Transformation of the Day (Update): Tamara lost 196 pounds. She first shared her journey with us in 2015 after losing 105 lbs. Shortly after, she was hit by a car and regained 70 lbs over the course of 2 1/2 years. She shared with us how she reclaimed her health and got back on track.
Social Media:
Facebook: Tamara Perry-Vance
Instagram: @Happay_ness
TikTok: @tadesa93
Here it is! I was in the grand scheme of things back in 2015 after losing 165 pounds. Then boom, bam, thank you, Mam… life happened! I got hit by a car in February 2016!
Now I thought I was on top of the world because I had just sent my before and after photo to BWLW a couple of months before! Guess what?! I am so glad I was hit by a car because I found out after losing all that weight I didn’t like myself! I found out that weight loss is a mental game! I found out I had other traumas and addictions to deal with!
After essentially regaining 60 lbs (or a little bit more, I had to get all the inside junk out of me! The weight of validation, the weight of numbing myself with alcohol and pain pills! It became a whole different journey for me! With that being said! I started the Happayness Journey!
This journey allowed me to heal while losing the weight that I had put while being on my back for two years! I went back to long-distance running, loving myself, and adding weight training (oh boy, my love-hate relationship). Did I say love me, and having boundaries like no other?
So, I’m back to say you can win, lose, and come back as a bigger winner! Never stop the process! Get better, not bitter! Always remember to Be. The. Best. You!
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in 2014. I had Gastric Sleeve surgery. I found out it was only a tool. It was not THE tool. I found out nothing can save you but you. You are the tool.
As I said, I was hit by a car in 2016, and on my back on and off in pain for 2 1/2 years. I regained 70 lbs during that time. I got the courage to get back up and lose the 70 lbs, plus an additional 40 lbs.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was me! I decided that me vs me. When I looked in the mirror, did I like me? No one else. If I could like myself in that mirror, then I could mirror that to the world and build up my confidence, stamina, and longevity for the love of LIFE.
How did you change your eating habits?
I drink my breakfast. I heard that long ago, and it took me some years to apply it to my life. I do this primarily on Monday-Friday. If I feel like I had a “bad day or bad days,” I squeeze in some Fasting moments.
What is your workout routine?
I’m a runner, but I must confess: I hate weights. I read a David Groggins book, and after reading it, I added repetitious weight training. The truth is I still hated it, but this is the reason why I’m toned!
How often did you work out?
I work out at least 15 minutes a day for my mind. Weight lightlessness is all mental!
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My start weight was 350 pounds. Today, I weigh 154 pounds with the bumps and bruises of life! Remember, it’s harder maintaining it than releasing it.
What is your height?
5’7″
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
You must listen to your mind, not the outside world.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Do it for you. It’s you vs you. You are with you 24 hours a day, and you don’t want to live with a miserable person every day.
Read more about Tamara’s journey
