Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tabreeka lost 100 pounds. After years of yo-yo dieting, she found a weight loss program and a coach that helped her release the weight.  She realized that being held accountable for her goals was missing piece of the puzzle.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey… (We updated the post from 86 pounds to 100 pounds gone because we got confirmation from Tabreeka today. Photo below.)

Hi, my name is Tabreeka. Being a “big girl” has always been a part of my life. I have tried losing the weight so many times before and I always ended up yo-yo dieting everytime. I would start then stop, either getting frustrated by how slow the weight was coming off or going back to old eating habits. I never realized that I needed accountability and that this truly is a lifestyle change. My inspiration came from seeing Coach Wiltrina Jones featured on BWLW. I joined her Facebook group Team IUTBU and watched what they were doing from March to November. I saw Deborah Harvin shrink down to a size 6. After that, I said enough was enough. I was not going to turn 30 weighing 261 pounds. I joined IUTBU, started the meal plans and it’s history from there. I was skeptical when I started because of all my many other failed attempts, but little did I know being held accountable by someone other than myself was the piece of my weight loss journey that I was missing all along. My mental state was where it needed to be and I was tired of being fat. However, I just needed structure and to be held accountable.

I started eating off by eating according to the meal plans written by Coach Wiltrina. At first I thought these meal plans were going to be couscous, sprouts, salads…your typical diet foods. However, I was surprised when I saw burgers, steak, ribs, and plenty other foods that I wouldn’t expect to eat while losing weight in a million years. I have cut out fried foods. I bake, grill, or sautée my meats and veggies. I have sweets occasionally and eat treat meals when included in the plan. I learned from my many years of failure that when you cheat you’re only cheating yourself.

For exercise, 4-5 times a week I run 3-4 miles. I attend FitOneStudio, where they have bootcamp classes. I’m also on a exercise plan written by Coach Wiltrina that includes weight lifting, strength training, and cardio.

I started this journey at 261 pounds. I am now an amazing 161 pounds (height 5″4″). I have been on this journey since November 24, 2014. I’m still amazed myself at my progress.

My advice for others: Believe in yourself. If I can do it, anyone can. I was always told I couldn’t lose the weight because I was “big-boned”. For that reason, I thought that was my destiny to be a big girl. I was captive in all that weight. Losing it was the best thing that could’ve happen to me. Now, I feel like I have a new outlook on life. You have to step out of your comfort zone. It will never happen in that place. Being uncomfortable is what brought me change and happiness. Always remember this is an ongoing fight. Use determination, motivation, and remember where you came from because that is important.