Life

Morbidly Obese Woman Gets In The Boxing Gym, Drops Over 200-Pounds, Is A Goddamn Inspiration

#Boxing
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Desiree Richards, 27, was hovering around 400-pounds before she discovered the boxing gym. Since hitting the speed bag and getting her calorie intake under control Desiree has shed over 200-pounds, and is an inspiration to everyone seeking to make some changes in the gym. Whether you’re just looking to shed a few pounds or completely overhaul your lifestyle, you can find some inspiration in Desiree Richards’ story.

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Already making headlines all across the world from the Daily Mail to her local paper, The Star Telegram, Desiree sat down with PopSugar for an interview on just what enabled her to shed over 200-pounds in less than two years:

PS: What’s your favorite way to work out?
DR: Boxing. I have been taking boxing classes at TITLE Boxing Club in Arlington, TX. Boxing has influenced my life in more ways than one. It has been a large tool in my weight loss, a stress reliever, and a confidence booster. I encourage other people to find a form of exercise that is enjoyable for them. And when you find it, stick with it.

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PS: What’s your weekly exercise schedule?
DR: I started out about four times a week at TITLE, and at first, I was barely able to finish a class. Now I work out six days a week: four times at TITLE and two weight resistance workouts. I also have started using a weighted vest and weighted gloves. I am always looking for ways to improve and become better than I was yesterday.

PS: How much weight have you lost?
DR: Two hundred and ten pounds in about a year and a half.

PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
DR: I would say the things I started to be able to do that I could not at almost 400 pounds. Some of those things include:

Being able to sit in a classroom chair and be comfortable and being able to use any stall and not just the handicap stall in public places.
Being able to wear a seat belt without it being uncomfortable anymore and being cold instead of hot all the time.
Feeling more confident in myself.
Being able to ride roller coasters.
Being able to shop at any store instead of only places with plus sizes.
Sit in a theater seat comfortably.

PS: What’s the range of calories you eat per day?
DR: I started at about 1,200 to 1,300 calories a day. At that time, I ate 40 percent protein, 30 percent fat, and 30 percent carbs. Now I eat about 1,400 calories per day. I use to keep track of the calories with an app on my phone, but now I have a general understanding of healthy foods and nutritional information. I usually eat three 300-calorie meals and two 200-calorie snacks. I also eat about every three hours.

PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
DR: Apples, oranges, raisins, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, juice, carrots, vegan cheese, flaxseed, protein powder, almond milk, tofu, salsa, brown rice, quinoa, frozen mixed veggies, sweet potatoes, frozen vegan pizza, Bragg’s soy sauce amino acids, mustard, almond milk coffee creamer, frozen mixed berries.

PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
DR: The first couple of weeks are the hardest, but once you get past the sore muscles of those first few workouts, just keep moving forward. Find what works for you. My journey to health and fitness will look different than yours. It is never too late to never give up. Consistency is key, and it must be a lifestyle change. Diets or pills may work for a while but will not be sufficient. Celebrate the success and keep moving forward even if you may not see the results you were expecting. Sometimes we just need to trust the process. Find people who are also on a journey of health. It’s important to have support and accountability.

Make sure you read and re-read this interview. Her advice might seem simple on the surface, but you should think bigger picture here: make changes, surround yourself with like-minded people, find whatever rhythms work best for you, every strategy towards change can be different, don’t get discouraged, seek out and surround yourself with motivation.

If you need and/or want to make a change in your life then I highly suggest you click on over to the full interview on PopSugar.