Tanisha lost 40 pounds

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tanisha lost 40 pounds. This petite mom of 3 faced pre-diabetes and gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Wanting to eliminate her risk for developing full blown diabetes and any other health issues, she decided to take control and take action to change her life.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

My name is Tanisha and I’m 37 years old. My starting weight was 180 pounds and I currently weigh 140 pounds (height: 4’11”).  I started my weight loss journey in December of 2012.  In 2002 when I was pregnant with my first child, I was borderline diabetic.  By the time I was pregnant with my second child in 2005, it turned into gestational diabetes.  During my third pregnancy in 2007, although I maintained a healthy weight, I still was at risk for just having the disease itself.  My doctor told me, after having my third child, that I needed to do something about my weight or else. I thought to myself, well, high blood pressure runs in my family and not only that, diabetes as well.  My weight became out of control because I became depressed and also because the depression medications didn’t make things any better, causing more weight gain.

So, in 2012 as I was sitting around doing nothing but watching YouTube videos and I thought, “Maybe there are some workout videos on YouTube!”  I started searching and so many videos came up.  I started by using those videos until I could purchase my own.  I worked out to Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo, Jillian Michaels DVDs and Charlene (Turbo Jam). I have also included walking/ running into my daily routine. These have been my coaches, inspirations and motivators.

Not only did exercising become a part of my life but I also started making better decisions about what I put into my body.  I stopped eating a lot of fried foods, pork and started baking my foods.  I also stopped eating beef and started eating leaner meats, such as goat and lamb. Eating fish with omega 3 fatty acids has become the norm for me and my house hold.  I also started eating more fresh fruits and green veggies, like kale, greens, asparagus, chard and the like.  I took artificial fruit juices out of my diet and started drinking fruit/veggie smoothies and juices.  I did a lot of research on artificial sweeteners like “Aspartame”, finding out that sweeteners like these cause you only to crave more sweets and junk food.

I have not only helped myself but also family as well.  I have become more confident in knowing that not only have I become a healthier person but I am also adding years to my life.  Did you know that when you are just sitting around all day, this actually takes years off of your life?  When I look at the old pictures of myself I can truly say: “I will not be stopped.” I feel better about myself and I feel good knowing that I’m adding years to my life by keeping a regular workout schedule.  My life has changed for the better.

Although it’s a struggle to keep the weight off I am determined to continue to get down to my weight loss goal of 120 pounds.  Right now, I’m weighing in at 140 pounds but I know that if I keep pushing I will succeed.  I will also keep living a healthy lifestyle for years to come.  I wouldn’t want to do anything different, it’s the best decision I have made.  I post about my journey on Facebook and I also post on Instagram: @kgguedes.