Last September my Doctor told me that my blood pressure was extremely high. It was about 140/124. She told me she didn’t know how I was walking around without being on Hypertension medication, in fact- she insisted that I take a pill before I left her office. I was kinda upset when I left, because the first thing she said was lose some weight.
To be honest I had no clue I’d gained as much weight as I had. I was tipping the scale at 275lbs. A hott mess, right? Well, I tried to jump on a diet- I knew I was heavy, but I didn’t know I was THAT heavy.
The first month I lost a few pounds due to all the restrictions I’d placed on myself, but I soon fell off the ‘Diet Track’ and was right back to my old ways.
Still seriously concerned about my blood pressure, since I was half taking the pills I was given, I knew I needed a change. And I knew it would have to be a lifestyle change, not a diet. I’ve never been a skinny girl! But, I knew then more than ever before that I was going to have to get my weight and blood pressure under control once and for all. My first step was to realize it was Not A Diet.
I knew I would have to choose a plan of eating and exercise that I would be able to maintain for life. So I decided to not choose a ‘diet’ plan but a life plan. Back to the basics. I decided to eat a ton of veggies, fruits, fiber and lean meats. I knew I would have to drink a ton of water.
So May 1st was my starting point. I tackled my eating habits alone for the first month. Then in June I decided to add exercise to the program. From May til August, I’d lost about 65 pounds, and I was feeling great.I could see the healthy changes in myself. My blood pressure in August was down to 114/72. I don’t even recognize myself when I look at these pics. I had no idea.
I blog about my journey more in detail at my other blog Grilled Not Fried. I have about 40 more pounds that I want to lose, but I am really proud of my progress. The weight loss has given me some of my confidence back! I know it shouldn’t be attached to my weight, but it was. Only a few pounds away from being in the 100′s I am so grateful for the process.
Love, Fashion, and Weight Loss
Donna Shana
You look great! Congrats on your weightloss!!
Thank you Alena!!!
So proud of you! You are my inspiration. I’ve been trying to get a regimen goin but I’ve been slacking. But you look GREAT! I’m join your team NOW! Keep up the great work!
Yes, Kaypris! It’s hard work girl. And I kept thinking how did I get this big! LOL,.. You can do it,.. Hit me up for motivation, and encouragement! It helps get me thru!
I will keep in touch with you. I’ll send you an email very soon. I pretty much know what I need to do I just gotta get movin! Lol But I would love to get a few tips from you. Any encouragement will be appreciated!
Donna, I just want to start off by saying that you really insprie me. I joined your challenge earlier this year and dropped a few pounds, but after seeing you come so far I’m really about to get back on it. Like you said, pictures show you a lot and for so long I had stayed away from the mirror and taking pics as well. Now that I started dropping some weight I realized just how big I was. My goal is to lose half my body weight by my 32nd bday in July and I’m seriously gone stay with it. Thanks so much for sharing! You look AMAZING!
Thank you so much girl!!! Keep at it,.. even when you fall off get back on, it’s tough, but completely doable. The pics definitely help keep the motivation going!