When it comes to weight-loss success stories, you’ll find that the motivation to change comes when the consequence of remaining the same would cost more than the pain of committing to adopting new, healthier habits. For Vanessa, a diagnosis of prediabetes was the motivating trigger to lose weight. Read on as she shares how leaning toward change improved her health.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Vanessa I live in Miami Florida. I’m a full-time student majoring in Social Work at Florisa International University. I currently work at Claire’s Boutique as an assistant manager. On my off days (which are barely) I love to spend time with my boyfriend of 5 years or participate in outside activities such as kayaking or roller blading.
What was your turning point?
My weight loss journey started about 2 years ago. I went to a doctor’s appointment one day and left with awful news. I was always told by my doctor that I was obese, but that day I was told I was borderline diabetic. I thought to myself “I’m 24 years old how can I be borderline diabetic”. That was the day I decided to change my life for the better.
Tell us about any changes to your diet
When I started my weight loss journey, I first changed my eating habits.
I started to cut out all the unhealthy food such as, process food, junk foods, sodas, and juices, chips candies and etc. Then I started to watch my calorie intake by using the MyFitnessPal app which helped with my weight loss journey. Honestly, I can’t really say there was no hard part during my transformation because I was that DETERMINED. Every now and then I would crave for something sweet, but I did not allow my temptations get the best of me. Becoming healthy was BIGGER than any cravings I had.
Tell us about your workout routine
. Once I realized the amount of weight, I was losing I decided to start working out in the gym with my brother. It took a while for me to get used to the gym. At one point I hated going to gym and I’d make up every excuse to not go until I realized I was only playing myself if I didn’t. Now I work out 4 times a week doing heavy lifting and cardio.
What changes surprised you the most after weight loss?
Since I started my journey, I saw a big change in my health. My face became much clearer, I stopped having shortness of breath and I’m much more active than before.
Six months after my doctor broke the news to me about my health I went back for another check-up. As the nurse weighed me I was curious and nervous about my new weight. Six months before that appointment I was 245; that day she told me I weighed 180 pounds. I had lost 65 pounds within six months. When the nurse compared my weight from my last visit she was AMAZED and so was I.
In addition, before my weight loss journey my jeans size was 18 and dress size was a 18/20, today I’m a healthy 140 and jean size is a 7 and dress size is a 7/8.
What advice would you offer someone wanting lose weight?
Anyone out there who is struggling with losing weight, know that it will be difficult so make sure to surround yourself with positive influencers in your life. My boyfriend and brother were both a positive force in my weight loss journey. My brother who is my trainer now is the reason for my toned body and as for my boyfriend he’s the one who keeps me in check when I have a craving or two. Furthermore, remember It’s not about the size it’s about taking care of yourself and being healthy. It will be rough and hard in the beginning but remember that consistency is the key. Don’t lose sight of your goal and don’t allow that little voice in the back of your head tell you you can’t do it. YOU CAN!
Connect with Vanessa: @__iamvane
