LaKesha lost 129 pounds | Black Weight Loss Success

Transformation of the Day: LaKesha shares how she lost 129 pounds. This proud mom is determined to live a long, healthy life for her son. She also wanted to prove to herself that she could reach her wellness goals. She has achieved impressive results by working with her trainer and committing to a healthy lifestyle.

Social Media:
Kesha Marie on Facebook
@keeshmarie83 on Instagram
@mbakeesh on TikTok

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation has always been my son. He is the reason why I keep going. I would never want him to have the burden of losing me early in his life. I want to do this for myself as well, to prove to myself that I can do it and overcome the struggle.

How did you change your eating habits? 
Sugar has always been a huge problem for me. I love pizza, pasta, and bread. This is not my first time on this journey, so I know what to do. It’s just a matter of telling myself daily that I have to do it. Eating more protein and getting the right amount of healthy foods is still something I find myself struggling with, but I’m better than I was before. That’s what makes me confident that I will reach my goals. 

I know that food intake is the biggest part of weight loss. I realize that my meals have to be filled with fruits, veggies, and lean meats if I want to see real results. 

What is your workout routine? 
The first time around, I did it on my own. I lost motivation and found myself regaining 60 lbs of the 80 lbs I lost. 

I realized this time I needed help. I work out with a trainer (Brianna CroMartie of CroMartie Fitness) which was the best decision I made for myself. We come across trainers who are there but not there, if that makes sense. She really cares about every single one of her clients – Not just our physical health but our mental, spiritual, and emotional health. It all plays a part in our success. 

How often did you work out?
Bri offers 1:1 sessions online and in person. She also does three weekly boot camps (please get with her if you are ready to change your life). 

I work out six times a week, depending on my schedule and my son’s schedule. I do three 1:1 sessions with Bri and three Bootcamp sessions with her other clients. She recently started offering a Saturday circuit Training session that I attend as well. I also work out at Planet Fitness to get some extra work in sometimes. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My highest weight was actually 387 pounds. The first time around I lost over 80lbs. I went from 355 lbs to 275 lbs. I gained weight back and found myself back over 300 lbs when I started training with my trainer. I am currently down over 125 pounds and my current weight is 258 pounds. 

What is your height?
5’8″ 1/2 

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
This is my second time at this, so it has been a journey for me. I am years in the game but I’m determined to finish this up in 2024. Losing weight and then gaining it back after a few years was one of the hardest things ever. Putting all that hard work in and then seeing myself slip and gain it back wasn’t easy to accept. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, weight loss surgery is not a part of my journey. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
This is an ongoing process; I have to make a conscious effort daily to make the right choices/decisions. Some days, I pass, and some days, I fail. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. That’s the biggest lesson I’m learning as I continue on this journey. 

If I want to truly reach the best version of myself, I have to understand that every day will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Get ya mind right! Mind over matter is a huge part of the journey and one of the biggest struggles to overcome. Deep down we know what we need to do to be the healthiest version of ourselves but we have to get our mind to follow. 

Many of us also struggle with self-discipline. Once the motivation to keep going is gone, you have to have self-discipline to carry you through.