Tara was challenged to get in shape after a friend made an underhanded comment of her in a bikini. Up until that point, Tara didn’t think of herself as overweight, nonetheless she took it as her cue to get in shape (Read her story here) . She lost 30 pounds naturally in 6 months and dropped 3 pant sizes by cutting out processed foods and combining regular exercise with clean eating. Losing weight is difficult for most people but keeping it off can be just as challenging if not more. Read on as we catch up with Tara 6 years on from her initial big weight loss- the habits she has stuck with, the changes she made to her routine during Covid lockdown and what she’d do differently if she were to restart her weight loss journey.
What’s your current typical weekly training style? Walking, running, weights?
It’s been six years since being featured about my weight-loss journey. I’m happy to say, I’m still sticking to it. I try and workout 4-5 times a week. Two days are focused on cardio and the other days weight training with an actual trainer. Working out with an actual trainer makes all the difference! Monday and Wednesday workouts consist of cardio; either running/walking on the treadmill or outside. The goal is to do 1-3 miles. The other days I focus upper body, lower body and/or full body with weights.
Have there been any challenges along the way? How did you overcome them?
When Covid hit and gyms closed, I still stuck to the program. I joined an online fitness group (no longer available) with Aminah Ali. I did an array of workouts with Aminah virtually; they consisted of HIIT, boxing, dance, and full body workouts. She kept me focused and on my path. She was the real deal. I thank her tremendously and credit her as the reason I didn’t revert during covid.
After Covid, I worked out with personal trainers, Trussfit and Fitnesstheory- both are about the business! With both trainers I did weight training only and on cardio days, I worked out on my own.
Once things began to open back up, I joined LA Fitness. I try and workout 4-5 times a week- Two days are focused on cardio and the other days weight training.
Has your diet changed in any way compared to when you initially lost the weight? Please share if at all.
Maintaining my journey had a lot to do with my mindset! I refuse to go back to where I was, and I look forward to meeting my goals for my 50th birthday in two years. My diet has definitely changed. In the beginning, I’d still eat foods with added sugar. Now my diet doesn’t include added sugar at all. I continue to stay away from fast food restaurants and fried foods. I don’t crave sweets anymore, and I drink water 95% of the time and will have an occasional zero sugar drink. Veggies, fruits, lean meats, and intermittent fasting has been my best friend. I feel like maintaining this journey has me aging backwards.
What’s your current weight/dress size?
In the very beginning, I wore a size 14/16 sometimes a size 18. Now I wear a size 8/10.
Is there anything you’d do differently if you were to restart your weight loss journey?
If I had to do this all over again, I’d initially start with a trainer that incorporates meal plans. Changing your eating habit is essential. This is what I missed in the beginning with my journey, but it took me only a couple of months to realize why I wasn’t losing weight.
Also, in the beginning I would use a waist trainer but all it did was put stress on my insides. After doing my research, I stopped using the waist trainer and just focused on my diet and workouts.
Connect with Tara on Instagram @Tntby_t
