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Dujuana lost 75 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Dujuana lost 75 pounds in 7 months. What was her motivation? Gaining 60 pounds during pregnancy and having to inject herself with insulin 3 times a day. This mom transformed her health with exercise and nutrition. Check out her story.

Dujuana before and after

What was your motivation?
My motivation for losing weight was my kids. After I had my 3rd child, I realized how huge I was. I gained 60 pounds while I was pregnant. What inspired me to keep going during the tough times was being diagnosed with diabetes and being on insulin. I did not like giving myself shots 3 times a day.

How did you change your eating and exercise habits?
I started walking more and drinking more water. I walked for at least 1 hour each day, and I went to Planet Fitness 3 times a week. I changed my eating habits by cutting out fast food. Instead, I ate a lot of baked foods and lots of fruits and vegetables. I eat salad almost everyday and I’m committed to a low carb diet.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 340 pounds and my current weight is 265 pounds. I lost 75 pounds in 7 months. My height is 5’4″. I did not have weight loss surgery. Just healthy eating habits and exercise.

What advice would you share with someone who wants to lose weight?
My advice for other people is to keep pushing. You may have started dieting several times before and failed, but never give up. Also, don’t let anybody bring you down. You have to believe in yourself.

Instagram: @isnt_she_lovely1988

Olivia lost 75 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Olivia lost 75 pounds. She threw out all of the junk and started eating clean. By walking and jogging, she was able to lose the weight without a gym membership. Check out her transformation story.

olivia before and after

What motivated you to lose weight?
I just got tired of all the body complications, aches and pains.

How did you change your eating habits?
I threw out all the junk food that I loved some much and started eating clean. Initially, I started with portion control, eating with my 3 years old’s eating bowl twice daily. As I got more enlightened about nutrition, I took out as much starchy carbohydrate, like rice, yams and pasta, from my meals as possible. I replaced those carbs with lots of vegetables, meat and fish, which I only ate a bit of before I started my weight loss journey.

What did you do in terms of exercise?
I started with 15 minutes of walking each day because that was all I could bare. I worked up from there. No gym membership. Now, I walk and jog for 2 hours and 30 minutes every two days.

Starting weight/Current weight
I stopped using the scale at 155.3kg (342 pounds). That was three years ago, so I never truly knew how bad my weight got. I currently weigh 121.3kg (267 pounds) at 5’11”. I’m still losing weight daily.

When did you start your weight loss journey?
August 2016

What advice would you share with other people who want to lose weight?
Take it one meal and one walk at a time. You are on your way to a healthier version of you. I don’t rush my weight loss anymore. Now I know that it is not about losing some pounds, but about staying healthy for a lifetime.

Having love and support is very vital in the weight loss process. Knowing that someone is counting on you not to give up can give you strength. For me, it was my brother. He held my hands and supported me with words and encouragement through it all. He kept seeing progress even when I couldn’t see any.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
No matter how much weight one has to loose, the biggest barrier is the mind. Once a person overcomes the “NO I CANNOT” mindset, everything is achievable. It is vital to forget how much weight there is to lose, and instead just focus on one day, one meal at a time.

Instagram: @oliganamezei

Olivia weight loss story

Mekie lost 75 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Mekie lost 75 pounds. She was diagnosed with ovarian cysts and wanted to heal herself without surgery. Her Vegan husband suggested that she see a natruropatic doctor, which led to her switching to Veganism as well. Check out plant-based eating and exercise changed her life.

Mekie before and after

I would like to share my story in hopes of inspiring someone else. As of today, I’ve lost a total of 75 pounds. It took me a little over a year to do this and I’m still going strong. I’ve managed to keep the weight off going on 3 years now.

In 2013, I was diagnosed with ovarian cysts. At the time, I was severely overweight. My husband, who is vegan, recommended that I consult a naturopathic doctor for help, which I did. My life changed at that moment. I started a vegan diet and joined the gym. The weight came off gradually and my joints began to get stronger. I continued to work and didn’t give up on myself, even though I would get depressed from time to time.

Going vegan was a necessary and gradual process for me. My goal was to heal myself and avoid having surgery for ovarian cysts. My journey to veganism was a bit easier because my husband was already vegan prior to our marriage. He was a great help. I gave up dairy products, pork, and beef immediately. Next, I kicked chicken, which took about 6 months, until I was pretty much over it. I kept seafood for a bit longer afterwards. So, it took me about a year to transition with minimal cravings. I knew that if I took my time, I would be more likely to stick with the lifestyle. If I had gone cold turkey, I would have given in and ultimately would’ve cheated myself of my goal.

Giving up fast food was one of my biggest hurdles. My version of cooking always involved a microwave and canned foods. I knew nothing about how to pick out organic, whole foods or what to do with them. My husband shared some knowledge in this department. I also put in a ton of research. I spent hours reading about GMOs, caloric intake, metabolism, eating times, exercise… I could go on and on! YouTube was a lifesaver! I basically learned how to cook by watching YouTube videos, LOL. Cooking is now one of my favorite hobbies.

I basically eat the same staple foods every day. I cut out processed foods, refined sugar, and bad carbs. I start my day with 2 large glasses of water followed by 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. After about 30 minutes or so, I’ll have a cup of tea (green tea or yerbe mate).  For breakfast, I have either a green juice (kale, apple, lemon, ginger, celery), fruit smoothie (Vega Protein Mix, frozen fruit, and almond milk), oatmeal, or tofu scramble with fresh fruit. I like to eat carbs with protein for lunch. I’ll have baked tofu, brown rice with steamed veggies. I also like sweet potatoes and vegetable spaghetti. Dinner is always pretty light. Sometimes, I’ll have another smoothie. Mainly, dinner is soup and a large salad. I eat a lot of quinoa with raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon. If I get bored, I play with spices. For instance, I add curry and coconut milk to my tofu sometimes to have tofu curry with rice or add Liquid Aminos and sriracha sauce to my veggies for a stir fry. I also drink a ton of water.

I worked out about 5 days per week in the beginning. Now, I workout 3-4 days per week. I started out on the elliptical machine, because that’s all that I could do. Then, I started walking and jogging. Eventually, I picked up spinning and yoga.

After about 3 months, my cysts went away on their own completely! I avoided surgery by healing myself. I started my journey in April 2011 at 250 pounds. I currently weigh 175 pounds. I’m 5’7″. My goal is to kick the last 25 pounds and achieve my goal of losing 100 pounds. I still have some more toning to do as well. However, I am so very proud of my accomplishments thus far.

The most challenging part of this journey, for me, was learning the purpose of food! Food is meant for nourishment and nutrition. I grew up in Alabama where health was never a part of any conversation. I used food for everything except it’s intended purpose. I only knew that if it tastes good, eat it! So, the hardest part for me was definitely lack of education. Once I gained knowledge, my journey was smooth sailing.

The biggest lesson that I’ve learned about myself is that I am worth the fight! I am worth every pound lost and every ounce of confidence that I’ve gained. I’ve cried. I’ve injured myself (fell while jogging). I’ve lost friends. I moved away from my family. I’ve been lonely. But guess what? I am worth it all and I would do it again in a split second.

My advice to others is to find your own path. No one knows your body like you! Every path isn’t for everyone. Be completely honest with yourself about where you are in life and the events or circumstances that got you to where you are now. Evaluate your entire life and eliminate anything or anyone who is holding you back. Listen to motivational speakers, read new books, go to meet up groups, and surround yourself with positivity in any way. If you don’t have a cheerleader, be your own! Self love is the best love.

I am so happy that we’re all starting to take the steps towards loving ourselves more. I hope that my story can influence someone to make the decision to make self love a priority.

Instagram: @Oh.Mekie.Youre.So.Fine

Mekie before and after

Mali lost 75 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Mali lost 75 pounds over the course of a year. Our Zambian sister says that because she didn’t rush the process, it has allowed her to maintain her success for 5 years. She hit the road, switched up her eating habits and created a healthier lifestyle. Check out her story.

mali weight loss

Growing up overweight was not easy. I have always been on the big side and I didn’t care much until one day when my brother walked to in the room looked at me with disgust. He said, “Hey Mali, you have become obese.” The very next day I hit the road, started my journey and I have never look back since.

I use to weight 100kgs (220 pounds) and in a year I was down to 66kgs (145 pounds). It has taken time for me to lose the weight, but taking my time is the reason that the weight has not come back. I have maintained my weight around 66kg to 70kg for 5 years now. My height is 5’2″.

First thing in the morning, I drank lemon water before eating any food. Then, I went out for a jog. I cut out sugar and nshima, which I still don’t eat today. Nahima is our staple food in Zambia and it is also called pulp. I am a fan of bread, so I didn’t give up bread completely. I just cut back and ate a bit of it here and there. My meals where mostly snacking throughout the day. I also enjoy my lemon tea before bed.

I do not believe in dieting. In the past, I tried to diet and failed, so now I call it a lifestyle, because I’m going things that you have to keep doing for life if you want to keep fit and healthy. Things like eating right, walking, cutting down on sugar and cutting out carbonated drinks is the way to go.

I work out 3 times a week. I do skipping in the morning before breakfast. I enjoy walking for exercise as well. Selling my car was the best thing that had happened to me, because it meant more walking. Now, I’m more active all the time. Even when applying lotion, I don’t sit on a chair, because I’m always standing, bending and looking for ways to move. I have invested in a Trojan Horse exercise machine and when I’m watching TV I’ll use it to workout.

I can now proudly say that I am an example for my family and friends. Their are many times that I wanted to give up. However, looking at my progress and proving people wrong who said I could not do it is what kept me going. When start my weight loss journey, my boyfriend stopped me saying that he loved me big and loved me the old way. Now that I have lost the weight he never wants me to leave his side. He can’t hide his delight and I am enjoying the attention.

My advice: If you want to lose weight, start with your meals and controlling your eating habits. They say weight lost is 80% what we eat and only 20% of our success falls on the workout. Buy nice shoes that you will love putting on when going to workout and hit the road.

mali before and after

Ada lost 78 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Ada lost 78 pounds. This 55 year old Glam-ma faced depression and emotional eating when she lost her mother and grandmother to cancer 4 months apart. The birth of her grandson gave her the motivation she needed to change her life with surgery, healthy eating habits and walking 3 miles a day. Check out her transformation journey.

Ada weight loss

In October 2008, my grandmother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Then, 2 months later. my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They both were in stage 4. My mom and my grandmother passed away in 2009, 4 months apart. I went into a deep depression where I began to eat uncontrollably to fill the void in my life and suppress my sadness. I went from a size 14 to a 24 in a matter of 2 years. I was already on steroids because of asthma, so that didn’t help the situation at all.

In 2012, I weighed 254 pounds. Once my grandson was born, my life changed. I knew that I needed to change my way of eating and living, if not for myself then for him. I had tried every diet under the sun and nothing worked, so I opted to have the gastric sleeve procedure done for health reasons in 2012. I was informed that I had to lose 12 pounds before surgery. I went to a dietician and she taught me how to eat, how to use portion control, having a balance of protein, carbs and vegetables, etc. I started an exercise regimen twice a week as well. I reached my pre-surgery goal.

ada before and afterAfter having weight loss surgery, I lost 90 pounds in a year and I went from a size 24 to a size 10. Now, I eat right and exercise regularly. I love my healthy lifestyle. Did I mention that I’m 55 years old and a “Glam-Ma”. My current weight is 176 pounds. I’m still not at my goal weight and would like to weigh 160 pounds.

In terms of healthy eating, I try not to eat any fried foods. Instead, I eat food that is baked, broiled or BBQ’d. I also eat lots of veggies, fruits and have low fat cheese/milk. I drink lots of water, at least 64oz a day. Everyone in my house eats healthy now. My son weighed 240 pounds and now he weighs 165 pounds. My daughter weighed 319 pounds and now she weighs 200 pounds. (both did it without surgery)

I exercise daily, walking at least 3 miles a day. If you are not a gym head, be encouraged Ladies. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. You are more than conquerers. You are victorious in Jesus. Believe in yourself. Everyone transforms at a different pace.

Instagram: @estoybella

Desiree lost 75 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Desiree lost 75 pounds. After having her daughter, she was not in the best mindset. Being overweight made her avoid social situations and friends. Instead of being depressed, she decided to put in the hard work and never give up. Now, she is not ashamed to show her before photo, because she’s never going back. Check out what she shared with us.

desiree before and after

It got to the point where I didn’t want to go anywhere. I stopped answering my phone and communicating with friends. I couldn’t believe that I’s reached point where I looked worse than I’d ever looked in my life. After having my daughter, I reached a very bad place. However, I new I had to get it together. I’m to dope to let being overweight bring me down. I put in hard work and never quit. That is why I see so much progress. I can’t wait to see my finished body. Now, I can post photos of the old me because that’s not me anymore. Never again.

I’ve gone from 294 pounds to 219 pounds. My height is 5’4″. I began my journey in June 2015. I lost weight with clean eating and portion control. I also take cheat days. I gradually made changes in my diet, cutting out processed foods out and watching my carbs. Some days are harder than others. When I have bad days, I just start over the next day. I’m human.

I work out 5 to 6 days a week for at least 70 minutes per session. I take lots of classes to mix my workouts up. I did alot of stair climbing on the stair master and walking on the treadmill. The later led to a lot of weight training and cardio dance classes, like UjaM. Now, I’m into Crossfit. I love a challenge and really gives me one. Crossfit keeps my body shocked.

My advice for others would be to never give up. Just keep going, because consistency is key. Learn your body and what it needs. Everyone’s body is different. Don’t be discouraged. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

My journey is only just beginning.

Instagram: @desi2tite

desiree weight loss story

Camille lost 79 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Camille lost 79 pounds. This strong mom was very transparent in sharing the ups and downs of her journey. Watching her mom face having 3 toes amputated was her breaking point. She was not going to let a family history of weight related illnesses and years of emotional eating take her down. She embraced the 80/20 rule, healthy eating and lots of exercise with the help of great coaches. Check out what she shared with us.

camille

Beginning Weight: 279 pounds
Current Weight: 200 pounds
Height: 5’9″
How long did your transformation take?: 3 years

From First Lady to Putting Myself First:  So, it started nearly over 40 years ago. I struggled with my weight as a child in grade school. Later, after the birth of my youngest son in 2002, I enrolled in a boot camp. I lost 30 pounds in 6 weeks and tore 2 ligaments in my knee. Because of that, I found the 30 pounds I lost, plus 20 more. Next came a heart wrenching public divorce as a pastor’s wife and 3 adult children launching into the deep of college while identifying their own paths in life. All of this left me medicating my pain with food.

I knew it was bad when I had all the nearby restaurants phone numbers stored in my phone on speed dial, including my entrées of choice. I attended a grief recovery class and that forced me to look myself in a full glass mirror. I had to address my childhood abuse and the hurt I experienced while looking for validation in all the wrong places, personally and professionally. As the healing began, God began to restore me and fill me up with his love.

On March 22, 2012, my mom had 3 toes amputated. I stayed with her until the surgery was complete and she was settled in her room. I cried the entire drive home and all night long. I wrestled with the fact that if I didn’t do something I would be next. The following morning, I vowed that would not be me. I stepped on the scale and saw 279 pounds staring back at me. Immediately, I began to think about my family’s long history of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. I realized if I didn’t do something I would either be just like my mother or, as Auntie Hattie put it, a girl with a beautiful face who’s killing herself with food.

My cousin Sheri had been hounding me about trying a new workout class with her. I was nervous and resistant because of the previous experience with the boot camp. However, on March 23, 2012 I met Nichole Fisher who helped to change my course and give me a new lease on life, one day at a time. She is a hardcore trainer who decided to leave the dogma of the fitness industry and is changing the lives of many people, one person at a time, in her basement.

Immediately, we connected. She is no-nonsense, just like me, and would not accept me quitting on myself or me giving her excuses. She did not once put me down for being overweight and lacking energy while my discipline was developing. The ladies at the Figure Eight Boot Camp were phenomenal. They were all there for different reasons and had different goals, yet we had great camaraderie. What I loved most about Nichole was her raw transparency concerning her own struggles with weight and how the folks in the fitness community take advantage of the obese.

During the first week, I detoxed with fruits and vegetables. No meat, pasta, or sweets. We worked out and I could barely make it through the first 5 minutes of walking in place. After my first week, I lost 9 pounds and that’s when I got serious. I committed to working out 3-4 days a week, journaling my meals, drinking water, and exercising regularly. Chicken, and fish were added in later and I ate 3 meals a day with two snacks.

After 90 days, I could not believe I had already lost nearly 32 pounds. After 2 years, I lost 60 pounds and was gearing up to lose the next 40 pounds. As life would have it, things changed. My trainer’s dad died, she took a new position that limited her time and I relocated to another state. After a year in a rural community where I didn’t know anybody and facing the challenges of getting acclimated to a new job, housing, etc, I was no longer on my routine. I attempted to stay motivated walking a couple days a week but it just was not enough.

I stumbled upon a couple that forever changed the trajectory of my life, both personally and professionally. I met Julius and Jeanette Jones and could not believe the drive and energy they possessed at every encounter. They introduced me to Herbalife Nutrition and that’s when things changed completely. I stepped on their scale and could not believe that after all my conscious eating and attempts at keeping the weight off I gained back 28 pounds. Isn’t it funny how we always call nearly 30 pounds “picked up a little weight.”?

So, I began again working out, this time learning that all those years of the weight struggle were attributed to emotional eating and the lack of understanding the 80/20 rule of health. 80% is nutrition. Like my eldest son LeBron (not James) told me a few years ago, I must control what goes in my mouth. The other 20% is fitness, so you must exercise to change your body. I could not believe how the weight began to melt off one pound at a time. In fact, I began chronicling my progress and I’m creating a memoir called “One Pound at a Time.”

To date, I’ve lost those 28 pounds. More importantly, I’ve lost 3 more dress sizes. I’m shocked when I look at my strength and fortitude; the yo- you dieting is finally over. I’m in the best shape of my life me and my adult children look like my siblings. I’m working out 4-5 days a week doing cardio and weight training for 3-4 days. My goal is to lose another 30 pounds. Now I’m inspiring and encouraging people around the world. I’m letting them know that they have what it takes to gain control over this flesh and train their bodies like an athletes. You don’t have to be perfect, but you must perfectly pursue a better life.

My advice: Gain control over what you put in your mouth and then find a coach. There are some results that will only come from a coach. You must be consistent and you must be your own body’s advocate. I never imagined calling myself an athlete, but the bible declares it so in 1 Corinthians 9:27: I will discipline/train my body like an athlete I make it do what it does.

Instagram and Twitter: @camillescouch
camillescouch.com

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Yvonne lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Yvonne lost 75 pounds. This mom of 3 saw her weight creep up over the years and has been working with her trainer for 10 months to change her lifestyle. She has also lost 32 inches, dropping her dress size from 26 to 16. She shared some insights about her weight loss journey and how having accountability helped her…

yvonne weight loss story

What made you decide to get your health in order and/or lose some weight? Did you think you were overweight?

No light bulb moment for me. I knew I was overweight. Prior to my first pregnancy, my weight fluctuated between 140 and 160 pounds. I gained 80 pounds with my first pregnancy in 1988/89 and I never lost it all.  With two more pregnancies, I eventually got up to 283 pounds.  I lost some and gained even more over the years.  My heaviest weight was 315 pounds.

My mom, dad and sister are all at a decent weight, not overweight or obese.  My mom and sister always wanted to lose 10lbs though, so maybe they are considered overweight on a chart somewhere.  My dad was always average size….5′ 9-10″ and 180-190lbs.

Thus far in your journey, has it been difficult… challenging… or what would you call it?

Yes, the struggle is real!  It’s a daily challenge, mentally, to stay the course.  It can also be frustrating at times just trying to stay on a schedule and juggle the other things in life as of a mom of three, but it has never been too hard that I wanted to quit. There are times when I strongly dislike my coach, Kurt, and the meal plans that he gives me, but I press on because I know that he knows what I need to achieve my ultimate goal.  I have a joke with my girlfriends that simply says #kurtisnotthebossofme and then we laugh and say…”well he’s gonna get you if you don’t do right”.

Are you satisfied w/ where you are now? If not, what more do you want or can you do?

I like the progress I’m making.  I’m nowhere near satisfied or ready to call this my final results.  I want to lose about 60 more pounds, at least, and I want to tone my body up a WHOLE lot.  Staying on plan and adding some strength training will definitely help me reach my goals.

During this process, what have you learned thus far?

So much….I’ve learned that I don’t have to have snacks with football games. I’ve learned that when I’m stressed my body doesn’t lose weight. I’ve learned that menopause throws your body way out of whack, but those weeks can be conquered too. I’ve learned how important it is to stick to a schedule when eating, so that your body is satisfied and it cuts the cravings of snack foods.  I’ve learned that I will always love candy and sweets, but I can control when I eat them and HOW MUCH of them I eat.  I’ve learned what the right portions of food are for my body.  I’ve learned to meal prep in 30-45 mins instead of 2 plus hours like it took me in the beginning.  I’ve learned that working out wrong is not beneficial at all.  I’ve learned that the nutritional part of the journey far outweighs the sweating at the gym.

How do you feel now vs when you were at your biggest?

I feel alive.  My son looked at a comparison pic of me recently and he said “you looked like you were about to die”. That really spoke volumes to me because I didn’t see myself that way. You never really know how big you are until you see yourself smaller.  I have been blessed to not have any doctor diagnosed health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol which often surprises the doctors and they say…you’re just fat and you need to lose weight.  I’m finally on the right track to lose the weight once and for all.

What kind of support, if any, did you get from family and friends? And in contrast, did you experience any negativity from friends and family?

My family and friends all positively support me.  They continue to encourage me to press on through my journey.  My mom saw the pic of me in the dress and said “I want an 8×10 or larger of the pic” and she is so serious.  I better get it done for her soon.  I’m sure she already has a frame for it.  No one has shown me any negativity.

Have you ever tried to lose weight before? If so, what was the difference in what you did this time vs other plans or programs you tried before?

Yes, for the past 26 years, I have been off and on losing weight.  I never really had a plan.  I worked out with a small group twice and I have cut back on foods before.  I have done no carbs for a while, but nothing part of a structured plan.  Just my own stuff.  This time, I have a structured plan and accountability from a “REAL” health coach who knows what he is doing and actually likes to help others achieve their goals.

How did you end up working w/ Body Refined? What has your experience been like working w/ Body Refined?

My coworker/friendgirl, Bonita Glover, saw an article where someone worked with him and she started with him. I watched her transform and struggle for many months on the plan and then my youngest daughter said “let’s do it, Ma.” so she and I started August 2014.  My experience with BRI has actually been exactly what I expected…. nerve racking but in a good way.  Kurt is very passionate about his work and he is no nonsense, but also a human being.  He understands that we are all human and he has some of the same struggles that his clients have.  He has no sympathy for someone just doing the wrong thing for no reason.  He will however let you have a cookie or two if you damn near kill yourself for it during the week.  And let me say, I haven’t wanted any more cookies since I earned those two.  I’d rather work hard for a burger and fries or a grilled hot dog/italian sausage than them dern cookies that have basically no nutritional value at all.  They just tasted good and it was fun working towards the goal he set for us to earn them.

What was the difference in working w/ Body Refined vs the traditional trainer?

I paid three people for workouts before and they were fine for what I purchased.  I would probably never just pay someone to tell me what to do in a gym anymore though because I’ve learned over the years that weight loss is much more than that.   Kurt Dixon is the first health coach I have ever had and he will be the last one.  Whenever I’m done with him, I won’t need another one and if I needed help I would go back to him again.  The dude is good at what he does and if you have the mindset to stomach his “curtness” then you will be successful.

Most people are reluctant to get online coaching because they think it’s all about having a “trainer” to push them hard in the gym. Were you at all skeptical about getting help remotely?

Well for me…. I don’t want to see a trainer every day.  I think a day or two a week is fine with a trainer if one’s budget and schedule can afford it, but it’s not necessary for a successful weight loss journey.  Because no matter what, the client has to want to change and do the things necessary to achieve goals. Whether it is for weight loss or just body toning or even weight gain, they have to want to change.  It doesn’t matter how many times you see your actual “trainer”, a health coach gets you the nutritional and physical things you need to be successful.  I mean, the trainer isn’t gonna tell you how to eat, when to eat, how much to eat.  Trainers talk about reps and how much time to spend on gym equipment.  If you spend 4 hrs a day in a gym or working out and you still eat an outrageous amount of unclean foods, you will pretty much be in the same situation you started when you finally quit working with your trainer. A health coach will leave you with knowledge about your body, foods to eat, exercises to do and a better overall understanding about living a healthy life.

Would you recommend anyone to Body Refined? If so, what would be the deciding factor on your decision to refer someone to Body Refined?

Yes, I would recommend folks to Body Refined, but they better be ready for a lifestyle change and not a quick fix.  BRI is for folks that want to make a permanent change in how they live every day from when they start until they die.  And, yes I mean forever.  For me this is the LAST time that I will have to have a “weight loss journey”. I have my mind made up to make a lifestyle change and I’m going to do it.  I’m doing it slow and steady.  Probably a little too slow for Kurt, but I know he appreciates my efforts most of the time so I know he won’t give up on me.

Instagram: @skins4ever

www.facebook.com/bodyrefinedinc

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Ladii lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Ladii lost 75 pounds. After a few wake up calls, this proud mom decided to get moving and lose the weight this year. Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

ladii

Ever since I got married at 16 years old and gained 100 lbs in 6 months, I’ve a hard time losing weight. My knees hurt, back hurt and I had no energy at all. After leaving him, I lost the weight, but 2 years later I ended up pregnant with my son. Of course, I gained weight with that pregnancy, but lost it all and more after having him.

In February 2015, I was seen by my doctor to be checked for diabetes and all that good stuff. I was one point away from having type 2 diabetes. They found many more things wrong as well and suggested weight loss. Even though I worked out a lot and I have healthy eating habits, I didn’t exercise past my “oh that burns” point. Once a move hurt, I stopped and I would never do more than just enough.

Well, one Sunday morning getting ready for church my son walks in on me changing my shirt (he’s 3 years old) and he runs up to my belly and says “Wow mommy, you gotta fat belly.” and starts to jiggle it. Speechless, I explained that he once lived in there and it wasn’t easy getting it to go away. He told me not to make his home go away. Lol, he loved my fat. Everyday after that he would play with my belly, jiggling it and blowing zerberts/raspberries on it.

At that point, I’d never looked in the mirror naked, so I finally did and made up in my mind that it was time to get the body I know is mine. I began running 1 to 2 miles a day, taking my son with me on his bike so he got some exercise as well. Then, while he played at the park after the run, I would workout using the toys there. I started off making changes at 278 pounds in February 2015. I began working out in April and have lost 75 pounds. My current weight is 203 pounds and I am 5’4″ tall. I have 40 pounds more to go but I won’t stop until I reach my goal! Thanks for listening to my story.

Tish lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Tish lost 75 pounds. Wanting to change her life, she connected with her cousin who is a personal trainer and began her weight loss journey.  She put in the work, changed her habits and now she is sharing her success story with us…
fish before and after

I was tired of not being able to climb a flight of stairs without taking a break! I wanted so badly to change my life but didn’t know how to. Then, I found out that my cousin was a trainer and that she is very affordable. So, I gave her a try, but I didn’t change my eating habits and thus I didn’t lose much weight.

I prayed and asked God to help me and he did. I started to love the taste of veggies and water which was a miracle, because I used to hate them both. LOL. I still eat what I want to, but in moderation. Also, I don’t waste my calories unless it’s a dessert! My heaviest weight was 236 pounds and now I weigh 161 pounds (my height is 5’1″ tall).

I meet with my cousin her every Saturday morning and she gives me meal plans and workouts to do at home until we meet the following week. I have been on my journey for 2 years in August. I reached a plateau at one point, so I incorporated hip hop dance into my workout.

If I could offer any advice to others, I would say pray a lot and stay focused on your goal. If you fall off the wagon please don’t beat yourself up just get back up and try to keep going!

Instagram: @hatishia