Meet Tracey Simaloi, a mom, an entreprenuer and lover of life. Her life changed after giving birth, when she added over 50kgs.
This blog post chronicles her inspiring weight loss journey from 110kg to 70kg. It delves into the emotional challenges she faced due to body shaming and the impact on her self-esteem. The post outlines her weight loss strategies, including diet changes, intermittent fasting, and exercise. Tracey emphasizes the importance of perseverance, self-love, and finding happiness from within. Her story serves as a powerful message of hope and encouragement for others struggling with weight loss.
The body-shaming and low self esteem
The Crumbling Self-Esteem
The postpartum period is often romanticized as a time of pure joy. For Tracey Simaloi, however, it was a battleground for her self-esteem. After welcoming her baby in 2020, her weight skyrocketed from a comfortable 60kg to a staggering 110kg. The physical transformation was jarring, but it was the emotional toll that proved to be the most challenging. Once a confident woman, Tracey found herself shrinking under the weight of societal expectations and hurtful comments.
Words as Weapons
The words of those closest to her were like tiny daggers, chipping away at her confidence. Her mother’s well-intentioned prophecy, “Tracey, ile siku utazaa, utanona sana,” became a haunting reality. But it was the casual cruelty of others that truly stung. A friend’s insensitive remark, comparing her to a bulldozer, was a stark reminder of the body-shaming culture. Even more painful were the criticisms from her partner, who bluntly dismissed her appearance. These words, spoken with careless disregard, left deep scars on Tracey’s psyche.
The Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success
Tracey knew drastic changes were needed. Her biggest hurdle was her insatiable sweet tooth. Cakes, biscuits, chapatis, and mandazis were daily staples. Starting small, she eliminated sugary treats, a tiny step in a monumental journey. Relapses were frequent, but her determination never wavered. Each new day was a chance to start fresh.
Next came the challenge of incorporating more vegetables and whole foods into her diet. Water became her secret weapon against cravings. Self-discipline was key, and guilt after slip-ups fueled her resolve.
Inspired by celebrities like Amina, Nurse Judy, and Murugi Munyi, Tracey tried intermittent fasting (IF). She gradually increased fasting hours but discovered it brought back old eating habits. Consistency was crucial, and the weight regain after stopping IF was disheartening.
Realizing that a combined approach was necessary, Tracey merged healthy eating with IF. Exercise, primarily walking, cycling, and skipping rope, became part of her routine. Becoming a single mother in 2022 introduced new challenges, but her determination remained steadfast. Losing weight wasn’t just about physical transformation; it was about reclaiming her identity.
Initially relying on clothes as a measure of progress, Tracey’s motivation soared when clothes still didn’t fit. A reluctance to be photographed due to her weight was a stark contrast to her previous love for pictures.
A turning point came in 2023 when compliments on her appearance flooded in. Overwhelmed by the positive feedback, Tracey shared her progress on social media, inspiring others. Finally stepping on the scale, she was astonished to discover she had lost 40kg through diet and IF alone.
Her friends were unwavering supporters, cheering her on through every setback. Their encouragement transformed self-doubt into determination.
Remember, every body is beautiful and deserving of love and respect. It’s about finding what works for you, celebrating small victories, and ultimately, feeling good in your own skin. Let Tracey’s story be a beacon of hope as you embark on your own wellness journey.
What are your thoughts on Tracey’s journey? Have you ever struggled with weight loss? Share your experiences and let’s support each other!
