Weight loss story from @fitnfabulousbee
We asked Blessing a set of questions on her weight loss journey
What led you to want to make a lifestyle change?
Right after High School I remember I was overweight and started trying to lose weight but struggled through out my university days and came to the conclusion I will always be big. Maybe I didn’t have the right knowledge about losing weight, after moving to the uk for my masters I added even more weight and came home for the holidays after a year it was quite shocking my dad couldn’t recognize me at the airport that’s how big I had gotten and at that point I decided I needed to do something about it. Totally being uncomfortable with the way I felt and the constant fear of what the future held if I continue to remain the same or even bigger led me to losing weight.
What did you do to achieve your results? Tell us about your workout routine do you prefer gym or home workouts?
After a year of deceiving myself with having a gym membership and not even working out enough to lose weight, I joined a support group (weight watchers). And that was when I totally understood my relationship with food and nutrition and the importance of tracking and counting calories (pro points). So I focused mainly on my diet for the weight loss and I started working out afterwards. I prefer working out at the gym, the support and motivation keeps me going. Currently I workout 5 days in a week, my workout routine consist of strength training, HIIT, Yoga and dance classes.
How did you change your eating habit ?
I always had the belief that food wasn’t the main reason why I was big, I claimed being happy had a way of making you fat. Mindlessly eating a bowl of ice-cream, large pizza or even a pack of cookies at one sitting didn’t occur to me that was the main reason why the weight kept increasing. The support group had weekly meetings, we were taught basically everything that would help with losing weight from portion control, being aware of what you were eating, understanding if you were truly hungry or just looking for a cupcake to eat. With all the lessons I totally understood I didn’t need a whole lot to be full and I needed to eat nutritional meals. Understanding my portions and tracking everything I had made me change my eating habits.
What was your starting weight/dress size & how long did it take? What is your current weight/dress size?
My starting weight was 95kg and my dress size was 16-18 UK size. My current weight is 69kg and dress Size 8-10 uk size. It took me a year and 6 months and that was in 2013 and have maintained the weight since then.
What was your starting weight/dress size & how long did it take? What is your current weight/dress size?
My starting weight was 95kg and my dress size was 16-18 UK size. My current weight is 69kg and dress Size 8-10 uk size. It took me a year and 6 months and that was in 2013 and have maintained the weight since then.
What was the hardest part about your transformation? How did you overcome it?
The very first day I started attending my weight watchers classes I remember telling myself it’s not possible to lose weight you have tried everything, I sat there with so much disbelief and also coming from the fact people kept telling me I would never be slim and it is in my dna to be big. Not believing it was possible, constantly doubting myself was the hardest part about my transformation . As the weight came off I regained confidence and I never looked back.
How have things changed with you in general (health, relationships, self)?
How have things changed with you in general (health, relationships, self)?
The best decision ever made in my life was to lose weight, everything from acid reflux, migraine, joint pain, no cycles and no energy to climb stairs or walk are all gone. I regained my health, my confidence increased and my orientation towards life changed because I simply believe everything is possible. Everyone around me picked up one good healthy lifestyle change too.
Who or what helped you along your journey? Is there a product that helped you or anything in particular you’d recommend?
Having a support group helped me tremendously. There were times I had giving up but just pushing myself to the meeting and hearing a success story gave me the courage to continue. Support is the ultimate, it could be from a weight loss group, group of friends or even your family members. When your family members and friends are in support losing weight becomes easier because no one will be trying to sabotage your efforts. And tracking everything you eat, my fitness pal is still my favorite app till date. Also making sure you re-evaluate your diet or workout to be sure it works for you, especially if you don’t have a support group for guidance. The Internet has lots of friendly advice you can pick too. I didn’t use any product, I just did the old fashioned way that works diet and exercise.
Who or what helped you along your journey? Is there a product that helped you or anything in particular you’d recommend?
Having a support group helped me tremendously. There were times I had giving up but just pushing myself to the meeting and hearing a success story gave me the courage to continue. Support is the ultimate, it could be from a weight loss group, group of friends or even your family members. When your family members and friends are in support losing weight becomes easier because no one will be trying to sabotage your efforts. And tracking everything you eat, my fitness pal is still my favorite app till date. Also making sure you re-evaluate your diet or workout to be sure it works for you, especially if you don’t have a support group for guidance. The Internet has lots of friendly advice you can pick too. I didn’t use any product, I just did the old fashioned way that works diet and exercise.
What might we catch you doing on your days off?
It’s quite shameful to say, having every cheat meal I have being craving and eating like I’m not the same person trying to be healthy.
What piece of advice would you give other women looking to start on their own lifestyle change/fitness journey?
The minute you decide to start, you automatically become your own motivation and when you feel like giving up you remember the reason why you started in the first place. And it doesn’t happen all in one day, when you put in your best the results will come. Giving up half way won’t get you to your goal and please keep pushing.
