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Kaila lost 125 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Kaila lost 125 pounds. Her weight reached 300 pounds in high school and she worried that her high school sweetheart would stop loving her. When she decided to make a change, her mom made the entire household switch up their eating habits and she started working out every day. Now, 4 years later, she’s developed a love for fitness and learned the value of patience. Check out her transformation journey.

Kaila before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give
up?
At one point, I weighed 300 pounds at the age of 16. My high school sweetheart Chase, whom I am still with today, had always been smaller than me. He was literally half my size. I gained a lot of weight when we were
together in high school and I felt like he wouldn’t love me anymore. However, he never made me feel that way. It was just a mental block for me. So, I decided to get this weight off of me.

Looking back on my progress motivates me to keep going. When I feel like I am about to eat something that I really shouldn’t be eating, I look at my screensaver which is my before and after photo. It says “Moment on the lips, lifetime on the hips SO DON’T EAT IT!”

How did you change your eating habits?
My mom made my entire household change our eating habits. We did little things like switching from 2% milk to Skim milk or baking everything instead of frying our food. I stopped eating A LOT of fried foods and I stopped indulging in carbohydrates and gravies. I started eating steamed, fresh vegetables and lots of baked fish and chicken. I used MyPlate to make sure that I ate the right amount of food. One of my main struggles was portion control.

What did your workout routine look like?
My workout routine consists of 15-20 minutes of cardio every single day (if I’m going to the gym) and weight training. Weight training is how I was able to get this coke bottle figure. Some days, I also do HipHopFitness for 1 hour here in Columbus, Ohio taught by Mike Nicholson. On average, you burn about 1,200 calories per class. I workout every single day. NO DAYS OFF!

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 300 pounds even. I am currently sitting at 175 pounds. I am 5’8”

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in the Summer of 2014, so I’m going on 4 years into my transformation and I am still transforming.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you have to want it for yourself. People will lie to you and tell you that you look fine and all of that. Nothing about being 300lbs looks healthy or is healthy in general. You have to push yourself.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
My advice is to stay consistent and be patient. You CANNOT rush greatness! Practice makes progress, and we all want to see progress. Whenever you feel like giving up, always remember why you started.

Instagram: @kailabri

kaila before and after

Kaila before and after

kaila before and after

Ruth lost 44 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Ruth lost 44 pounds. Our sista from Kenya started having serious back problems in her teens and was told that weight loss could improve her condition. This young lady took action and figured out what works for her. Check out her story.

Ruth

My name is Ruth and I’m from Kenya. I just wanted to share my story and motivate someone just like the ladies who’ve shared stories on your website have motivated me during my lowest times.

My motivation to lose weight was my health. I had started having back problems at the tender age of 16 and the doctor told me that I needed to lose some weight, otherwise the pain would only get worse. I was also going through some physical therapy at the time and I remember thinking that I was way to young to be having such problems.

I stopped eating junk food as regularly as I used to and started eating more natural, wholesome foods. African food is really high in carbohydrates so I reduced my portions significantly. I stopped eating in between meals, no matter how hungry I got. I wanted to train my body to get used to specific meal times. So, if I got hungry I just drank water, ate a fruit or ate something light. I also stopped eating carbohydrates after 4.00pm and only ate fruit, veggies and chicken or fish for supper. For breakfast, I reduced the slices of bread I ate to only 2 slices with no butter. I put avocado on my bread instead and ate it with egg and fruit. I didn’t completely cut out carbohydrates as some people suggested since I knew that I would just end up falling off the wagon eventually. I just reduced my portions. Besides, I was a student who lived at home. I had to make due with what was available at home since I couldn’t go out and buy my own food items.

My work out routine consisted of at home workouts. I alternated between Insanity by Shawn T, skipping rope (about 1000 skips) and Zumba. At the beginning of my journey, I only did skipping and I lost my first 10kgs this way. Then, I hit a plateau and added Zumba to my routine. I started doing Insanity in September of this year and I love with the program. Well maybe not love, lol, but the results have been amazing. I may join the gym soon in order to tone my body, but even without toning I’m quite comfortable with the way I look now. When I started my journey, I worked out up to 6 days a week. I reduced this to 3-4 times a
week when I started doing Insanity because it’s really intense.

My starting weight was 80kgs which is about 176 pounds and my current weight is 60kgs/132 pounds. My height is 5’3″.

I started my journey in 2012. I lost the first 10kgs and then I got  comfortable. I weighed around 70kgs for the next two years or so. In the middle of 2015, I started getting more serious and I’ve gradually been losing weight ever since. I’ve had some ups and downs in terms of gaining pounds back during this journey, but I never gave up.

The best advice I can give others, especially those who cannot easily access the gym like me, is to work out at home. It’s very possible to lose weight this way. Just buy workout DVDs, use your computer for exercise videos, start jogging or skipping, etc. Also, one thing I didn’t know at the beginning of my journey is that diet is 80% of the work. I used to work out religiously, but because of my poor eating habits, I didn’t lose weight as fast as I should have. It took me a long time to do something that I could have done in just a few months. If I could go back, I’d change my eating habits first before even considering working out.

Please don’t give up. It doesn’t matter how slow the weight loss process is, as long as you are making changes in the right direction to improve yourself everyday. Even if you gain some of the weight back, start over again. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Ruth before and after

Annie lost 97 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Annie lost 97 pounds and has kept it off for 3 years. She knows that “If hunger is not the problem, then food is not the answer.” Her freedom came from working to heal from the root of her weight gain, sexual assault in her teens. Once she took that step, she was able to take action via changing her eating habits and exercising. Check out her emotional weight loss journey…

annie before and after

Maximum Weight: 282 pounds
Current Weight: 185 pounds (first reached in 2013)

Every year, I made a resolution to “get fit”; but the resolve was gone by Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. I wasn’t a lazy person; I’ve always been active in sports. And, I didn’t lack general motivation. My determination propelled my accomplishment and leadership; academically, personally, and professionally. However, I could never apply my doggedness to a sustainable weight loss plan.

I decided to get to the root of the issue and my search led to a painful point in my past. I was sexually assaulted in my early teens. I mistakenly believed the lie that it was my fault. At the time, I was in great physical shape and believed that my appearance invited the attacks. I felt that the only way to be safe was to destroy my physical body. So, I ate, and I ate a lot. I hoped that if I became what I perceived to be unattractive that I would no longer be a victim. I gained almost 70 pounds in a single school year. Holding on to that secret and my rapid weight gain led me into a depression from which I would not emerge from for over a decade. Eventually, I “moved on” but had established poor habits and used eating as a coping mechanism. These detrimental behaviors were so ingrained that I was never able to lose weight, which was the last remnant of that painful past.

In time, I accepted my weight and owned my new identity, becoming the archetypal “fat, sassy, best friend”. People “comforted” me, saying, “Girl, you still cute.” and “You’re not fat; you’re just thick, curvy…”, or any substitute for obese. I was cute, but I was also unhealthy. I had a serious problem and people’s attempts not to make me “feel bad” did not treat it seriously. I had sleep apnea, severe back pain, high blood pressure, joint damage, and was winded doing basic activities. I barely fit in roller coasters and airplane seats. I broke a chair at my best friend’s surprise party. That was neither cute nor sassy.

In September 2011, I started seeing a therapist and began repairing my damaged self-perception. After several months, it was time to sculpt a new body to match my new attitude. I joined a gym, went regularly, but never pushed myself. Then, I got a personal trainer. My trainer supported me emotionally and pushed me to do more than I had the day before. My trainer’s caring approach was exactly what I needed to stay on track and cultivate new skills and habits that led to sustained weight loss.

Initially, to jump start the process, I cut out most carbs, especially dessert. I did Weight Watchers for the first 6 months until I felt confident enough to hold myself accountable to just calorie counting. I gradually added things back into my diet, taking a “nothing is off limits” approach where anything can be eaten if it’s planned for and accounted for in my calorie goals.

In the beginning, I tried to stick to 1200 calories a day but its incredibly restrictive and can’t be maintained over time. Now, I stick somewhere between 1350-1450 for 5 days a week (so I basically get 2 cheat days. Even then, I still eat way less than I used to). Avoiding emotional eating is my main focus diet wise. I don’t have any specific foods or diets that I swear by. Just the motto (that I read somewhere): If hunger is not the problem, then food is not the answer.

I worked with my personal trainer 2 days a week (the most instrumental part of my weight loss!) doing weights and boot camp type classes. On my own, I would “wog” (walk/jog) 5 days a week. As I got stronger and capable of more, I enjoyed boxing classes, high intensity interval training and weight lifting. Now, I workout 4-5 days a week. Also, I just made the team for the Women’s professional team here in St. Louis, so I’ll now have football practice to add to my regimen.

At my peak, I was 282 pounds. I lost 97 pounds and kept it off for almost 3 years. I am 5’5″ and a half (us short girls always have to add the half) and I’m 33 years old. I have not only lost weight but also the mental and emotional chains that held me captive. I share this deeply personal story in the hope that someone in a similar position will read it. Someone for whom their struggles with weight are not related to laziness or lack of motivation, but rather an unresolved emotional wound that has yet to heal. To this person, I would say that it is worth the hard mental, emotional, and yes, physical work to reach a path of strength and freedom that I had never imagined.

annie weight loss story

Dazmine lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Dazmine lost 50 pounds. This young lady has struggled with her weight since childhood. She faced fat shaming and being made fun of because of her weight from family and at school. She’s a proud mom who lost weight as a teen, but gained it back with the birth of her son. Now, she is sharing with us how she was able to release the pounds in a healthy way.

dazmine weight loss

Hi, my name is Dazmine B. and I want to share my story with you. All my life I struggled with my weight. Even my mom would shame me about it. I can remember how hard my mom was on me about my appearance (as she is concerned about her body as well). I can remember how I felt being around girls smaller than me. I can remember how it felt to be overweight and feeling ashamed. I was made fun of terribly, inside my home and outside my home. It was embrassing, as a kid and fat jokes destroyed you. I always dreamed about finally getting the weight off.

When I was 16 years old, I started my weight loss journey. I got a job working at the senior center, during the summer, where they had exercise equipment. My starting weight was 185 pounds at the time, fluctuating between 185-190 lbs. I walked everywhere and I drank nothing but water. I strived for 64 oz of water a day. I exercised 5 times a week for hour or more.

Going back to school for my senior year, everyone was amazed by my progress, since these were the people who knew me my whole life. However, after graduating that year, I got pregnant. When I gave birth to my child, I weighed 180 lbs. So, I knew I had to lose it again.

The second time was different. I took my time and I didn’t pressure myself or stress about it. I like to watch my calories and the ingredients in the food I eat. Now, I only drink water. Also, I exercise at least 3- 5 times a week, for hour to hour an half a day. Weight training helps me shred weight and makes for a more toned look, rather just cardio.

I now weigh 135 pounds. I love myself, more than ever. It is hard to imagine at times that I’m no longer heavy. It is a blessing to have self-love and to reach a goal you felt would never happen, especially when you’ve grow up your entire childhood and some of your teen years obese. It is powerful to look in the mirror now. Those who have watched me grow and who’ve seen my transformation know exactly what I’m talking about. Weight loss is such a difficult task to accomplish. I did it twice, before the birth of my child and afterwards.

I know that my health is very important. You learn healthier habits on this journey. The gym has become a place of peace for me. Exercising is very essential and beneficial. Ever since I started my journey to a improving my physical appearance, I’ve educated myself more. Also, water has been my best friend.

My advice for others: I would say, “Don’t stress it and keep exercising”. A lot of people get wrapped in dieting and that stresses them out and discourages them. It can be done, just be patient and determined. Never give up! Trying is always the best effort.

Instagram: @_tastefullydazmine

dazmine before and after

Brooklynn lost 54 pounds

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Update 2016: Shout out to Brooklynn! She is a proud Class of 2016 high school grad and she’s lost an additional 15 pounds for a total of 69 pounds gone.

brooklynn before and after

“I have actually lost an additional 15 pounds since my story was featured last year and I am still running regularly! I am signed up for my first 5k which takes place in September. One thing I have noticed is that as I get closer to my ideal weight, it has become harder to lose as quickly. Now, the next goal I want to achieve is to match my eating habits with my exercise routine. In all honesty, I feel my eating habits are what is holding me back from reaching my ultimate goal. Hopefully, with the right research and a change in mindset, I can overcome the obstacle. That being said, I am thankful for how far I have come.”

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Brooklynn lost 54 pounds. After gaining weight due to epilepsy medication in elementary school, this young lady faced additional weight gain and bullying going into middle school.  She decided in 8th grade to change lifestyle and focus on what would make her happy.  She’s now about to enter her senior year of high school and we applaud her for making a healthy lifestyle change at such a young age.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

brooklynn weight loss

Hi, my name is Brooklynn Grace and this is my weight loss story. My family has a history of obesity, and when I developed epilepsy in the third grade, it wasn’t hard for the medicine I was placed on to help me gain 30+ pounds that year. I was taken off of the medicine because of the increased weight gain; however, my weight continued to increase over a period of time. When I was in seventh grade, my highest weight was 252.8 pounds. I was teased by one girl at school and I would even have times where I felt as if my own mom wasn’t supportive of me because she was always harping on my weight. I didn’t love myself and I felt like if I continued, I would never reach my goal in life of being and actress and performing one day in my favorite Broadway musical, The Lion King. That’s when I decided to make a change. Not for my mom, or the girl who would tease me, but for myself.

At the beginning of my eighth grade year I began doing Zumba in my basement, I lost ten pounds by the end of the school year. My freshman year of high school I joined my school’s color guard and continued doing that plus Zumba for the duration of my freshman and sophomore year. There would be moments where I would stop and start again but I refused to let myself go back to where I was. I sing in my school’s choir, play violin in my school’s orchestra, participate in my school’s theatre program, volunteer in the children’s department at my church, and participate in other numerous programs that keep my schedule busy and hardly leave any room for exercise, but I managed to pull through.

I started cutting back on a lot of sweets. That was my primary issue because I always have had a sweet tooth. I created a more balanced system as far as when I would eat them compared to when I would work out. For example if I went to a party or family gathering and had too much cake, I would add an extra 30 minutes to my workout routine. I also stopped drinking pop and that has made a tremendous difference in my health as well. My initial workout plan was 3 days a week for 2 hours in the evening. The first 30-45 minutes I would use the Just Dance game on the Sweat it Out mode because I found the routines fun and they got my heart rate going. After that, I would do the Zumba program for an hour which kept my energy up and I increased the intensity of the videos as time moved on, and finally I would do just some added strength training I began with basic sit-ups and eventually moved on to other exercises such as squats, scissors, lunges, and push-ups.

Currently, because of marching band, I do not have to do Zumba as often since we exercise at practice. However every morning that I do not have practice, I do some strengthening exercises, go to my local park and I run/walk 2 miles in 2 minute increments using the Couch 2 5k app. One of my goals is to be able to run a marathon by the time I graduate next year.

Now that I’m almost a senior in high school, I am happy to say that I weigh 198 pounds, but I’m far from reaching my goal. I may not be there yet but I’m closer than I was in seventh grade. I’m happier and more confident. Weight loss is hard especially as a teenager, but I keep going so that I can be and inspiration to myself and to others. I am seventeen years old and I am proud to say that I have lost 54.8 lbs and counting. (height: 5’6″)

My advice to anyone who wants to lose weight is that losing weight is like riding a roller coaster. There are ups and downs, but you got on the ride for a reason and you don’t want to get back in the waiting line. So, just keep going and remember to enjoy the ride. If there has been anything I’ve learned it’s that losing weight can be fun, you just have to find what’s best for you.

Instagram: @brooklynn_priscilla

Cherrie lost 53 pounds and helped her family lose weight too

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Cherrie lost 53 pounds.  Her daughter, who has Lupus,  lost 28 pounds and improved her health. She made her weight loss journey a family affair and her household has lost a total of 168 pounds together.  Find out how they did it…

Cherrie before and after

My name is Cherrie Eubanks. Last May, I was at an unhealthy weight of 223 at 5’4″ tall. At the time, my now ex-husband decided he no longer wanted to be married and walked out. On that day, 10 months ago, I decided to take my life back. I started with clean eating and I cut out all drinks except for water. I was previously drinking 4-5 Dr. Peppers a day and skipping meals. I began exercising several times a week.

By September, I lost 20 pounds but plateaued and could no longer lose any weight. I was introduced to team Beachbody and started the 21 Day Fix program, including shakeology replacement shakes for breakfast and dinner. I started eating six small meals a day, mastered portion sizes and incorporated more fruits and veggies daily. My workouts increased to daily and because I was enjoying the workouts and my kids started to join me.  I began working out twice a day.

By January of 2015, I had lost 53 pounds. My motivation was my life and my daughter life.  She is 15 years old and suffers from Lupus. She was 5 feet tall and weighed 126 pounds due to daily steroid use. She was in pain daily and I knew as a nurse that her diet and weight had a major impact on how she felt. So, I changed my household’s eating habits to clean eating and removed processed foods, foods containing high contents of sugar/fat, and sodas. As I said, my daughter began exercising with me as well and she lost 28 pounds.  She is now 98 pounds. Today, we both feel better and look better. Since this was a household change, my total household, to include my mom and son, lost weight as a team.  The total lost for all of us is 186 pounds. My advice is invest and believe in yourself. Don’t make excuses. I post daily motivations, recipes, health facts/tips, and or workouts at Fit_Fab_Refined_4Life on Facebook.

cherrie weight loss

Consha lost 150 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Consha lost 150 pounds.  After battling with being overweight most of her life, this young lady made the changes necessary to see lose the pounds and get fit. Here is what she shared with us…

Consha before and after

Hi! I’m Consha and I’m 25 years old. I’ve pretty much been obese all my life but it got out of hand during my 9th grade year in High School. That’s when I found out I was 300 pounds. From there I decided to lose weight but emotional eating took control during that time.

My Mom was my inspiration.  Also, studying to become a Nurse and interacting with people at work explaining the risks of their overall health is was my motivation and STILL is.

Changing my eating habits took some time. I put myself on a 4/3 ratio where I’d eat what I wanted for 4 days and healthy the other 3 days.  Now, I’m down to one cheat day.  I gave up rice, bread, beef  and  pork.  I have 5 small meals per day and protein shakes after workouts. I trained with a personal trainer 3 days a week and ran on the 4th day.

I started my weight loss journey at 350 pounds. I am now 200 pounds at 5″6″ tall.  It has taken me about a year and 4 months to get this far.

To others I say, you’re the FIRST example of how the world is supposed to love you, so be the BEST example ever. Pray, Be Consistent, Eyes Forward, and Believe in yourself is my advice to others. I don’t have a fancy story, JESUS simply keeps me.

Instagram: @IamConshay inactive

Consha lost 150 pounds

Tanya lost 50 pounds

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Our South African sista Tanya lost 50 pounds.  At the age of 19 she made the decision to change her lifestyle and lose the weight.  She used portion control, workout DVDs and jogging to get the job done.  Read her story for more information on how she did it:

TanyaApr14

“My name is Tanya and I’m 20 years old, I’ve always been obese and I’ve always been the heavier girl around my friends.  However, I was always a smart mouth and faked confidence to deal with critical comments others made about my weight. Certain family members always seemed to notice the weight more than I did, which obviously hurt. I’d hear comments like “what’s your BMI Tanya?” and “Can you even touch your toes?”.  I even heard “What do you weigh now? Like 110 kilos (242 pounds)?” That wasn’t too far from the truth. One day while at my aunts house, I stepped on the scale and the number brought me to tears.  I was 105 kilos (231 pounds) at my heaviest. That day, I decided that at 19 years old I would stop and take responsibility for my actions. I thought, “Okay, I turn 20 this year and I don’t want to go into the next 20 years of my life feeling miserable”. So in January 2013 I started researching all about healthy eating, and exercise. I cut out white carbs, banned sugar, banned cheese and stopped frying my meat. I made use of portion control and started eating way more fruits and vegetables. I started walking which has gradually evolved into jogging.  I love Hip Hop Abs and Jillian Michaels workouts because she kicks butt through the screen…lol. Today, about a year later, I’m motivated and still going, slowly but steady. Today I weigh 82.3 kilos (181.4 pounds) and I’m proud, I’m happy and I’m glowing!!”

Dominique lost 32 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dominque lost 32 pounds.  If you’ve been dealing with weight loss issues since your childhood and teen years, I think you will really connect with what she has shared about her journey:

dominique weight loss

“On September 18, 2013 I went to the doctor and dreaded to hear that my blood pressure was high. It’s something I’ve heard time & time again and this was from my OBGYN doctor. She recommended that I see my primary doctor for risk of high blood pressure. I left there feeling BLAH! and weighing in at 218 lbs. Later that day, I told myself that I refuse to be on any medication because I was overweight. There’s a long list of health problems in my family due to being overweight and I refuse to follow that trait. My heaviest weight that I can remember was 225lbs. I know I’ve weighed more before but because I stayed away from the scale I’ll never know. But past pictures tell it all.

I’ve always been a yo-yo dieter, so I know the ends & outs of what it takes to lose weight. Problem is I’ve always done it for the wrong reason, and most of all, never for myself. I was always chubby growing up. In high school, I was always the “big” one. My senior year I went on the Scarsdale Diet and lost 40lbs-45lbs right before my graduation. I was at my smallest around 160 lbs and a size 8 in clothes. I had my ups & downs in life. Stress & depression & my emotional roller coaster caused a major weight gain. Jan 2013, I went on yet another weight loss venture because I knew I was going on our family trip to Disney World in August. I got down to 204lbs. I didn’t go on this trip and I gained all the weight I lost back. By mid August of 2013, I weighed in at 223lbs.

After my doctors visit on Sept 18, 2013 I prayed to God that he lead me to good health. I started with detoxing, clean eating and light exercise. Over the next couple of months I incorporated more exercise. I had a few slip ups but that goes along with the journey. Weight loss is definitely not easy. As of today, I am down to 190 pounds, which is 32 pounds lost from August 2013.

My weight has gone up and down all my life but this time I’m doing it for ME! I have no one in my ear telling me to lose weight. I have no travel plans or an event coming up. Quite frankly, “I’m tired of being fat, unhealthy, & unfit”. My ultimate goal is to be 150lbs, healthy, & physically fit by my 30th Birthday this December. I’m taking it slow and steady with no eating restrictions. This is a lifestyle change, not a quick “fix it” temporary diet. With the guidance of Weight Watchers, I’m knocking down my goals one pound at a time. I GOT THIS!!

To those on a weight loss journey YOU CAN DO IT! I’m living proof that it can be done. With consistency, patience, and faith you’ll be able to meet your goals. Just find what’ll work for you, stay positive, and surround yourself with supportive people.

To follow my weight loss journey check me out on IG @fab_fitb4_30 or twitter @chubbydivanique“

T’Ericka lost 50 pounds

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Featured before and after story: T’Ericka lost 50 pounds and found her true self.  After struggling with weight loss and low self esteem since childhood, she was able to make lifestyle changes that are about more than just losing pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey: T'Ericka weight loss photos “Many people have been asking and inboxing me about my weight loss and the question that stood out to me most was ‘Why I did it and what motivated me to stay on track?’. So, here is my story: Growing up I’ve always been the chunky girl. I LOVED to eat (I still do lol) but then I didnt know how bad it was until I started started getting teased EVERYDAY for my weight. Tt bothered me but I always kept it in.  I turned 12 and I was into modeling so my mom took me to a nearby agency, only to hear from the lady that I was very pretty but too big to be a model for her. That crushed me and from that point on I had the lowest self esteem. I ate myself into being unhealthy. I used to ask God to make me skinny (lol) so that people could like me (smh). In school I always wanted to do different things but instead I put myself in the background because I thought everyone would be judging me on my weight. I really disliked who I was!! I always thought the world only welcomed skinny people!! Then I got older and wanted to make changes so I lost weight the fast way. Then I started dating my guy and gained it all back, which put me in my lowest self esteem EVER!! (I tried not to show it but I truly gave up on myself) I didn’t go out much. I didn’t take some opportunities because I was really in a BATTLE with myself! I was unhealthy physically and mentally! However, last year I had enough. I wanted to be at my full potential. I wanted to start a journey that would be a lifestyle change for me. It wasn’t just about losing weight, it was also about gaining who I knew God wanted me to be! I ate better and really started getting my business together. I go to the gym 4-5 times a week for an hour. I do cardio (40 mins) and weight training(20 mins)! I’ve added lots of fruits and green vegetables to my plate and cut out a lot of red meat (I eat red meat occasionally). I rarely go to fast food restaurants because that once was my weakness! Im just really enjoying this lifestyle change. I feel great! I wanted to be the best T’Ericka Tifany-Joy Mullen There was!! I WANTED THIS FOR ME!!! That’s why this 50 pound weight loss means so much to me! It makes me feel accomplished! I feel like I graduated from who I was and walked across the stage to who I always knew I had the potential of being!! I not only burned away some pounds but I burned my past hurts, my low self esteem, etc. I am still a work in progress but I refuse to go back to who I was physically and MENTALLY. This Journey wasn’t just about weight loss it was about gaining me back!! God Bless!