Transformation of the Day: Sophia misplaced 163 kilos naturally. She needed to make sure that she can be wholesome for years to comeand have a greater high quality of life. By understanding persistently at dwelling and becoming a member of Weight Watchers, she was capable of completely remodel her way of life. 

Social Media:
@goaldrivenwoman on Instagram and TikTok.  

I’ve misplaced over 160 kilos naturally, with out treatment, bariatric surgical procedure, or main cutback/fad diets.  

What was your motivation?
My cause for beginning my weight reduction (or wholesome way of life journey, as I wish to name it) was that I needed an general higher high quality of life. I used to be uninterested in my weight and measurement, getting in the way in which of doing issues that I needed to do, expertise and luxuriate in in life. For instance, I hadn’t ridden a rollercoaster since I used to be 12 and within the seventh grade. The explanation wasn’t that I lacked the want, however quite I couldn’t match within the seat.

I took my son to Sky Zone one 12 months for his birthday. He needed me to leap with him, however on the time, they informed me they’d a security weight restrict of 300 kilos; I used to be over that. I had additionally been on an airplane to go to one in every of my greatest associates in Los Angeles, California. It was one in every of my first occasions flying. I needed to embarrassingly ask for a seatbelt extender and hoped no person sitting subsequent to me was aggravated by me intruding upon a part of their seat. Then, lastly, one in every of my first cousins died of a coronary heart assault at solely 31 years previous; that was my wake-up name to focus extra on my general well being and high quality of life.  

What impressed you to maintain going, even while you needed to surrender?
After I needed to maintain my father for about 4 months after he turned sick throughout COVID and had his leg amputated, it dawned on me that at some point, my kids might need to maintain me. I spotted that the selections I make now will impression what that “burden” might seem like after I become older and wish them to take care of me. I needed to lighten that accountability as a lot as I might with issues inside my management now.  

I hold reminding myself that I am the one one standing in the way in which of my success and failure; of progress and backsliding. If I need change, actually, I’ve to be that change! I can’t quit as a result of that might be the egocentric factor to do. Plus, I used to be uninterested in excuses. One thing needed to change, and that was me!

How did you alter your consuming habits?
I began my journey in 2018 by ingesting extra water, chopping again on junk meals, and understanding. I solely misplaced about 45 kilos or in order that means. So in January 2023, I signed up for Weight Watchers below a free 3-month trial and THAT was a sport changer!  

I misplaced about 116+ kilos with WW as a result of they taught me how one can utterly have a look at meals in another way, how one can put together meals in a more healthy means, and that there have been higher choices; these zero-point choices that I really love!

Prior to now, I simply ate the mistaken combos of meals. I now eat extra lean poultry, loads of fish, greens, beans, and fruit. I utterly minimize out beef final 12 months. It simply wasn’t well worth the abdomen/digestive points (and additional WW factors, lol). I additionally typically eat extra high-fiber carbs, however Honey nonetheless enjoys her carbs!  I simply make sure that my plate is full extra with the lean poultry/fish and veggies extra than the carbs. I didn’t have to chop all the pieces out with Weight Watchers, however I slowly began wanting the “enjoyable” stuff much less and fewer. I really don’t drink a lot wine/alcohol, however I take pleasure in a cocktail each every now and then. I simply don’t overindulge.  

How usually did you’re employed out?
I began with doing Zumba exercises with a DVD a coworker gave me. Then, I discovered some dance exercises on YouTube by Jessica Bass James that I actually loved, so I began following her.  

What’s your exercise routine?
I stroll each morning for 3 miles with 5 pound hand weights. I may also do a 45-minute to an hour exercise with Dance2Fit w/Jessica Bass app 5 or 6 occasions/week. That’s both a HIIT exercise, kickboxing, step aerobics, dance, fierce health, or Step w/Ty (an older HIIT video). I do no matter I’m within the temper for, particularly if I miss a livestream since all of her exercises are recorded and added to the app. I like that flexibility and comfort, by the means.  It permits me to nonetheless get my exercises in even when I’ve to take action on the soccer area whereas my son is at follow or within the parking zone whereas my daughter is in a Woman Scout assembly.  

What was your beginning weight?
362 kilos in 2018 (my highest weight)

What’s your present weight?
199 kilos

What’s your peak?
5’6″

When did you begin your journey?
2018

How lengthy did your transformation take?
It took me some time (6 years) as a result of I plateaued in 2020 with a complete weight lack of 40-45 kilos. I had additionally regained a few of the weight I’d misplaced because of a really unhealthy marriage and divorce in 2019-early 2020; the stress of all of it took its toll.  However as soon as I added Weight Watchers in Jan 2023 and elevated my exercises to 5 occasions per week, I misplaced the remaining 116+ lbs to convey me to the place I’m at present!   

It took me about 18 months to lose the 116+ kilos. I’ve been sustaining it since July, however I’ve been dropping inches or a pound or two right here or there over the previous few months.  

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve discovered to date?
Prioritize your general well being. My relationship with God additionally saved me motivated and on observe as a result of after I felt urges and temptations to eat one thing dangerous, I prayed to him for energy. I usually acquired by way of and over these temptations by His Grace! 

I even have discovered to do some intermittent fasting after I hit plateaus; that has helped me recover from slowdowns alongside my journey of shedding pounds. I discovered my “dangerous snacking triggers” too, and now I do know to restrict these. My important one was watching TV, so now I do this quite a bit lower than I used to. I’ll restrict myself to possibly an hour or two of sitting by way of TV watching. I discover different enjoyable or productive issues to do, like going to Launch, an indoor trampoline park, with my children, going for a motorcycle experience, and so forth. 

What recommendation do you might have for ladies who wish to shed pounds?
It’s important to resolve that you just actually want to change and remind your self day by day of your cause WHY! Your cause and want to shed pounds and be more healthy need to be stronger than your urge to decide on unhealthy meals or not train. It’s important to work in your psychological, emotional, and religious well being as properly; it’s all linked.  

Is weight reduction surgical procedure a part of your journey?
I’ve not used surgical procedure; solely Weight Watchers (consuming higher) and train. Nevertheless, I’m scheduled to have my extra pores and skin eliminated in January. I simply need to get my funds collectively, however I am wanting ahead to it. In any case, it took my whole lifetime to hold all this weight so there’s NO elasticity/snatch again on this pores and skin. The one option to do away with it’s with surgical procedure. I’ve actually been plus-size since I used to be a child; all the time the thick, chubby lady.