The Unisphere in Queens

Plaza Gets Healthy!

 

 
 
 
 

As a Plaza College student, 2011 Plaza College graduate Shayeeda Espinal was anything but a loser; however, today, as a proud member of the Alumni Association, she’s indeed one of our greatest “losers.” And this is a title she is proud to own.      

We recently spoke to Ms. Espinal about her incredible weight loss story. As she so proudly exclaims – she did not go on a diet. She made a life change!

Question: As of today, how much weight have you lost?

Espinal: As of March 2013, I've lost 143 pounds and have 8 pounds to go.

Question: When did you start losing weight?

Espinal: I started to lose the weight in January of 2012.

Question: What made you decide to lose weight?

Espinal: I have many reasons why I decided to lose the weight. I'll take you down the line. I've had diabetes ever since I was 13, and along with diabetes, I've suffered with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I also had three cysts. Two of them were benign, but one wasn't, and that's when I had the epiphany. 

Question: What plan did you follow?

Espinal: I didn't follow a plan like Weight Watchers. At first, I started out small. I stopped drinking soda and juice and lost 20 pounds. I stopped eating Mc Donald’s and red meat, and I lost 20 more pounds. So, by March 2012 I weighed 234. By April of 2012, I had lost 45 pounds.

I now eat six times a day in this order: Proteins, Vegetables, Fruits, and starch/carbohydrates. And I drink lots of water. The only things I don't eat any more are red meat, rice, tuna, and coffee.

I drink a bottle of water 20 minutes before every meal and take 30 minutes to eat every meal. Then, I wait 20 minutes to drink after every meal. I have 2 snacks every day such as fruits, pudding, Greek yogurt,  Jello, goldfish, graham crackers or any of the 100 calorie snack packs by Nabisco.

Question: What was the hardest part of the plan?

Espinal: There are many hard parts of the "plan." I say it like that because it's not a plan; it’s a "LIFE CHANGE."  I had to change in so many ways, not just in how I eat. I had to change mentally, physically, & emotionally. When you want to lose weight, you really need to want it to succeed. Please do trust me: I went through pain, sweat, tears, and sacrifices. My grandfather died, and my mom almost died. In January 2012, I had surgery on my foot and couldn't walk for two months.  At the same time, I went through a bad break up.

However, I took all that negativity and turned it into motivation to do better, feel better, and live better. Today, I'm a new person. I was given a second chance. I'm smarter, I’m wiser, and I’m REBORN. I promised myself I was going to seize this second chance, and if I failed, I failed myself and everyone who loves and supports me. I don't break promises; I keep them!

Question: Did you ever hit a point where you wanted to give up?

Espinal: Yes. On my first attempt, I lost 45 pounds in 2009. I weighed 200 pounds. However, I let things get in the way,  allowed people take me out of my motivation zone, and gave up. In order to lose weight, there are no such things as negatives. Every emotion is energy to keep motivated.

Question: How has your life changed since you lost all this weight?

Espinal: Life is great! I'm happy! People tell me I'm glowing. Every day is a lesson to me and so rewarding.

Question: Take us through an average day – What do you eat?

Espinal: My intake is simple. I eat everything except red meat, tuna, rice, coffee, pork, and whole milk. So, yes, I still eat fried chicken, bread, Chinese food, Burger King, and junk food! I just eat in moderation.

Question: If someone reading this wants to get healthy - what steps should they first take? What's your advice?

Espinal: The first step I took was to re-evaluate myself. I let the stress, pain, suffering, and negative energy go. I cried it out, walked away from negative people and completely cut them off. It's the emancipation of Shayeeda! Confidence is a must!

Question: Do you ever "splurge"? If so, what's your favorite splurge, and then how do you get back on track?

Espinal: Yes!  Every Friday night I have some Margaritas at Fridays or Red Lobster and have dessert or even snacks at the movies. I just exercise control and  “splurge” in moderation.