A pre-diabetes diagnosis at 19 was the wake up call that motivated Remi to lose weight in order to reverse her diagnosis. Remi lost a whopping 100lbs and reversed her pre-diabetes naturally with changes to her diet and exercise. Read on to learn the steps she took to achieve this health and life changing transformation.
A little bit about me! My name is Remi, I am a 25 year old Nigerian-American, born and raised in Maryland. I am a cyber security analyst *total computer nerd* and I also teach dance at my church. On my days off, I love to dance and knit – these two things keep me calm and level-headed.
Remi at 19, before weight loss
What was your motivation to lose weight?
I have always been a plus size female, even as a kid. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and was pre-diabetic by the age of 19. That is when I decided it was time for a change.
Tell us about your fitness routine
I started by just going to the gym and using the stair master for 10 mins and going straight home. Then I started to learn how to properly lift weights. Now I weight train and use my peloton for about 15 minute’s daily.
What changes did you make to your diet?
I used to buy fast food almost every day and never tracked what I put in my mouth. Now I make sure to be prepared. I meal prep every week and still eat out once a week (in order to stay sane). For breakfast I usually eat 3 eggs, 1/4 cup of cheese and 2 turkey bacon slices. For lunch, I usually eat my FAV dish, which is homemade chipotle bowl (cilantro lime rice, adobo chicken, corn, cheese, guac, black beans, tomatoes)
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For Dinner, I usually each some type of chicken or salmon with a side of veggies. Snack wise, I try to go for a protein shake or bar, fruits or the little 100 calorie snack packs.
Tell us about your transformation
My transformation took about 3 years -2 years to lose the weight and 1 year to learn how to keep it off.
After losing 106 pounds naturally through diet and exercising, I had a skin removal, which I go in detail about and share videos and pictures of my recovery on my YouTube channel: PeopleCallMeRemi.
My weight before was 267 lbs, now I weigh 160 lbs. I was a size 24/2x before and now I am a size 10/M. I’ve kept the weight off for 5 years and I no longer have high blood pressure, nor am I pre-diabetic!
What changes did you notice after losing weight?
The biggest changes in my life after my weight loss was my health, self-esteem and self-love. Self-love to me means no longer settling and now going out, enjoying life. I don’t feel like I have to hide anymore!
Remi at 25, after weight loss
What would you say was the hardest part of your weight loss journey?
The hardest part of my journey was FOOD. I am an emotional eater, I eat when I’m happy, sad, mad, excited Lol. I had to learn how to eat a half of a chocolate bar and a strawberry instead of a 2-3 chocolate bars at a time.
What advice would you offer others trying to lose weight?
My advice for women starting this journey would be to take your time and do it right the first time. Instead of doing it wrong the first time (I was under eating when I first started), gaining the weight back and having to do it all over again.
Connect with Remi here: Instagram @Rem_lekun
Do you have a health transformation or weight loss story you’d like to share? or perhaps you have a true story about love- finding it, losing it, learning from it or being transformed by it. At Afrogirlfitness we are all about personal growth and elevation and are always looking for empowering stories to share on our platform. If you have a personal essay you’d love to share, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at afrogirlfitness@gmail.com
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