In this heartfelt episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya sit down with Mannie Stewart—a powerhouse in the weight loss community whose incredible journey from 406 pounds to marathon runner is both raw and deeply inspiring. Mannie shares how childhood trauma shaped her relationship with food, how she found the courage to pursue bariatric surgery, and why her transformation has been far from linear.

With honesty and vulnerability, Mannie opens up about emotional eating, dealing with post-op complications, and navigating life as a mother, wife, and runner. She explains how movement became her therapy and running became her revolution—showing that healing isn’t just physical, but mental and emotional, too.

Mannie’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. Whether you’re facing your first walk around the block or recovering from surgery, this episode will move you to take the next brave step.

Key Topics Covered:

• How childhood trauma can influence weight and self-worth
• The realities of weight loss surgery and the journey beyond the "honeymoon phase"
• What it’s like to run 50 miles a week—and how it became her mental health anchor
• Navigating complications and setbacks with plastic surgery
• Embracing vulnerability and finding purpose through community
• The difference between existing and truly living

Devotion Protein Powder - Use TONYA or Teresa to save on your order

American Dream Nut Butter - Use code TONYA10 or TransformingTeresaMarie to save on your order.

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya reflect on how their lives have changed—mentally, emotionally, and physically—through their weight loss journey. They share how growing up in toxic households shaped their early mindset, leading to self-neglect, negative thinking, and the habit of blaming others. At the time, they were simply going through the motions of life, without truly living.

They open up about the power of mindset and how thoughts fuel feelings and actions. They describe their pre-surgery routines—ignoring hunger cues, overeating in secret, avoiding movement, and placing themselves last. Now, their lives are centered around intentional self-care, walking, connecting with loved ones, and finding daily joy. They explain how even small changes in movement and thinking helped them regain control of their health and happiness. Most importantly, they recognized that they had to change—not their circumstances or the people around them.

Key Topics Covered:

• Breaking cycles of negativity and reclaiming your mindset
• What self-care looked like before vs. after weight loss
• Learning to recognize hunger cues and eat in moderation
• How movement evolved from pain to empowerment
• Letting go of blame and owning your transformation
• Why intentional living matters more than perfection

Tune in to hear how Teresa and Tonya redefined their lives—and how you can too—one thought, one step, and one choice at a time.

Devotion Protein Powder - Use TONYA or Teresa to save on your order
American Dream Nut Butter - Use code TONYA10 or TransformingTeresaMarie to save on your order.

Follow Transform Your Life Podcast on Instagram @transformyourlifepodcast

Follow Tonya on Instagram @takingmylifebackat42

Follow Teresa on Instagram @transformingteresamarie and Tiktok @transformingteresamarie

In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya share what listeners can expect from the podcast—and how they’re creating the supportive space they wish they had at the start of their own weight loss journeys. They open up about shifting mindsets around transformation, including their evolving views on plastic surgery and self-image.They dive into how weight loss comes in seasons, how their diets and goals have changed, and why it’s okay to grow into or out of different approaches.

Teresa and Tonya also discuss how vulnerable the weight loss community can be to trends, companies, and social pressure, and why it’s essential to protect your journey. They share encouragement for anyone struggling with setbacks, reminding listeners that gaining weight doesn’t mean starting over—you never go back to zero, and sometimes you may not be your smallest, but you’ll feel your best. Looking ahead, they share their hopes to bring the community together through future events and gatherings.

Key Topics Covered:

• Creating a weight loss community that supports real change
• Evolving views on plastic surgery and transformation
• How diet trends and mindset shifts shape your journey
• Avoiding exploitation in the weight loss space
• Why weight gain isn’t a reset—and how progress looks different for everyone
• The power of not giving up and honoring your growth

Tune in to hear Teresa and Tonya’s honest take on transformation, growth, and building a judgment-free space for long-term success.

Devotion Protein Powder - Use TONYA or Teresa to save on your order

American Dream Nut Butter - Use code TONYA10 or TransformingTeresaMarie to save on your order.

Follow Transform Your Life Podcast on Instagram @transformyourlifepodcast

Follow Tonya on Instagram @takingmylifebackat42

Follow Teresa on Instagram @transformingteresamarie and Tiktok @transformingteresamarie