Transformation of the Day: Valencia shares how she lost 25 pounds. This mom of three has told her children that they are stuck with her until she’s 100 years old, so she decided to take her health seriously. Her coach provided the nutrition and fitness guidance she needed to thrive.
Social Media:
FaceBook: V Sonya Jones
Instagram: @DivaTude75
TikTok: FavorFactor
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? I will be turning 50 in 2025,, which was my initial reason for wanting to lose weight. Also, I have three kids, and I tell them all the time that they are stuck with me until I am at least 100…lol. The other running joke is that I am out here trying to be these churrens (children) fine (bleep) Mama. I want to live and be healthy for the day that I have grandchildren. After all, they are to call me Diva, not Grandma.
Being in good health was another reason. When I decided to take my health seriously, I thank God that I didn’t have any health issues, but I do have family members and a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure. Deciding to lose weight was to also prayerfully ward off any of those diseases. I don’t like taking medicine and detest needles, so I figure if I am in good health, that can prayerfully prevent me from having health issues and potentially being on meds.
I was following Terry Starks on TikTok, and one day, after seeing one of his transformations, I was intrigued. I sent that initial email, and it has been life-changing and body-changing! When he spoke of God in the initial conversation with him, I knew then that this was for me. Terry sends emails every day that are encouraging and praising God, so those helped me stay the course.
My daughters ensured that I stayed on my meal plans; they wouldn’t let me cheat. Once I saw the changes in the first couple of weeks, I loved how I looked in the mirror. I had packed clothes away for a yard sale, but I have been able to unpack some and can fit them now.
How did you change your eating habits? Terry Starks, a certified nutritionist, was my lifesaver. His meal plans are what helped me learn how to eat to live. I always said that I could handle the exercise part if someone could just help me with the meals and the eating. I am so glad that I found him. I was eating out a lot before I connected with Terry. Since working with him, I am prepping my meals, which isn’t as bad as people think.
Having my meals prepped and ready to eat makes this lifestyle change so easy. It’s funny because I thought I didn’t like asparagus and Brussels sprouts. However, they are both actually pretty tasty. I don’t know when I last had a Coke or coffee.
What is your workout routine? I enjoy cardio videos on YouTube, dancing, outdoor walks, and my mini stepper. I recently have started incorporating dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands in an effort to tone up.
How often did you work out? I split my workout into 30 minutes each morning and 30 minutes each evening. Some days, if I am really into my routine or walk, I keep going. I try to set goals for myself and will work until I have reached them. So I am getting it in seven days a week.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? I am down 25 pounds. I started at 204 lbs, and I currently weigh 179 lbs.
What is your height? I am 5’6″.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? I started with Terry Starks meal plans on July 22, 2024, and have been on for 77 days. (as of my most recent photos)
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? What you eat matters, and movement is medicine. I now enjoy foods that I thought I didn’t like. I feel so much better now that I actually enjoy my workouts. I am eating to live, so I don’t want this just to be a diet but a lifestyle change.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? It starts in your mind; once you make up your mindand commit to the change, you can do it. Block out the naysayers, and don’t compare your journey to the next person’s. Find your why, and GO FOR IT! At the end of the day, it is YOU versus YOU.
Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? No, that is what intrigued me so much about Terry Starks’ program. He is transforming bodies with no surgeries, no waist trainers, no diets, and no pills. I never considered surgery but have had my share of waist trainers, pills, and teas. NONE of those things gave me the results that Terry’s program gave me. So, I wanted to know and see for myself how the results from his program were being obtained.