Fitness Goals! This Mum of Two’s Walk to Fitness Will Inspire You to Start Yours Now

Ibhade Omogbai, 35, is an entrepreneur and married mum of two.

She opens up on battling weight gain since her early 20s, hitting 90 kg after two kids and her journey to getting a trim body in this chat with MIM.

How did the excess fat crawl in and at what point did you decide to lose it?

“Growing up, I was not fat, however, I started gaining weight during my early 20s.

In 2013, I weighed an average of 75 kg. I was then working with a media firm and managed my weight between 73 kg to 80 kg. I resigned in 2014 to start my own business and gradually, owing to the stress of starting a new business from scratch, the hustle and bustle of living in Lagos and caring for two kids and a busy husband, my weight hit 90 kg.

At that point, I started dealing with swollen feet, backache and hip pains, and basically living on painkillers.

I believe my state of mind and indiscipline about my food choices contributed to the excessive weight gain, and a lot of women often overlook these.

Sincerely, I did not see myself as fat until my nephew who was a gym freak visited and kissed me on the cheeks, and said, ‘I know your line of business is stressful but Aunty you need to create time for yourself. Even though you look very pretty, you should try to eat less and exercise.’

Two days later, my husband also came home with a receipt and told me, ‘My love, I am not saying you are fat but I saw a boot camp at Ziggies and thought you might like it, just to mix with other ladies.’

I got the message and went in for the boot camp not to lose weight because I didn’t think I needed to, but to socialize.

However,  after the first day, I loved how I felt, so, I decided to do a 21-day no carb diet with the boot camp and at the end of 2 weeks, I lost 7 kg.

I loved the several compliments that followed from virtually everyone and I decided I had to continue. My weight loss journey kicked off on June 1st, 2015.”

What’s your weight loss routine?

“The major factor here is discipline. I have reduced my carb intake drastically. I eat 3 times a day, track what I eat and adhere strictly to portion control. The secret really is 80 percent diet and 20 percent exercise. I consider everything that goes into my mouth as food and opt for natural foods. I do not drink artificial juice or minerals, and that has been easy because I have always loved water. I take green smoothie at least once a month and make sure I exercise at least two times a week. If I can’t go to the gym, I use my staircase. I also do a lot of aerobics and taboo kicks.”

The results so far…

“Over the past year, my stomach fat has remarkably reduced. I have been able to cut down my food portions by drinking a lot of water before my meal as I already feel full before I start eating.

Presently, I weigh 72 kg. I have lost another 11 kg and all the pains are gone now. I can’t even remember the last time I took painkillers. My legs no longer swell and I feel more self confident than ever.  Now, no matter the stress I undergo, exercising really helps.”

What’s your ultimate weight loss goal?

“I want to weight at most 68 kg, and have well toned arms and tummy. I’m still a work in progress.”

What motivates you to keep at this?

“Mainly, my motivation comes from how I feel within and how my clothes fit. I must give credit to my husband too as he has been encouraging me every way he can.”

What would you say to mums struggling to lose weight?

“Stay strong and focused. Be disciplined and determined too and realize there are no quick fixes. It takes a complete change of a lifestyle. It’s a lot of hard work but with consistence, you can defeat that excess weight and maintain your dream trim look.”