everyone is different. 

Just stay consistent, even when you are tired, drained, and discouraged. When I lacked motivation, I relied on my discipline to get through. Lastly, I learned that I can lose weight. For so many years, I really thought it was not possible for me. I was testing at doctors and everything. What I realize now is I wasn’t consistent. I thought I was, but I wasn’t. I also wasn’t disciplined and did not give myself time to see the change. 

What advice would you like to share with people who want to lose weight?
If you want to lose weight naturally, you can do it. It starts with a mindset that you are going to do it. This will be your last time starting because you won’t stop. Encourage yourself to press through when you’re tired. 

There is no cheat code to it. You HAVE to work for it. You have to show up every day for yourself and allow yourself time to see those results. 

Lisa lost 37+ pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Lisa lost 37+ pounds. After being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and having two strokes, she had to figure out what works for her when it comes to nutrition and exercise. She shared with us how she’s taken action to change her life since 2012.

Lisa before and after weight loss

My journey started when I found out I was a Type 2 Diabetic. (I also have high blood pressure) I was exercising before the diabetes diagnosis but had a stroke in 2013 and another in 2019. It was scary as heck. I gained some weight and wasn’t working out. So I took my medication, changed my diet, and exercised.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was knowing I was overweight. I also got tired of my clothing sizes going up and up. 

What kept me going was knowing where I could be as far as my weight was concerned. 

How did you change your eating habits?
I didn’t know much before I started changing my diet. However, My food choices didn’t change much because I already ate healthy. I don’t follow a specific plan or program. I was in the military before, so I picked up on healthy habits. 

The weight began to come off, but I decided to eat ten times healthier after I got sick. 

No meat (except fish), no bread, no pasta, no sweets, no sodas, or dairy. I just eat/drink fruits, veggies, fish, oat milk, water, fresh fruit juice, etc. I admit that I have my cheat days but what I eat on those days is still limited. My intake of sugar and sodium is carefully monitored. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I worked out every day, even at work. I worked at a university and got to work early. So I would run around the campus 2 1/2 miles (I’m doing 1 mile now). I also did weight lifting, sit-ups, push-ups, squats, and stretching at home. 

Now, I still run and do sit-ups, female push-ups, squats, and weights. I changed because of my two strokes and my living environment. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Back in 2012, I weighed 183 pounds. In 2015, I was 144 pounds. I gained some of it back when I was in Colorado. I moved back here, and I was 167 pounds. 

Then I had another stroke which really changed me. My left side is weak, but I’m making it strong. My current weight is 130 pounds. 

What is your height?
I’m on 5’3″. I’m short, so I had to lose the weight. 

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started back in 2012. It’s a continuous process with speed bumps. 

Back then, it took one year to see results. More recently, It’s taken a few years to get to where I am now because I had a pause due to having a stroke.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No surgeries. Just a lot of sweat, pain, and diet.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson is eating healthier and exercising has their advantages. It’s not just for cosmetic reasons but survival. 

What does “Pre-diabetes” mean?

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prediabetes

What is Pre-diabetes?

For many people, being told they are pre-diabetic can be hard to understand. Pre-diabetes is a condition that is hard to diagnose because there is no one set of criteria that works for everybody. Depending on several factors such as your past medical history, age, ethnicity, gender and family history, the symptoms you may be experiencing might be pre-diabetes, or they might indicate a different condition. It cannot be said often enough that if you suspect you have pre-diabetes, let your doctor know immediately. Early intervention can be the best way to avoid painful complications.

In the end, the goal of this diagnosis is to determine if some has the early signs of diabetes.

“Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have “prediabetes” — blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.  Doctors sometimes refer to prediabetes as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG), depending on what test was used when it was detected. This condition puts you at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.” – diabetes.org

What are the symptoms of Diabetes?

The most common symptoms of diabetes are also indicators of pre-diabetes. Someone who is pre-diabetic may have some, or all, of the below symptoms but to greater or lesser extents then someone diagnosed with a specific type of diabetes. The most common symptoms are:

  • Frequent Urination
  • Constant thirst or feeling very thirsty even when drinking enough fluids
  • Being hungry even when eating properly and regularly
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
  • Weight loss – even though you are eating more
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the extremities

Not all of these symptoms mean that you are pre-diabetic or have diabetes, but if you experience any of them you should tell your doctor and get some blood work done if your doctor agrees that there is a chance.

What are the complications of Diabetes?

pre-diabetes

The complications of diabetes can be devastating, which is why early diagnosis of pre-diabetes is so important. The common grouping of complications can include vision and hearing loss, neuropathy, skin infections and hypertension. Depending on your ethnic group, these common complications may take on very serious possibilities. It is not uncommon for people with certain types of diabetes to become legally blind or develop skin ulcers that do not heal. Early diagnosis of pre-diabetes allows you to prevent the worst that could happen from becoming your reality.

If I have Pre-diabetes, will I get diabetes?

If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, it does not mean that you will absolutely develop diabetes. The pre-diabetic condition exists in a grey area of how insulin and blood sugar works within the body and while it can be taken as a sign of caution, it is not guarantee you will become diabetic. If your doctor thinks your pre-diabetes can be addressed with lifestyle changes, you may be able to change your health.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

The most common forms of diabetes are type 1 and type 2, with type 2 being more prevalent. Type 1 is often called “juvenile onset diabetes” and children experience pre-diabetes in their early pre-teens or teens that then develops into diabetes. With type 2, the pre-diabetes appears much later in life with most instances being diagnosed as diabetic when the person is in their 40s. With type 1, the body is failing to produce insulin or producing too much. With type 2 diabetes, the body is not using its insulin effectively. There are several other types of diabetes, such as type 1.5, but the next most common is gestational diabetes.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

It is estimated that 5 to 10-percent of women who become pregnant experience pre-diabetes that develops into gestational diabetes. The American Diabetes Association places the highest risk of development at the 24th week of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes generally disappears after delivery, but there is no set time frame and there is a question as to whether the onset makes a woman more prone to developing pre-diabetes risk for other types.

What should I do if I am concerned?

If you are concerned that you have pre-diabetes, talk to your doctor. If your blood sugar level is elevated, there are many things you can do to attempt to bring it under control including medication, diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes. Depending on your race, gender, age and family history you may be more prone to Type 1 diabetes and experiencing pre-diabetic symptoms can let your doctor get you on the right treatment fast. If your doctor is worried that your pre-diabetes is indicating a risk of Type 2 Diabetes, you can make the life style changes necessary to prevent your pre-diabetes from creating a diabetic condition. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor immediately. Gestational diabetes can cause serious complications for you and your unborn baby that can be avoided for many women.

Sharima lost 42 pounds

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Sharima lost 42 pounds. This wife and mother of 4 knew she had to change her life when her young daughter was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, an ailment she also suffered with. Now, she is off insulin and working to be a living example of wellness. Check out her story.

Sharimajuly16blog

My name is Sharima B. I’m a 34 year old wife and mother of 4. I also have Type II Diabetes. What made me want to get serious about losing weight and getting healthy was when I was admitted to the hospital with Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Also, I was motivated to change after my baby girl (11 years old) was also diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. I knew I definitely had to start doing better and leading by example.

I started my journey in April 2015. I’m one year and two months into my journey. I’m not done yet, but I’m well on my way. I started out at 230 pounds and my current weight is 188 pounds. I’ve been able to get my A1C down to 6.9 and I no longer have to take insulin.

I have a workout buddy who has helped me stay consistent with working out at least 5 times per week for one hour. Depending on the weather, we walk 3-5 miles outside or workout on the treadmill, elliptical, stair stepper or arc trainer at the gym. We also do weight training and ab exercises.

As far as eating, we stay away from empty carbs and instead get our carbs from whole grains and fruit. We also try to eat carbs earlier in the day. Dinner is chicken or seafood with green veggies. We drink at least 100 oz of water per day.

My advice to others would be to take it one day at a time. Make small changes, one at a time. Be consistent and take pics to document your progress. I didn’t realize how much my hard work was paying off until I looked back at my photos.

Instagram: @simplyinspiredblog
Twitter: @simplyinspireco
Blog: simplyinspiredblog.weebly.com

Sharima before and after

Yolanda lost 67 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Yolanda lost 67 pounds. She faced a number of serious health issues, such as an enlarged heart, high blood pressure and a fatty liver. She decided to change her eating habits and start working out regularly. Check out what she shared with us about her journey…

yolanda before and after

Hi, my name is Yolanda W. My weight has always been an issue, especially after high school and having my kids. At the age 26, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Then, 4 years ago, I was told I had type 2 diabetes. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, an enlarged heart and a fatty liver.

I started replacing 2 meals with protein drinks. My snacks consisted of protein bar and for meals I had vegetables and 8 ounces of lean protein/meat. I don’t eat packaged food or sweets and I only drink water. I also don’t eat fried foods or fast food. I started cutting back slowly when I changed my eating habits. It didn’t happen overnight. I took it one day at a time. I exercise 4-5 days a week, doing cardio and weight training. I’m losing fat and building muscle.

My weight was 272 pounds in the first picture and I weigh 205 pounds in the last photo.

Instagram: @yogiwil

Yachica lost 102 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Yachica lost 102 pounds over the course of one year. This busy mom was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and was already dealing with hypertension and depression at the time. She shared with us the simple actions she took to change her lifestyle.

yachica before and after

What was your motivation?
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in March 2014. In addition to my battles with hypertension, and depression, this proved to be too much for my busy lifestyle and bustling careers. Obesity runs on both sides of my family and has caused the untimely demise of many woman in my family. I have 2 daughters and a son to not only live for, but to set a healthy example of how to live your best life. I was failing miserably.

How did you change your eating habits?
The first phase was cutting carbohydrates and sugars completely from my diet. Cleansing toxins from all the fat and sugar will set you on the track to eating fresh. I ate smaller, healthy meals and ate more vegetables and lean meats. It helps to work with a nutritionist or doctor who will test your nutrient levels. Find out what your body needs and get it in. Make sure you are incorporating the things your body needs to function and GET IT IN THERE.

What did your workout routines look like?
I have to sneak into fitness because I HATE the thought of actually working out. I did one hour walks in the early morning and in the evening. A flag football game, basketball game, or kickball game with the family was a workout. Cardio was key in the first stages of weight loss. Now, I am focusing on toning and weights to tighten up lose skin.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Starting: 274 pounds
Current: 172 pounds
Height: 5’5″

How long did your transformation take?
One year.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
The most difficult part of weight loss is beginning the journey itself. I would say that my transformation was 50% physical weight loss and 50% mental weight loss. My relationship with food COMPLETELY CHANGED. I no longer live to eat, I eat to live. I look at food as nourishment for my body and not my best friend, lover, homie, etc. I had to find other things to stimulate and fulfill those needs.

Instagram: @ms.yachica

yachica weight loss

Yuorntia lost 71 pounds

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yuorntia before and afterWeight Loss Transformation of the Day: Yuorntia lost 71 pounds. This proud mother of 2 has been living with the affects of diabetes for over 12 years and one serious symptom of the disease led her to change her lifestyle for good and lose the pounds. Sometimes what starts out bad can lead us to the good breakthrough we need. Here is what she shared with us about her story:

My name is Yuorntia “Yunti” Belton. I am a married 43 year old mother of two from Jonesboro, LA. I lost 71 pounds. My starting weight was 241 pounds and my current weight is 170 pounds. My height is 5’2″.

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2000. My weight loss transformation began January 2012. That’s when I noticed that I was thirsty all the time and craving ice cold water. Since I was constantly drinking water, I was running to the bathroom and I was already full when it was time to eat. However, I did not know at the time that excessive thirst was a sign that my diabetes was out of control. My family and friends started noticing that I was losing weight. I noticed my clothes were becoming loose but I still did not get on a scale.

When I finally did weigh myself in March 2012, I was down to 199 pounds. I was ecstatic because I had been 200+ pounds for about 16 years. I vowed then that I would never be 200 pounds or more again. So, I joined the local gym, started eating smaller portions, and I cut back on sodas, bread, and sweets. I got down to 170 pounds in May 2012 and I’ve gone from a size 20 to a size 12. I’ve maintained this weight for years, but my goal is to get to 155 pounds. My only struggle is keeping my blood glucose under control.

Danielle lost 169 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Danielle lost 169 pounds.  At 380 pounds, she was faced with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Realizing that she was a compulsive overeater, she sought out the help she needed to change her life. Danielle’s story shows that many times we have to go deeper than just eating and exercise and get to the root of our weight gain. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

danielle before and after

My name is Danielle and I’ve been on an intentional and purposeful health and wellness journey for the past 5 years. Being sick and tired of being sick and tired was my initial motivation to begin this adventure. I was 25 years old weighing upwards of 380 pounds, and taking medication for both type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I’ve had many moments of inspiration along the way but one of the most glaring was having the opportunity to volunteer for a women’s triathlon while I was living in Alaska. I was so inspired by the strength and insurance of the women that I decided then and there that I needed to make changes.

I discovered that I am a compulsive overeater and I changed my eating habits by attending support groups for individuals who have similar food related issues. I also read labels and abstain from dessert items because I don’t moderate them well. I eat fresh vegetables and fruit with each meal and I’ve been a vegetarian (technically a pescetarian) for 7 years. I focus on moving my body daily. I honestly don’t have a set workout regimen but I do ride a bicycle and/or walk multiple times a week.

My starting weight was 380 pounds. My current weight is 211 and I am 5′ 7″. My transformation is ongoing. It’s taken me about 5 years to lose close to 170 pounds and according to the BMI chart I’m still about 30 pounds overweight. My advice to others looking to make lifestyle changes is to make small changes gradually. Be gentle with yourself and consult a professional who can assist with nutritional information. Also, get lots and lots of support and surround yourself with likeminded individuals who support your goals and aspirations. Stick to the fight and don’t give up!

Kit lost 58 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Kit lost 58 pounds.  As a young lady, she was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, but she didn’t let that stop her. This proud mom found a fitness program to inspire her and fell in love with meal prepping. She lost the weight, gained it back during pregnancy, lost the weight again… and now she’s sharing her transformation story with us.  Check out her inspirational story.

kit before and after

When I was 18 years old, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, hospitalized and put on meds (which were only making me sick). I decided to get my nutrition and fitness together when I realized that my body and health were going to suffer if I didn’t do something soon.

Motivation:
I always knew that I wanted to be fit and knew I could do it. I just couldn’t make the connection from my brain to my body to get moving. One day, I had a sudden epiphany: There was NO reason for me to be Overweight! I was young and in the prime of my life. That’s when I decided that I was going to Do Something More!

Eating Habits:
Man, you talk about something being HARD to Change! I’m a Native New Yorker with Southern Roots. Food is how we Celebrate EVERYTHING! Food is how my family shows love (southern traditions die hard). I had to learn how to find foods that I could make for the family so we could still show the love, without all of the excess fat and calories. I started my research and found a program that came with a meal plan. This was really the start that I needed to help me not cut things out, but to make better, healthier versions of them. Baked French Fries vs. their fried counterparts quickly became a part of my staple. I also learned the value of food prepping! Food Prepping is my Friend! It helped to keep me out of the kitchen and I’ve never been hungry since I have meals already cooked and ready to go! 80% of your success comes from what’s on your fork!

Workouts:
Here’s a funny story. Do you watch informercials? Well, after I had my son I did and I happen to run across Turbo Jam (years ago). They looked like they were having a great time! So, I purchased it! It was just what I needed to get started. Now, I do a combination of cardio and strength training. I have also set up a home gym for those days I can’t make it to the gym. I like outdoors activities (still building up on my running) and being active with my son. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to Dance as well. Combining all of these things allows me to mix it up so I’m never bored!

Weight:
When I initially started, I weighed 223 pounds. I managed to lose 68 pounds, however, when I got pregnant with my son I gained 40 lbs back. I went back to my foundation and managed to get the weight back off. Now at 165 pounds and 5’2″ tall, I’m pushing to get rid of that last 10 lbs. I’m doing it by eating right, exercising, and following the plan!

Advice:
My advice to anyone getting started on this journey would first be to Get Started! Don’t wait 30 days from now and let a new reason pop up in your head to tell you why you can’t do this. Don’t be afraid to go for it. Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Remain consistent and don’t beat yourself up if you have a “cheat meal”. Just don’t make it a cheat week!

I have an Instagram page (@bodynbeauty_kit) as well as a Facebook page (FB.com/BSB.Fitness) where I share all of my workout tips, routines, and inspiration to help others continue to push and realize what they’re truly made of.

kit weight loss transformation