Transformation of the Day: Arlena shares how she lost 138 pounds by changing her eating habits and working out. She found her motivation after her husband left her for someone younger. 

Social Media:

• Instagram: @boss_ass_lene
• Facebook: Arlena Jackson 
• Tiktok: @aleemasboutique

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

My motivation came after my husband left me for a younger woman. Actually, I was inspired because she called me and told me he left me because I was fat.

How did you change your eating habits?

I changed my eating habits by going Keto. I cut all sugar and carbs out of my diet and incorporated a fasting schedule.

What is your workout routine?

My workout routine is 30 minutes of strength training followed by 15 to 20 minutes of cardio along with core workouts. 

How often did you work out?
I train 4 to 5 times a week.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 280 pounds. My current weight is 142 pounds 

What is your height?
I’m 5’5″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in 2021. It took me about a year to drop the first 100 pounds. The rest of the weight took me another year. I’ve been in maintenance mode for close to two years.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I was featured on your website before, in 2013, after I had Gastric Bypass surgery in 2012. However, I gained over 100 pounds. I restarted my journey in 2021 and lost the weight by being consistent and disciplined.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson was if I slip up, just get back up. Being consistent has changed my life. I used to slip up and then stop. That’s where I messed up in the past. I was on and off diets all my life. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Find what and who motivates you. When you feel like giving up, go back and tap into your motivation for wanting to change.