Real life weight loss: How this Alabama woman lost 150lbs after family tragedies
After losing her mom, dad and brother, Renatta used food to comfort herself before taking control and losing weight
Renatta Keith, from Huntsville, Alabama, tragically lost her mum, dad and brother all within the space of four years. In order to deal with this chain of heartbreaking events, she turned to food.
Renatta told her story to YouTube channel Truly, as part of a series of videos on dramatic body transformations called Brand New Me. Renatta said: "I started using food to comfort myself and to cope." She developed a very unhealthy lifestyle, filled with soda, junk food and drive-thru takeaways. This started to take a toll on Renatta's body and at her heaviest she found herself tipping the scales at 287lbs.
She knew things were spiraling out of control: "When I looked in the mirror, I saw someone who was just really broken and lost." Renatta then had her lightbulb moment when a doctor told her about the need for spinal surgery and gave her a stark warning. If she didn't start to lose weight, there would be more surgeries on the horizon.
Watch Renatta’s inspiring story here:
Renatta said: "I knew that if I didn't change my mentality, that the physical didn't stand a chance." With this in mind, Renatta found help and support in the form of her trainer Brandon. Working together, Renatta lost an incredible 150lbs. Renatta and Brandon's relationship isn't just trainer & client - they have become friends for life.
She keeps the image of her surgery scar close to remind her of the journey she's been on and to show just how far she's come. Renatta added: "I'm proud of myself and I'm sure my parents are too."
Renatta said “I hated exercise until I met Brandon. Having him in my ear telling me ‘you can do this’ really motivated me.” Even the best exercises for weight loss can be improved if you have a gym partner: one study found compared to those without a partner, participants with a workout buddy were more than twice as likely to lose a significant amount of weight within a year. It doesn’t matter if it’s a personal trainer, a friend or a significant other: partner up to lose weight quickly and effectively.
Renatta can also be seen using the best elliptical machines and adjustable dumbbells, mixing up cardiovascular and resistance training in order to get results. While cardio training keeps you fit and is a great way to burn calories, adding in a resistance training element to build muscle will elevate your resting metabolic rate, enabling you to burn fat faster and remain healthier in the long term.
Get the Fit&Well Newsletter
Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox.
Launched in 2020, Fit&Well.com is all about helping you meet your health and fitness goals in ways that are fun and achievable. With news and features on fitness, weight loss, running, nutrition, yoga, wellness and more, we're committed to helping you wherever you are on your fitness journey. We break down the best fitness tech, with reviews, buying guides and the latest deals on fitness and wellness kit, from dumbbells to diffusers.
We cater for all difficulty levels here. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner in the world of fitness or you're gearing up for your tenth marathon: we're all moving towards the same goal – creating a healthier, happier you. From guides on getting started doing walks around the block, to creating the perfect work-from-home space, to eating to fuel your first triathlon. It's all here.
-
I'm a yoga teacher and these are four exercises I recommend for knee pain
yoga Keep moving with these poses which gently strengthen the muscles around your knees
By Mary Goodsell Published
-
Forget sit-ups—this standing abs routine targets all parts of your core with just three exercises
workout All you need is a pair of light dumbbells
By Alice Porter Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this woman lost 100lbs in less than a year (and kept it off)
Weight loss Londoner Martyna lost 100lbs in a year after placing a bet against herself online
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How Chris lost nearly 180lbs safely and sustainably over 4 years
Weight Loss Californian Chris began his weight loss after looking in the mirror and seeing "nothing but a heart attack" waiting for him
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: From being 360lbs and anxious to losing 160lbs in two years
Weight loss Thomas was approaching 400lbs, anxious and depressed. Now, he's 160lbs down, active and more outgoing
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this woman lost 105lbs after getting pregnant at 21
Weight loss Brianna became a single mother and decided to turn her life around for her daughter, losing 105lbs
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this California man lost 242lbs in two years
Weight loss Matthew Rivera lost an incredible amount of weight, going from 487lbs to 242lbs in just two years with lifestyle changes
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this woman lost 200lbs through healthy lifestyle changes
Weight loss Danitza Casas lost an incredible 200lbs with the help of walking, spin classes and an accountability partner
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real Life Weight Loss: How this busy mom lost 130lbs in 11 months
Weight Loss Brianna lost 130lbs without stepping foot in the gym, to create a better life for her and her daughter
By Fit&Well Published
-
Real life weight loss: "I lost 215lbs and changed my life after a suicide attempt"
Weight Loss Summer Stultz changed her life after losing 215lbs, feeling fitter and stronger than ever – but left with loose skin
By Matt Evans Published