Joan lost 95 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Joan lost 95 pounds. She saw how excess weight and health issues affected the women in her life, and she didn’t want to suffer the same fate. This Author/Poet switched her eating habits to Vegan Keto and made fitness a priority.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was wanting to love what I saw in the mirror. Whenever I wanted to give up, I thought about the health issues the women in my life faced. I didn’t want to go down that road. None of them survived heart disease or some of the other illnesses that came along with excess weight. 

How did you change your eating habits?
Vegan Keto has been keeping me disciplined, but I throw the occasional carb in there for balance. I eat clean and drink a gallon of water each day.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I’m big on dance fitness and kickboxing, but once the pandemic hit, I stopped trusting the gym altogether and got a Peloton bike. I use my Peloton about five times per week. I also sprinkle a 3-mile walk into my routine at least once a week. Peloton gives me access to HIIT classes as well. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 310 pounds, and my current weight is 215 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’10”.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started the journey officially in 2010. By 2012, I was down by over 100 pounds. Then, I got to Atlanta and well… brunch. I’m back on track now, and I’m trying to get back to below 200 pounds. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No procedures or surgeries. My success is all due to weights, cardio, clean eating, and a gallon of water a day.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that plateaus are there to see just how much we’re committed to hitting that goal. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Be kind to yourself throughout the process. Celebrate when you hit your goals, both scale-related and non-scale related. Your reason for wanting to lose weight can change over time, and you are allowed grace in uncovering your new reasons. 

Instagram: @harlemsownlyric