Sometimes you know when it’s time to make a change and sometimes your body just tells you. Take Renee “GetMadGetFit” Miller. When she first found out that she had diabetes, was already overweight, had a daughter and knew that she had to do something.
A couple years and a ton of hard work later, Renee is healthy and living the fit life. We sat down with her to find out how she did it.
BDO: Was there a defining moment as to when you decided to lose weight?
Renee: My defining moment was when I was told by my doctor that I was now diabetic! I’m already suffering from fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, neuropathy and to find out I have another battle to fight was too much to bare. Change needed to happen immediately.
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BDO: What was your biggest hurdle in trying to get and stay healthy?
Renee: My biggest hurdle is the daily pain I live with. The idea of having to move my limbs, to stay encouraged and motivated past the pain though every day is never the same. Many times exercise will just spark a migraine that disables me for hours or days. My recovery time is 10X longer than the average person. Most times, because of exercise I can’t move for days because of my condition. Therefore the hurdle of having to get up and begin again can be emotionally tiring but I still keep going.
BDO: Did your relationships change when friends/family saw you getting healthy?
Renee: My relationship with many of my friends and family changed indeed. Some changed for the good by supporting me through it all. Being in the gym with me, helping me drive when I cant. Then the others didn’t like my continual drive and efforts made daily, as I did not eat out anymore, nor eat on the go. Many wouldn’t invite me out because they knew I would not eat the food they were serving. Yet at that time being Diabetic was not a game. This is my life. But, I have my Snack Bag that goes everywhere with me. It contains all my food I prepped throughout the week to keep me going and stay on track.
BDO: What are some of your guilty pleasure foods?
Renee: Pizza, Nachos, Lasagna (Mmmm!)
BDO: What tip(s) would you give someone who was trying to lose weight like you?
Renee: The tips I’d give someone who’s trying to lose weight like me would be to map out a strategic plan made just for their body makeup. Begin your journey in the Kitchen!!! Revamp your refrigerator.
Box all your Large plates, bowls, spoons, forks and replace them with small dishware. Make weekly goals and achieve them. Devise a plan how you want to incorporate fit life as a permanent lifestyle so that you can stay motivated by doing things you enjoy doing like Biking, playing Tennis etc. No matter what–stay head strong!
BDO: What keeps you going?
Renee: What keeps me going is BEATING DIABETES! What keeps me going is knowing that if I don’t move then I will lose the ability to move. What keeps me going is the rewards I achieve through making fitlife a permanent lifestyle.
BDO: How and where can people reach you?
Renee: I can be reached via Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/getmadgetfit
I can be reached via Instagram
https://instagram.com/getmadgetfit/