Transformation of the Day: Jasmin lost a significant amount of weight by making practical changes to her eating habits and cutting out sodas. She was dealing with several challenges, including depression, PTSD, and being a caretaker for her father as he battled lung cancer. After he passed away in 2019, she decided to pursue a healthier, happier life. She knew that is what he would want, and ultimately that’s what she wanted as well.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
For starters, I reached the heaviest weight I’d ever been. At the time, not only was I battling major depressive disorder, anxiety, and PTSD from traumatic experiences, I was also a caretaker for my dad. He was battling stage 3 lung cancer. I was only in my late 20’s with so much to take on. 

My dad died in 2019, right before the pandemic, and I grew even more depressed. My weight started going up and down at that point. I knew my dad would want me to be happier and healthier, so I lost the weight for him (and for me).

How did you change your eating habits?
Since childhood, I developed an addiction to drinking sodas. It was a stress-related habit that I learned. Drinking sodas always kept me from losing weight. I would quit drinking it at certain points in my life, but whenever something very stressful happened, I would start drinking them again.

This year is the longest I’ve ever gone without having soda at all. It’s been over six months, I believe. I drink way more water now. I also enjoy drinking cranberry juice instead of soda whenever I get a craving. I also started baking most of my food, and I stopped ordering fast food so often.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I honestly don’t have a consistent workout routine, but I’ve definitely started working out more! Due to my mental health, sometimes I’m mentally and physically unable to do strenuous exercises. So I keep it light and simple to avoid getting discouraged. I take walks, dance around the house to music, and do yoga. Soon I want to start doing some light weight training for my thighs and glutes.

What was your starting weight?
I haven’t weighed myself in years, but I remember the last number I saw was around 180 pounds. This was the biggest I’d ever seen myself weigh, and I was sad about it. However, I knew I was going through so much at the time. I just needed to take better care of myself.

What is your current weight?
I have no idea! I’ve still been scared to step on the scale again, but I know I’ve lost quite a bit. 

What is your height?
I’m around 5’4″.

When did you start your journey?
This year (2021) is when I got really serious about things.

How long did your transformation take?
I started watching what I eat and drink around springtime 2021, and I began noticing the changes when summer started. For example, I hated going sleeveless, but I wore sleeveless shirts the entire summer! It was so freeing to finally feel confident enough to do that more.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned that you don’t always have to be on a crazy hard workout and diet plan to lose weight. I feel that’s where I failed myself in the past while trying to lose pounds. This time, I focused on cutting out soda gradually instead of right away. I did the same thing with eating/cooking slightly healthier. I just took my time, and I finally started seeing the results.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
I would tell them that they’re already worthy at their current size. Even before the weight loss, I feel we still need to remember that first. If not, when we do lose weight, we will still be looking for the validation that starts from within. (I’m even still working on this myself)

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