Transformation of the Day: Today, we are celebrating Chay! During her three-year journey, she lost 115 pounds. Her faith, prayer, and her desire to improve her mental health motivated her and helped her develop self-control and a balanced mindset.
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Facebook: Chay Prays
What was your motivation?
I embarked on my weight loss journey to find relief from mental health issues. I read an article that explained how exercising for just 30 minutes a day, even in three 10-minute segments, could have the same impact on brain chemistry as antidepressants over time. Instead of relying on medication, I decided to commit to daily exercise and make physical activity a regular part of my routine.
Over the course of a year, without changing my eating habits, I lost 40 pounds. As my workouts intensified, I realized I needed proper nutrition to maintain my energy levels. At a crossroads in my personal life, I turned to God and decided to follow the Daniel fast, seeking spiritual and physical healing.
This led to another 45 pounds lost over a year. At the beginning of this year, I further cleaned up my diet and continued my spiritual journey through biblical fasting, resulting in an additional 30 pounds lost in just six months. In total, I’ve lost 115 pounds in nearly three years.
What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
Prayer was my anchor. Through intentional prayer and fasting, I developed the fruit of the spirit, including self-control. This disciplined, balanced mindset has kept me motivated every single day.
How did you change your eating habits?
I started with the Daniel fast to overhaul my eating habits and then followed the Anti-Inflammatory Diet plan. I highly recommend this plan, as I’ve experienced a significant reduction in inflammation.
What is your workout routine?
My five-year-old, 8-pound Yorkie loves walking, so my day includes four walks with him. Two walks are 5-10 minutes, and the other two range from 20 minutes to over an hour.
I also enjoy BeachBody On Demand workouts, from 645 with Amolia Cesar to Shawn T’s Insanity MAX 30, Sure Thing & #MBF by Megan Davies, 21 Day Fix by Autumn Calabrese, and Strong + Solid by Lita Lewis. Currently, I’m loving the Chop Wood, Carry Water Program by Amolia Cesar.
How often did you work out?
I committed to working out five days a week, with one active stretch day, and consistently walked every single day.
What was your starting weight?
270 pounds
What is your everyday weight?
155 pounds
What is your height?
5 feet, 3 inches tall
When did you start your journey?
April 2021
How long did your transformation take?
Three years
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
Before starting my journey in 2020, I considered weight loss surgery and even had an initial consultation. The doctor said I was a great candidate and began the process. After meeting with a dietitian and discussing changes to my eating and exercise habits, I realized I could achieve my weight loss goals without surgery. By making those changes, I successfully lost the weight.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Put God first, and everything else will fall into place, including your health. (Matt 6:33 & Psalm 23:3)
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Prayer works. If you need discipline, God can help you. If you need grace to eat right, pray for it. Be patient with yourself and focus on daily progress, not perfection.