Weight loss story from @shibz360

What led you to want to make a lifestyle change?

Two close friends of mine died in a span of three months due to lifestyle diseases- one 34 the other 24. It hurt me to the core. I’ve developed health issues with my weight gain as well. I always said I would do something about it but I wasn’t serious until a friend of mine took a pic of us together. (The pic with the green sweater) I did not recognize myself at all. It was at that time I actually started my journey.

What did you do to achieve your results? Tell us about your workout routine

At first I changed my diet. I cut out a lot of starch from my diet, processed foods. And I noticed results to the point where I lost 15 lbs by just my diet alone. Then I plateaued. So I decided to change my regimen and sign up with the gym. Right now I go to the gym with my trainer at 5:30am and I exercise at home in the evenings.

How did you change your eating habits?

I’m basically on a Paleo Diet although I don’t like to call things a diet. But thats mainly what I eat. I try to go for the low carb high protein diet which has been working for me. No processed, fried, sweet foods for me and finitely less starch.. small portions – the whole works.

How long did your transformation take?

I would say its been 1 1/2 years. Its been a struggle with my weight fluctuating and actually trying to find a regimen that works for me




What was the hardest part about your transformation? how did you overcome it?

I believe the hardest part for me was the food. It got so depressing at one point because I didn’t know what I could eat and everything I seem to have wanted was bad for me. So the diet part was a bit difficult again.. I would relapse time and again. Now I have more discipline although I do take a cheat day now and again.

How have things changed with you in general (health, relationships, self)

Ive been having less chest pains, and now I can actually climb a flight of stairs without feeling like I’m on the verge of death. My boyfriend also noticed the change – now he’s competing with me when it comes to who is getting fit faster. But he loves the change and that I’m beginning to take care of myself again. I’m beginning to see that I’m not so bad to look at and I’m beginning to like the changes I see and that is motivation enough for me.

Who or what helped you along your journey?

My trainer – Hazel Went deFreitas who is like everything to me- is the main person who helped me get where I am today. I also use this app called 8Fit which is awesome, they help me with meal plans, exercises, weight log and now they even do yoga! These are the two essential things that have caused major changes for me in my journey.

What piece of advice would you give other women looking to start on their own lifestyle change/fitness journey?

Its not a walk in the park, and there is no miracle worker. Its all hard work, discipline, tears (when you feel like giving up), and smiles (when you notice the changes because you DIDN’T give up). You are what you eat – treat food like a medicine. Even if sometimes you don’t want to get up and do anything, remember you’re doing it for you. Not anyone else. It’s your body , you mind , your soul, your life.