Today’s featured weight loss story: Ari lost 37 pounds. Â I love her story because she talks about how weight loss is more than eating and exercise. Â It’s about looking within, reflecting on the past, dealing with your emotions and deciding who you want to be & why you want to change.
Ari
22
New Orleans
Artist (Poet/Singer/Photographer)/Student
Starting weight: 235 pounds
Current Weight: 198 pounds
Height: 4’11”
Started:Mid October
Method: Atkins (Low Carb) at first, then portion control and working out.
“Motivation: I have struggled with weight my entire life. Since I was a child, I was always considered the “fat one”. Verbal abuse by ex-boyfriends and others close to me was so common I accepted it as normal. 235 pounds was my peak weight. At 4’11”, I couldn’t walk up stairs or across campus without feeling like I’d just ran a quick mile. Although I pretended to be jovial around my peers, I was depressed beyond measure. One day on Facebook, I noticed a family member of mine had lost a tremendous amount of weight. I asked her how she did it. She said, and I quote ” I started with soul searching. Who I was, how I got here, unresolved issues, etc…then eating habits, then exercise. Everything begins within.” That began a year long journey to confront my fears, insecurities, and let go of everything negative I was holding on to. I essentially had to learn to really love myself. That led to me making a return to my passions; spoken word and music. After I learned to love myself with the weight on, I decided to take it off. I tried in the past, but it never stuck because I was doing it for everyone but me. I knew when I began this time would be different. Since starting my journey, I’ve changed completely! Confidence is through the roof, my art has gotten more personal, and I now love myself enough to not take ANY bullshit off a man (excuse my french). My advice to anyone who wants to lose FOR REAL: Love yourself. Everything begins within. Confront your demons and find out the real reason behind your weight. ”
Sherlonda mason says
Thanks for reintroducing yourself . Congrats on your weightloss . Thank you for blessing my life.
Lois Douglass-Alston says
WAY TO GO, ARI!!!!! You’re absolutely right – all true transformation begins WITHIN. I’m so happy for your transformation, and your generosity in sharing your process with us.
I, too, began my own fitness journey last year – thinking that if I lost the weight, my husband would find me more attractive, my marriage would be better…on and on, ad infinitum! I began to run and strength train, while introducing more and more fresh fruits, lots of dark leafy greens, and a variety of fresh veggies to my diet.
Although I couldn’t run more that a few yards at first – I ran early in the AM so no one would see me trying to run 😉 – I kept at it. I now run 6+ miles at least 4 days/week, no stopping, no intervals, just running for the sheer joy!
Again, I’m SO proud of you, and bid you (and all) overflowing blessings as your journey unfolds. Best…
Lois Douglass-Alston
LadyMakeiba Dawson says
I can’t believe how much we have in common she was the same weight i was in April and used the same methods i used. I’m happy for her and her decision to be a better her. I wish i could figure out how to post my story…
Earlice Harris says
Awesome Job !!!! You look Great & Congratulations 🙂
candi says
amen girl! that is what i’ve been doing along with weight loss, improving myself and loving me for who I am. lost 24 lbs
Vanessa says
The best post I’ve read. Congrats on finding the true you. I’m doing that exact thing now and I look forward to great success. Thank you for sharing inspiration
Z says
Love love love your comment! Very motivational & inspiring.thx for sharing!