Persistence pays off! LeAnn went from 270 pounds- 169 pounds over a year. Her ‘oh shoot!’ moment happened when she stood on the scale and realised she was 30 pounds shy of 300 pounds. LeAnn took on a gradual approach and is still going strong! Read on to learn the steps she took in changing her diet and lifestyle.
Tell us about yourself and how you got started on your journey
I’m 28 years old. I’m a care giver for my mother. I love helping people and working out. I stepped on the scale and realized I was 30 pounds away from being 300 pounds. That moment kicked started my weight loss journey.
I started off walking on the treadmill because running hurt my legs. I started lifting weights also. Once I lost 40 pounds I started doing HIIT (High intensity training) once my weight loss started to plateau.
How did your diet change?
I stopped drinking soda completely. I started meal prepping breakfast, lunch, & dinner for up to 3 days. Anything after three days doesn’t taste good to me lol. After I lost 50 pounds, I went vegan or plant based. I noticed I had more energy when I was plant based compared to eating meat.
Tell us where you’re at now
My starting weight was 270.8, my current weight is 164.6. It took a year and three months to be exact!
What was the hardest part about your transformation?
During my journey I took care of my mom when she had lung cancer. I fell into depression and gained some weight back. After focusing on my mental health, I eventually got back on track with losing weight.
Were there days you felt like quitting?
Yes! When my mom had cancer I barely had time to leave the house. Because of Covid restrictions at the time my mom couldn’t go to a rehabilitation center to get around the clock care she needed after her surgery. I would find an hour out of my day to go workout. It was stressful and at times I was so emotionally drained I didn’t want to work out but I pushed through.
How have things changed with you in general?
Being on this journey helped me realize that my mental health always comes first! I realized big or small I was still beautiful. Which was something I struggled with before this journey. I’m currently in the best shape mentally and physically I’ve never been.
Who or what helped you along you along your journey?
I took b-12, BeLean (only on cardio days), and ashwagandha.
What might we catch you doing on your days off?
On my days off I meditate and go hiking. I love grounding myself in nature.
What piece of advice would you give other women looking to start on their own lifestyle change/fitness journey?
Start off at your own pace!
Don’t let anyone or yourself discourage you.
Stepping on the scale can be scary especially if the weight isn’t dropping off or you gain a little bit.
Make sure to take measurements.
When you don’t feel like working out push yourself.
Don’t give up on yourself. Good luck to everyone on their own journeys!
