Weight is always a personal and sensitive topic; some people shy away from it while others embrace it. Beauty comes in all shapes, colors and sizes. Growing up in Grenada I was naturally athletic, I did track and field in high school and never once had a weight issue. As I got older the weight crept up on me. I went from 125 to 140 to 160 and in no time, I was at 200 lbs. This is my weight loss story, keeping in mind everyone’s journey is different. Mine (It) all started with a near death experience, this was a wake-up call. Everything begins with you and what you desire. This is not only a weight loss journey but it can be anything, a goal, dream or a heart desire. You have to be ready willing and able to put the work in.
On September 8th, 2004 I laid in a hospital bed 7 months pregnant dying. My blood pressure was uncontrollable, I kept saying to myself I made it out alive, I was going to change my lifestyle and eating habits.
The next day I woke up with my baby and I was alive. My near-death experience gave me the will to live. I got a second chance and I was not about to lose it. I had to live not only for myself but for my baby, that’s when operation weight loss began. I completely changed my diet, I added lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, I replaced pops and juices with water and teas. I replace junk food with healthy alternatives such as nuts. I started to get creative with my cooking and create my own recipes of the food I liked. Take out or dining out was not an option but only a treat.
My workout routine consists of daily 15 to 20 mins treadmill walks when my baby was asleep. I could not afford a gym membership or had access to online workouts, I had to be creative and find exercises that did not required equipment, such as jumping jacks, squats, pushups, lunges and crunches.
The weight slowly started falling off, 200 lbs turned in 170 lbs, months went by and I stuck to my healthy eating and my daily workout routine, eventually after 7 months I was able to lose 70 lbs. It was not magic pill or potion. It was just simple desire to get healthy and live. I saw the changes in my body especially my face and as the days went on my little chubby cheeks gave way to my face structure and where once stood face, I saw jawline.
Wherever you are in your weight loss journey don’t quit, your small changes and efforts will pay off in the long run. Consistency wins the race! Through the struggle I encountered during my journey, I came to realize that the most difficult road had led to the most beautiful journey of my life.