You guys stay motivating others! When it comes to weight-loss we hear it often that HIIT training is effective and efficient for anyone wanting to shed unwanted weight. Jamella explains how HIIT workouts, combined with realistic diet changes helped her lose 9 stones. 

black women weight loss story

Tell us about yourself and what got you started on your fitness journey? 

I’m 30 years old, mum, wife and nurse from the UK. The final straw for me to change my diet and lifestyle was striving to be the best mum for my son and improve my mental and physical health.  

When I returned back to work after having my son my uniform did not fit and I had to get a new one 6 sizes larger!! It was embarrassing, I knew I couldn’t continue eating like this, so something needed to change and that’s when I joined WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers).

Tell us about your workouts 

6 months in to my journey I trained at the gym but when we had another lockdown, I started working out at home and I haven’t stepped back into a gym in over a year. I enjoy doing my HIIT workouts and strength training- my kitchen is my workout zone. You’ll usually catch me doing a lot of fast interval sets such as jump squats, jumping jacks, weighted burpees. I aim to do 30-45 mins 5 times a week.

What changes did you make to your diet? 

At my heaviest I was binging on large amounts of food- takeaways, pastries and snacks. I eat a lot better now, and don’t use food as an emotional coping mechanism, I use food to replenish my mind and body. I haven’t eliminated any foods, instead I eat my favourite foods in moderation. I can still enjoy a Chinese takeaway but instead of ordering lots of unnecessary amounts of food I order a tasty meal that will comfortably fill me. I enjoy cooking fresh meals for my family knowing that they are getting in all the nutritional benefits. 

Tell us about any challenges along the way 

The hardest part about my transformation was learning to only eat when I am hungry, not when I am bored, sad or upset. There were times I nearly threw in the towel and wanted to give up but I knew I wanted this so bad and can’t undo all my hard work.  

Where are you at now? 

I have lost a total of 9 stones on my weight loss journey; I started at 18st 10lbs, Size 24 and now I weigh 9st 10lbs, Size 8/10. It’s taken me 18 months to be in the place I am at today. 

I have changed mentally, I am so much happier with myself, more confident and appreciate life a lot more. My relationship with my friends and family has improved, I enjoy going out and socialising with them and making memories. 

What has kept you motivated, especially in the early days? 

My husband has been my biggest cheerleader- he has helped me stay focused and reminds me of how proud he is of me. My son has also given me motivation to keep going as I’m able to play with him in a way that I couldn’t before. I now have more energy and can fit onto small playground equipment and enjoy having fun with him. Before I would have been way too big and embarrassed to want to play with him and I would not have had the energy to run around after him. It’s at the front of my mind that I can’t be selfish and I am doing this for him also. 

Any advice for our readers who want to lose weight? 

The biggest advice I can give to anybody wanting to make a change to their health is to remember why you started and your long term goal. Take each day as it comes, your mind and body need to catch up with one another, and TRUST THE PROCESS! 

 

Connect with Jamella:

Instagram @theshrinkingnurse_ww