An overweight woman has shed 92lbs and become a certified
fitness instructor at the age of 45 after vowing to overcome her struggles with
obesity after years of fad dieting for the sake of her children.
Sophia Hogan-Booker weighed 222lbs and wore a size 18/20
when she started her weight loss journey in 2013 after years of yo-yo dieting.
The mother reached a turning point in her life after she stood up from tying
her shoes and felt like she couldn't breathe.
'I knew that I wanted to stay alive and be here for my
children and their children,' she told Yahoo Health. 'I had
many friends who lost their lives to obesity and I just didn’t want to go that
route
Sophia started working with a personal trainer who had her
cut out access sugar, soda, fried foods, and white bread in addition to working
out three days a week.
She recalled that when she first started the plan she felt
like she was going to pass out every time she worked out.
Sophia admitted that she would try to wiggle out of her
workouts by telling her trainer Mitchell Edwards that she wasn't available for
their scheduled sessions, but he always held her accountable by texting her
back: 'See you in a few and don't keep me waiting'.
She also found support from her friend Lasondra, who
she said was with her 'every step of the way'.
A little over two years later, Sophia, who is 5'7", weighs 130lbs
and wears a size 0/2. She is also a certified spin instructor and licensed
Zumba teacher.
'I feel better now in my mid-40s than I did in my 20s,' she
explained.
However, Sophia said it took a while for her to get used to
her new body, admitting that when she first lost the weight it felt so
'surreal' that she refused to get rid of her bigger clothes.
She finally told herself that she needed to start focusing
on her future instead staying stuck in the past.
As part of her new healthy lifestyle, Sophia works out at
least five days a week and has learned how to eat in moderation. And while she
said she doesn't diet, she eats plenty of vegetables and fruits and bakes her
food instead of frying them.
Sophia said she does allow herself 'cheat days' but said
that now that she has changed her eating habits she 'seldom gets those
cravings'.
She noted that one of the biggest lessons she has learned
has been how to eat in moderation because she has 'always had those types of
jobs that led to emotional eating'.
'I still do, but now I have learned to balance the stress
with exercise and moderate eating,' she explained.
If Sophia finds herself struggling, she said she will pull
up her 'before' and 'after' photos to remind herself why she eats healthy and
works out.
I
feel so good at this point in my life that I never want go back there,' she
said.
Nice Blog, Fitness Instructor
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