Gen Z Woman’s Realization During Weight-Loss Journey Goes Viral: ‘Proud’

A woman who hated her body has shared an important message on Instagram about how exercise has improved not only her physique but also her mindset.

In a montage of clips shared by Cheryl on Instagram (@coffeetoffeeme), she highlights the difference between “wanting to lose weight to look good, versus losing weight to feel good.” The video showcases her 22-pound weight-loss journey, which started in May, and it has been far from easy. The 24-year-old told Newsweek about the documented highs and lows, which have gathered more than 1.1 million views online.

Cheryl said: “I wanted to show the realistic side of a healthy weight loss while sending out a message that the mindset shift is the most powerful part of the journey.”

Lifestyle Changes

Before starting her exercise regime and healthier eating in May, Cheryl felt insecure and lacked confidence. This led her to adopt a “mind over matter” approach as she continues to work out five to six times per week, even when she doesn’t want to.

“I did feel burnt out at times, but every time I lay in bed and thought about skipping the gym, I always thought back to the times when I was overweight and unattractive,” Cheryl told Newsweek. “It sucks being unwanted.”

At the start of the November 1 video, the text says: “POV [point of view]—you are fat, single and lonely.”

The videos reveal how unhappy she felt at her heaviest, weighing 150 pounds. In two clips, she is seen crying, with one featuring overlaid text that reads: “Why do I torture myself?”

Living off fast food, desserts, and bubble tea, Cheryl said that she was lethargic all the time, which began to affect her nails and artisanal jelly cakes businesses.

“My income dipped,” Cheryl added, saying that this was another motivator to keep pushing herself in the gym.

The videos include Cheryl meal-prepping salad, eggs, and vegetables; lifting weights; and walking with a smile on her face to the gym. She also shows the dark side of her journey, including footage of herself wiping tears from her eyes, along with clips of herself eating instant noodles for convenience.

‘My Safe Haven’

“I used to dread going to the gym,” Cheryl told Newsweek. “But now, it is like my safe haven.

“Whether I am sad or angry, I kind of just let all my emotions out at the gym. When I’m angry, I carry heavier weights, so I feel the muscle burn. When I’m sad, I play sad music and just cry it out while doing hip thrusts or walking on the treadmill.”

Cheryl previously had a personal trainer who helped her with her form and gave her the confidence to use the machines and weights.

She said: “This has helped to instill confidence in me to create my own routines at the gym, which has effectively helped me tone my muscles as well.

“I feel amazing. I learned to love the process of loving my body and creating a healthy lifestyle,” Cheryl added.

Instagram Reacts

Cheryl has received a sea of support online on the video that has more than 76,000 likes.

“It’s incredible. Your devotion, dedication, discipline, determination, and patience paid off! Keep it up,” said one user. Another posted: “Fantastic journey! Well done! And you look fantastic and glowing with happiness.”

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