Hello, my name is Tamiko Grant and I’ve lost 144+ lbs naturally. My starting weight was 277 lbs and I’m currently 130 lbs. I come from an obese genetic background. Most of the women from my maternal size are overweight. I was a pretty normal size most of my childhood until the late teenage years. After becoming a teenage mom my weight skyrocketed and continued on into adulthood. Being a single mother to 3 young daughters and working full time left me tired and sluggish most days.
After being present with two of my aunts as they had gastric bypass surgery I decided I wouldn’t be the 3rd person within the family to climb onto the operating table. I decided to change and take my life back! I started measuring/weighing my foods.
I stopped binging on fried foods and started baking all meats. I stopped drinking juice and upped my water intake. I learned how to prepare healthy meals not only for myself but for my children also. I noticed my clothes fitting looser and the scale was moving in a positive direction.
I was truly embracing a new healthier lifestyle. After a month I was down 20 lbs and I joined a women’s gym. I started working out and that opened up an entirely new world for me. I tried Zumba, various fitness classes, used cardio and strength training equipment etc. I started walking, I took the stairs and parked further from the door when shopping. The weight continued to drop and my confidence continued to rise. I was becoming a better version of myself. I now took pride in my appearance. I had a lot of family support during my journey and of course my 3 little cheerleaders.
I’m not sure exactly how long my transformation took but if I had to guess I’d say about 2 years. Honestly, my focus was on both my goals and transitioning into my new lifestyle. It’s my goal to maintain my weight loss and thus far I’ve done so for 3 years. I achieved my goal weight in 2015.
I’m now a vegetarian and I still workout 5-7 days a week. With my lifestyle change, I motivated so many individuals and it became a passion for me. I’m now a certified weight loss coach. I manage a weight loss page on Facebook where I motivate individuals to work toward achieving their own weight loss goals. I’ve spoken with people all over the world via my page. I also use Instagram (@halfmysize75) to share my workout photos, before and after pictures etc. I live/breathe health and fitness.
My advice to anyone starting their own weight loss journey is to be patient and enjoy the journey. The weight didn’t come on overnight and it won’t leave overnight. Don’t look for quick fixes as they don’t last/work and always remain positive. Positive thinking will take you a long way.
The scale is not always your friend but NSV’s (non-scale victories) are everything! One of my favorite weight loss quotes is: The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It works if you do!
My advice to someone who’s entering maintenance is to maintain the same motivation/determination that helped you get to your goal weight. Don’t become lax you still have to exercise, monitor your weight regularly and check your eating habits. You may have to adjust things as needed.
Instagram: @halfmysize75
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TamikoWeightLossJourney
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