Joan MacDonald’s health was rapidly deteriorating at 70 years old and nearly 200 pounds overweight. Thousands were inspired by her incredible body transformation! She was on a cocktail of medications to treat her numerous illnesses, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and acid reflux. While many people her age would say it’s normal, Joan knew there had to be a better way.
Doctors advised her to make lifestyle changes or else she would have to take higher doses of these medications. Joan couldn’t remember the last time she gave her health much thought, but she knew it was time for that epic body transformation. Joan had seen her mother take medication after medication, and she didn’t want to end up like her mother.
Joan told her daughter, Michelle, that she was ready to start making better choices.
Michelle, a yogi, professional chef, competitive powerlifter, and owner of Tulum Strength Club in Mexico, had been telling her mother for years to prioritize her health. And when her mother finally decided to embark on a healthy body transformation, Michelle was more than willing to assist her. Joan traveled to Mexico to be with her and learn about healthy eating and exercise habits. She then returned to Canada and put what she had learned during her two-week stay to use.
She started with small changes, such as walking for cardio, practicing yoga, and lifting weights. Joan was able to lose 45 pounds after six months of hard work. Since beginning to exercise and eat healthier in 2017, this strong woman has lost a total of 50 pounds! Her workout routine consists of going to the gym five days a week, lifting weights, and doing 15 to 30 minutes of cardio.
Joan also changed her diet from three to five small meals per day. Her diet consists primarily of grains, vegetables, and meats. She purchased a food scale and downloaded the Macros app to track her food intake. Joan admitted to struggling with the technology at first, but she refused to give up. Joan has felt so much better since making these changes in her life. She is no longer taking her medications, and her arthritis is no longer as bothersome as it once was.
Her kidney disease is not worsening, and she is becoming more energetic by the day. Joan felt more confident in her own skin, in addition to these welcome physical changes. Joan is now inspiring women of all ages all over the world by demonstrating that it is never too late to change. Her daughter manages an app and a website that recommend workout and meal plans.
She also shares workout tips and encouraging words on her Instagram page, which has over 1.7 million followers. Her schedule has become much busier since she became an internet celebrity. Joan enjoys responding to comments on her posts as much as she can. She stated that many women have approached her to share their own stories and struggles. “Believe that it is possible!” she advises other women who want to make a change but don’t know how.
Joan also advises women over the age of 40 to seek out trainers who can guide them and to join a community of women who share the same goal. That’s because she, too, began in this manner. She joined a group of ten women who were determined to become stronger and healthier, and she discovered that sharing her journey with other people who shared her goals provided her with the motivation she needed when she felt like giving up.
“We are strong [and] capable of change, but we are often viewed as fragile,” Joan said of older women who exercise. “I hope that more women my age embrace being pushed and recognize that someone is interested in seeing you try harder. You can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again.” Those are wonderful words of wisdom from an inspiring woman. May we all have Joan’s attitude, strength, and spirit! Share this to encourage other women to keep striving for their dreams.