Inspiring Stuff! BN Reader Cheliz Tells the Incredible Story of Her Weight Loss Journey

A healthy lifestyle is invaluable, and at BellaNaija we strive to put out the message of living healthy – working out and eating right. We also proudly showcase stories of people who have gotten on the healthy train and are making something out of it {Click here to read some inspiring weight loss stories} Today, we’re sharing Cheliz‘ story with you to motivate you to hop on the lifestyle train! Luckily, it’s never too late to make that change.

We hope you’re inspired by her story.

Who I Am
My name is Cheliz, I am a wife and a mum to 2 lovely boys. I am a graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I was a banker for 4years, currently a weight loss and wellness blogger, entrepreneur in Nigeria. Health wise, all was not well. I had constant joint pains in my knee, also serious pelvic pains from post-delivery of my first baby, I suffered high cholesterol levels too. I used to eat loads of junk food, sweets, sodas, sugary drinks, chocolates, pastries, etc. I loved late night meals, you know, snuggling in bed after work, with a plate of cookies and a bottle of coke after dinner at about 10pm.

Deciding To Lose Weight
I had always been overweight, but the height of it was when I got pregnant with my second baby in March of 2012. I was depressed, I kept adding and adding, I got so big, skin was dark, I felt very ugly. I turned to food sometimes for comfort and I lived a very sedentary life. One day, about 2 months before giving birth to my baby, I saw a picture of my friend that had lost a lot of weight, I asked her how she did it, she said it was basically by eating clean and exercising, hmmmm….. 1st of February 2013, a month after I had my second baby, I knew it was time to lose all the excess weight, this time for good. So I began my journey.

First Steps, Baby Steps
First, I got me a digital scale, weighed myself, and took measurements of my body using a measuring tape. I wrote this down in my book. I took 1 picture, which I regret, I should have taken more. I was too shy. I also did some research on health foods and how to lose weight while breastfeeding. I didn’t want to wait till I weaned my baby before I began. When I started my journey, I weighed 109.9kg. My target weight was 74kg.

According to my BMI I had to lose about 35kg to be at a healthy weight range. I had a target weight of 74kgs. I didn’t reach that weight, but I got very close. I weighed 75kgs at a point.

Bumps Along The Ride
Some of the challenges I faced were; getting a constant supply of fresh items, this meant going to the market regularly. Also cooking my own meals regularly were a bit tedious coupled with nursing a new baby. The idea of eating strictly clean foods, whew! I totally deprived myself of junk food, It was hard, but I conquered.

I hit weight loss plateaus on 3 different occasions, at first when it happened, I didn’t understand, I was angry and sad, because no matter how hard I worked, the scale just wouldn’t move. I did my research and I worked very hard and tried different things to get out of it quick which I did. The second and third time it happened, I knew exactly what to do. I must add that Patience is key here. Weight loss isn’t the same for everyone, it definitely isn’t magic, you must wait it out.

Overcoming & Finding Encouragement
I overcame these challenges by making sure I had a constant supply of fruits and ready meals in the pot or fridge, I cooked most of my meals in advance and froze them. I didn’t allow myself lack fruits and snacks at home. And one thing is that, once you start eating clean, you hardly crave junk, so I was good.

At difficult times, I would read my Bible; I derived joy and strength from the word of God, yes for real. It kept me going. Then I discovered I was motivating a lot of people to lose weight and get healthy. I had to start a blog, so I could share my stories and routines. These kept me going.

I got encouragement from family and SOME friends. At first my mum and dad were skeptical. They didn’t understand why I was so determined to do this, they feared for my life, they thought I wasn’t eating well. My husband doubted my potential to lose the weight at first, but when he saw how well I was doing, he began to support me. He bought me what I needed, and encouraged me. Basically when everyone saw how serious I was and the weight was actually coming off, they started helping me and encouraging me. It took a while though.

Oh, Look…CHANGE
within the first week of my clean eating, I lost 3.8kg, by the end of February 2013, I had lost 7.8kg. I noticed some physical changes, but people didn’t start noticing till I had lost about 12kgs. By mid March 2013, I weighed about 95kgs. The comments started flowing.

Weightloss Buddies
I am a lone ranger. I prefer to work out alone but, in the first few months, I had weightloss buddies, we were on a BBM group chat. We basically encouraged each other, and shared our meals. It was fun and encouraging. It is pays to have weight loss buddies; everyone needs 1 once in a while. They will keep you going 80% of the time. They will be your pillar of support when times are tough, when you lose hope. But, if you are a lone ranger, then go for it.

Lifestyle Changes
Immediately I made the decision to lose weight, I found that eating anything without a plan was not the right way to go. I had to get organized. I went ahead and developed a meal plan for myself which I used. I had a very strict diet which consisted of fruits, veggies, complex carbs, proteins etc. I didn’t eat any processed or chemical laden meals. It was all clean and home cooked. I cooked my meals myself and never ate outside my home, for a long time. I followed my strict eating plan which helped me a lot. I was very disciplined. I kept upgrading this meal plan as I lost weight till I got to my ideal weight.

Secondly, I developed workout plans too. I structured my workout in a way that I maximized my time. Its not about the length of time, its about the type of workout one does. I started working out even while breast feeding. I downloaded different exercise apps, I got me a skipping rope and a set of dumbbells. I also bought some workout DVDs which I still use till date. All my workouts were done in my home. I only tested the gym after a few months. Home workouts is my first love.

Working Out
I work out for at least 1 hour daily. First I jog for at least 40 minutes, and then follow up with core and strength training. On days when I have more energy, I workout for 2 hours. When I started I did morning and evening workouts at least 4 times a week.

Almost Throwing In the Towel
Many times, people asked if I was hungry or sick, I got a lot of negative comments that made me think. “was I really doing the right thing?” I wanted to stop and go back to my old life. To be honest, I felt like giving up on weight loss and blogging a couple of times, but I wake up most mornings, wanting to exercise, craving my green tea and apples again. I decided to eliminate the negativity and surround myself with good people. I always go my grove back, one way or the other. It’s my life now. *giggles* When God has a plan, no one can stop it.

Structuring My Meals
I was very determined, I hardly ate at parties, I made sure I had fruits in my bag while I was out of the house, I had my water also. I left no room for mistakes. I was determined to offload the weight. I surrounded myself with health books, videos and people that loved what I was doing. I hardly got distracted. I started seeing food as a source of fuel for my body and not a source of happiness. I made a rule to eat only when hungry. I cheated once in a while but I didn’t make it a habit. I tried to cheat with things like popcorn, 70% cocoa chocolates, ice tea etc.

I have structured and well planned meal plans that I created myself. They are mostly Nigerian meals. But they are structured to maximize weight loss. It’s all about eating the right thing at the right time in the right amount. In just 1 week, I see results.

Awkward Stares
I get a lot of stares from people almost on a daily basis, even though they see me all the time. Initially they thought I did some sort of surgery, or I drank some weight loss juices or pills, lol. One particular lady keept asking me to share my secret, to give her the name of the pills or drink I took so she can get some. I just laugh at those kind of comments. I am used to the questions and stares now. Some people I meet at stores or events hardly recognize me, while some are still full of doubt.

Where I Am Now
Currently, I weigh 77kg. It took me about 9 months to get to 75kgs from the start date. I’m comfortable at 77kg today. I came from a dress size 22(US) to a dress size 8(US) today. My routine is still very much the same, but not as strict. I work out for 6 days a week on an average of 1hr daily (mostly home workouts) I drink a lot of water and have my fruits and veggies regularly. I also own a weight loss blog www.theshapecube.blogspot.com which is my support system. I developed different meal plans (like I said earlier) which I used; I still follow them till date. I also do this for interested individuals, to aid them in their weight loss.

Practical Tips To Follow
Weight loss is a very tough thing to do, but it is very doable. Personally I don’t believe in using certain drinks or fad diets to lose weight. Yes, you will lose the weight initially, but can you sustain it? You have to be patient, set goals, stay focused and find your support system. Understand your body and know that what worked for ‘Mr A’ might not work for you. Generally eating clean and exercising works for everyone. You need to be patient while eating healthy wholesome meals, add exercise to that and the weight will creep out gradually. Determination is key.

Lessons Learned
Losing weight has changed my life. I have respect for food, and my body. I feel younger, youthful, I am healthier, no more body pains and I feel energetic. My brain is constantly working and I am happier. I didn’t think I will ever allow myself go back to the ‘overweight me’ by the grace of God. It has led me to what I do for a living now, I discovered myself while losing the weight. Today, I make a living and I derive joy from helping people lose weight and stay healthy and fit.