Name: Tasha Hinesley
Age: 32
Height: 5'5"
Before Weight: 287 pounds
How I Gained It: I have been overweight my entire life. I was born with tibial torsion, a bone deformity in my legs. From an early age I was limited on the type of activity I could do because I was in so much pain. I was exempt from gym in school growing up. I became lazy and accepted the fact that I would always be overweight. I didn't believe in myself. I overate all the time. I would eat lots of sweets, processed foods, chips, fast foods. I reached my heaviest of 287 pounds and a size 24 jeans and XXXL shirts.
Breaking Point: My family and I went on a trip to Disneyland in December 2013. We walked 10 miles each day we were there. To my surprise, I did not have any pain. Something clicked. I knew from that point I needed to get moving to relieve my pain and lose the weight. I had walked before but never to that extent. I knew I had to push past the pain and the weight would come off.
How I Lost It: I was invited to work out with a friend, and at first I was very hesitant. I was tired of being in pain. After two weeks, I knew that I had to start somewhere. I took my friend up on her invitation and began working out to T25. I loved Shaun T's motivation and encouraging words. We finished the program and went on to 21 Day Fix, ChaLEAN Extreme, Piyo, Combat and Body Beast, which is when I fell in love with lifting weights. I began eating non-processed foods and learned that I have a wheat allergy. I eat lean protein and lots of fruits and veggies. Now I rarely eat out. I would rather cook my meals from scratch so I know what is in them. I do allow myself a cheat meal once a week. By allowing myself the cheat meal, it keeps me from binging.
Thanks to my friend Brenda, I believe in myself now. I am a better mother to my three boys. I feel stronger. I am a happier person all around. I have even registered for my very first 5K walk/run. I have a newfound love for life and want to inspire others to believe in themselves, so last October I became a BeachBody coach to pay it forward and to help others in their fitness journeys. I have always enjoyed helping others, and now I want to be able to help people change their lives.
After Weight: 195 pounds
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The Huffington Post publishes photographs as they are submitted to us by our readers. As told to Sarah Klein.
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