How I Lost 58 Pounds After Having Two Kids
One Philadelphian's transformation story.
Photographs courtesy Tiffany Hopkins.
Changing your body takes hard work, persistence, and dedication. Here’s one Philadelphian’s transformation story. Want to share yours? Email me at ccunningham@phillymag.com.
Who: Tiffany Hopkins, 36, a mom from Northern Liberties
Starting weight: 206
Ending weight: 148
How long it took: 11 months
Why I wanted to change: “I gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy, and I planned to nurse my son exclusively for one year. I knew from my past experience with having my daughter how hard it was for me to exercise and breastfeed exclusively. So, once my son turned a year old, I knew it was time!”
How I changed my exercise plan: “I have always enjoyed exercising, but the type of workouts that I enjoy did not fit into my breastfeeding plan. So, I went from an occasional workout or taking walks with my baby in his stroller to working out at least five days a week. Now I do bootcamp three days a week and cardio coupled with a HIIT workout two days a week.”
How I changed my diet: “I drink a glass of water before each meal, and I always have a healthy snack on hand when I am out to keep me from making poor food choices. I eat more protein and green vegetables, less carbs — more specifically, pasta and ice cream.”
“I would tell myself, ‘If you can carry a child, go through a tough labor and delivery, and breastfeed exclusively for 12 to 13 months (twice), you can do this!'”
The hardest part: “Recognizing how much my body changed since having kids and realizing that I had to be patient and allow myself time to build my strength and endurance back. Whenever I got discouraged, I’d look at my children and think of how much of a blessing they are. I would tell myself, ‘If you can carry a child, go through a tough labor and delivery, and breastfeed exclusively for 12 to 13 months (twice), you can do this! Push through!’”
What I’m most proud of: “Having my inner beauty and outer beauty being one in the same and feeling comfortable in my own skin again. Not only am I able to keep myself motivated, but also I find myself encouraging others to do the same.”
What I want you to know: “I want people to realize that you can do whatever it is you set your mind to and to not compare someone else’s transformation to yours. Be consistent, set your own personal goals, and work to achieve them!”
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