Brittney lost 122+ pounds

Transformation of the Day: Brittney lost 122+ pounds. She experienced a number of challenges as a teen and while in college, which led to emotional eating, low self-esteem, and depression. Although she has struggled with consistency, she has worked hard and prioritized proper nutrition and fitness as part of her daily routine.

Growing up as a curvy teen, shopping in the women’s section at department stores was challenging. My confidence was low from being teased over the years, and I was eating out of emotion. I started playing basketball, and although it seemed like I had high self-esteem, depression unknowingly took over my life. 

After I quit playing basketball in college, my parents divorced, and I almost flipped out of school. I drank heavily, put several pounds on my body, and my poor eating habits didn’t help the situation. It wasn’t until I weighed over 370 pounds that I realized I had to change my health and my life. 

First, I stopped eating fast food and gradually incorporated working out (thanks to close friends). I struggled to stay consistent, but I learned how to prepare healthier meals and studied good nutrition.

 It wasn’t until about three years after graduation that I got serious while working with a trainer provided by my job. Eventually, I reached the 300-pound mark. It took over six years to realize that the inconsistencies I experienced while trying to lose weight and keep it off came because I was not making fitness a part of my lifestyle. 

The road from 300 pounds to goal weight has been an incredible yet challenging experience that I am now confident to share with everyone. All the benefits I’ve experienced are so rewarding. I’ve never been healthier in my life. I’ve never felt better in my life. I’m absolutely happy with how I look and feel.

When did you start your journey?
I started this journey in 2010 but struggled to remain consistent until around 2016.

How did you change your mindset?
I started looking at fitness and health in a different way and with a different mindset. When I changed my attitude towards fitness, I noticed my inner glow blossomed. Not only have people responded to me differently, but my plus size followers in the crazy community look up to me for motivation. The more I helped others, the more I started looking at fitness and health differently and with a different mindset. 

Ever since I changed my attitude towards fitness, people responded to me in such amazing ways. I’m apart of changing perceptions in the plus size and curvy community. I want to encourage women everywhere who look in the mirror and don’t see the perfect picture to become active. It’s not a fad or a trend; it’s healing! 

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits drastically. I cut out several processed types of meat and canned goods. I switched to fresh vegetables and fruits. I also started cooking at home more often by meal prepping. I made shakes as meal supplements with SlimFast shake mix and protein powder.

How often did you workout?
In the beginning, as I built my workouts, I started with just three days a week. As my journey continued, I started working out five days a week, even doing two workouts a day to break thru plateaus.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was over 370 pounds, and my current weight is 248 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’9 1/2″.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I lost all my weight naturally. No surgery, no teas, and no pills. Just SlimFast, the gym, and healthy eating.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I learned was that to lose weight, you have to create a system that you can remain committed to.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
The best advice I can give to someone who wants to lose weight would be to start loving themselves now. Also, don’t take long breaks from your routine. Enjoy the journey, and know that it is way more than just physical. 

Instagram/Twitter: @queenbdmv