Lajuana lost 30 pounds. She realized that she was not just curvy, but overweight. After facing major health issues and surgery, she decided it was time to change her life. Here is what she shared with us:
“My name is Lajuana Wood and I am so happy to be able to tell my story today! Throughout my life I was told that I was “thick” or “big boned” as individuals like to say in the black community. I didn’t realize that I was really overweight with a curvy shape, leaving me to buy into the coke bottle hoax. I grew up in a single parent home with 4 brothers and most of our meals were soul food and any other easy processed thing we could get our hands on. All our plates looked the same and there was no difference in portion sizes; therefore I never knew any different until I got older.
It wasn’t until I found out I had Hypothyroid that things changed. I knew I’d been gaining weight at an alarming rate but didn’t know what was wrong. Once diagnosed, I had to have my thyroid removed leaving me with a very large scar that scales my chest. This was devastating to me. I was now overweight with this hideous scar and a disorder that keeps my weight on a constant fluctuation. I was so down and I knew I needed a change. I embraced my scar and then embraced needing to live a healthier life. I struggled with the idea of living healthy. “What does that mean?” is the question I kept asking myself each and every time a new diet failed or I had to switch medications.
I never knew the benefit and power of eating fruits and vegetables and how satisfying and light they make me feel. Today I workout 5 days a week, eat regularly health conscious meals, support my healthy life style with supplements like Herballife, and a great support team. As of July 3rd I am down 30 lbs. and counting. I feel amazing and happier than ever because I did this for me, not him or her but for me and I thank God he allowed me to live this long so that I could see myself accomplish this victory. Now that I am on this journey I asked others join it as well. I send out weekly weight loss progress reports; I post motivational quotes and invite others to join me each and every day. I want everyone to experience the joy I have found.”
